New book from Morgan James Publishing explores the transformative power of mentorship across generations; Set for Release in August 2026
PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / May 4, 2026 / Accomplished attorney, corporate leader, and longtime advocate for mentorship Charisse Lillie will release her highly anticipated new book, Upon A Turning Stage: Life Lesson of a Mentee, Mentor, and Ally, on August 18, 2026. Published by Morgan James Publishing, the book offers a deeply personal and practical guide to building meaningful professional relationships and leading with purpose.
In Upon A Turning Stage, Lillie traces her extraordinary journey from segregated classrooms in Houston to groundbreaking leadership roles in law, government, and corporate America, including serving as Philadelphia City Solicitor, a senior executive at Comcast, and Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Through candid storytelling and hard-earned insight, she reveals how mentorship and allyship shaped her path, and how others can harness those same principles to achieve lasting success.
More than a memoir, the book serves as a masterclass in purposeful connection. Lillie shares how learning to be an effective mentee became the foundation for her evolution into a trusted mentor, advocate, and leader. Drawing on experiences across elite legal, civic, and corporate environments, she highlights how trust, preparation, and presence are essential to professional growth.
“Mentorship is not a passive experience, it is an active partnership built on preparation, accountability, and mutual respect,” said Lillie. “This book is about understanding how to show up with intention, both as someone seeking guidance and as someone responsible for lifting others.”
Upon A Turning Stage delivers actionable insights for professionals at every stage of their careers. For emerging professionals, it offers a roadmap for building career capital through intentional relationships and proactive engagement. For established leaders, it serves as a call to action to invest in the next generation and foster more inclusive, opportunity-rich environments.
Key themes explored in the book include:
-
Mentorship as a Path to Leadership: How intentional guidance and support accelerate growth and open doors across industries
-
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Lessons from Lillie’s journey navigating systemic barriers and achieving historic milestones
-
The Power of Relationships: How both formal and informal networks drive career advancement and long-term success
-
A Call to Action for Leaders and Rising Talent: Why mentorship and allyship are essential to building stronger organizations and communities
-
Empowering the Next Generation: Practical strategies for fostering opportunity, inclusion, and sustained professional development
Lillie’s story is both inspiring and instructive, grounded in decades of leadership across sectors and shaped by a lifelong commitment to community and mentorship. Her work underscores a central truth: Success is rarely achieved alone, and meaningful careers are built through connection, support, and shared growth.
Perfect for readers navigating the early stages of their careers or reflecting on their professional legacy, Upon A Turning Stage challenges individuals to lead, mentor, and engage with purpose.
The book will be available on August 18, 2026, through major retailers, and is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.
About Charisse Lillie
Charisse Lillie is a distinguished attorney, business leader, and mentor, with a remarkable career spanning the legal, government, and corporate sectors. A graduate of Wesleyan University, Temple Beasley Law School, and Yale Law School, she became the first African American female City Solicitor of Philadelphia, a corporate executive at Comcast, and a leader in various boards and commissions. Lillie is an advocate for mentorship and community, and she speaks nationally on issues of diversity, leadership, and career development. She resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Media Contact:
Janie Mackenzie
janiemack@ascendantgroupbranding.com
SOURCE: Charisse Lillie
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Media gallery
