People Skills
Open Doors
Talent Alone Cannot

The Young Professional's Guide to Mastering Emotional Intelligence, Communication, and Networking to Turn Talent Into Career Success

5.0 Rating
146 Pages
Open Doors Book - Multiple Formats
Dr. Kester Crosse

About the Author

Dr. Kester Irwin Hanley Crosse II, MD

A board-certified gastroenterologist with decades of experience in medicine and healthcare leadership, Dr. Crosse has evaluated, hired, coached, and mentored hundreds of students, athletes, and professionals across academic, corporate, and clinical settings.

Hampton University University of Maryland School of Medicine VP Clinical Affairs, GastroHealth

The Hidden Challenge

Does This Sound Familiar?

You work hard and have talent, but opportunities seem inconsistent—and you don't know why.

You're technically skilled, but not getting chosen for roles, teams, or opportunities you deserve.

No one ever taught you the unwritten rules of professional success—how to work a room, follow up, or build relationships with decision-makers.

You're being judged more quickly, watched more closely, and given less margin for error—and you need an edge.

"Talent might get you noticed. People skills get you chosen."

The Transformation

What You'll Gain

Communication Mastery

Introduce yourself with confidence. Be heard, understood, and remembered in any room.

Networking Power

Start cold conversations without fear. Build relationships that open doors before your résumé is read.

Emotional Intelligence

Understand your story, manage your presence, and become someone people trust and invest in.

Inside the Book

Practical Tools & Frameworks

TEEE

The Score That Predicts Success

Talent, Effort, Energy, Execution—a four-factor framework for measuring your professional value.

FROM

Conversation Framework

Family, Recreation, Occupation, Motivation—master the art of building rapport with anyone.

4C

Communication Model

Verbal, Non-Verbal, Emotional, and Cultural—the four dimensions of effective communication.

3-Part

Story Framework

Past, Present, Purpose—craft your personal narrative to answer "Tell me about yourself" with confidence.

5-Sec

Courage Rule

See the moment, breathe, smile, step forward, speak. Confidence is the reward, not the requirement.

YES

Small Talk Method

YES → ADD → ASK—the simple framework for keeping conversations flowing naturally.

Complete Roadmap

12 Chapters to Transform Your Career

01 Success in the Making — Why People Skills Matter More Than Ever
02 Work Ethic — Lessons from Sports, Culture, and Community
03 Your Story Is Your Résumé — Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness
04 Do You Have the TEEE? — The Score That Predicts Success
05 Life Choices and Market Value — How EQ Shapes Your Worth
06 Mastering People Skills — The Cheat Codes No One Teaches You
07 The Art of Small Talk — Yes, It's a Skill
08 Communication That Opens Doors — Be Heard & Remembered
09 Phone Etiquette in a Digital World — Silent Signals Adults Notice
10 How to Start Cold Conversations — Without Fear or Awkwardness
11 Career Pathways — How to Build Your Future With Purpose
12 Running the Play — Putting It All Together

Perfect For

Who Should Read This Book?

This Book IS For You If...

  • High school or college students preparing for careers
  • Young professionals navigating early career decisions
  • Athletes transitioning to professional careers
  • Parents, mentors, and educators guiding young people
  • African American students & professionals seeking an edge
  • Anyone who wants to learn the "unwritten rules" of success

From the Book

"Your story is not just what you've done—it's who you're becoming. When you learn to communicate your story with clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence, doors begin to open... sometimes before you even knock."

— Dr. Kester Crosse

Dr. Kester Crosse

Meet the Author

Dr. Kester Crosse

Dr. Kester Irwin Hanley Crosse II is a physician, business leader, mentor, and speaker committed to helping young people develop the people skills that open doors long before résumés are read.

A graduate of Hampton University and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Crosse combines lessons from sports, leadership, culture, and emotional intelligence to teach what schools rarely do: how to communicate with confidence, build authentic relationships, navigate professional spaces, and become someone people trust and invest in.

Currently serving as Vice President of Clinical Affairs for GastroHealth, he chose gastroenterology after his grandmother died of colon cancer when he was sixteen—turning personal tragedy into a lifelong mission of prevention and healing.

Through mentorship, speaking, and writing, Dr. Crosse is especially passionate about equipping African American students and young professionals with the skills to compete, connect, and lead in any room they enter—without losing their identity.

His Core Belief:

"Talent opens the first door, but people skills open every door after that."

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Available in Multiple Formats

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Paperback

$16.99

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Hardcover

$24.99

Collector's edition

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Audiobook coming soon

Questions?

Frequently Asked

Is this book right for me?
If you're a student, young professional, athlete, or anyone who wants to learn the "unwritten rules" of professional success—this book is for you. It's especially valuable for those who haven't had mentors teach them how to navigate professional spaces with confidence.
How long is the book?
Open Doors is 146 pages across 12 focused chapters. Each chapter is designed to be practical and actionable, with end-of-chapter assignments to help you apply what you learn immediately.
Is it practical or motivational?
Both! The book is grounded in real-world experience with specific frameworks (TEEE Score, FROM Method, 4C Model) and actionable exercises. But it's also deeply motivational, drawing on Dr. Crosse's personal journey and cultural insights.
Can I use this in classrooms or mentoring groups?
Absolutely! Open Doors is perfect for classroom discussions, mentoring programs, youth groups, and professional development workshops. Each chapter includes exercises and discussion points ideal for group settings.
Is this book specifically for African Americans?
While Dr. Crosse writes with particular passion for African American students and young professionals, the principles of emotional intelligence, communication, and networking are universal. Anyone looking to master people skills will benefit from this book.

Your Future Is Waiting for Preparation

Start learning the skills that will open doors for the rest of your life. Your transformation begins with one decision.

Get in Touch

Connect With Dr. Crosse

For speaking engagements, mentoring inquiries, media requests, or bulk book orders, please reach out using the form or contact information below.