Where are you from originally? 

Fort Worth, Texas

Worst advice you’ve ever received and why?

Just put your head down and do your job, don’t worry about a developmental plan. The advice was bad because people who do not focus on personal development often end up getting over looked.

Best advice you’ve ever received and why?

The only limitations you have are the ones you accept. I received that advice from my grandmother when I was a kid after I overheard some adults saying my future was not going to be bright. I have always remembered that advice when I have been discounted or disregarded. People will try to limit you based on their limited vision, it only works if you accept it.

Best advice you’ve given that had a positive impact and the person shared it with you?

You can’t change what happened, but you can make a change based on what happened. I posted a video with that theme to inspire someone after a death in my family. I received messages from two people who had experienced a losses who said the advice motivated them to start living again vs. staying stuck on their loss.

Biggest hurdles and how you overcame them and the lessons learned through the challenges.

The biggest hurdle I have faced is fear of failure. It has driven me to work hard and strive for excellence, but it also limited my willingness to try new things and push my boundaries. I have moved past the issue by reminding myself that there are no failures in life only lessons, and surrounding myself with amazing people who motivate, inspire, support me.

A time you almost gave up and how you got through it and didn’t give up?

I almost stopped writing my book. I was juggling a lot of things and decided to put writing my book on hold. I told a family member that I was putting the book on hold. She called me a few days later and said that she had a dream, and that I had to write the book now because it was going to help a lot of people. I took her advice and now my life and career are totally different based on the success of the book. It reinforces the power of surrounding yourself with amazing people.

If you weren’t doing the work you are doing, what else would you be doing & why?

If you had asked me this question two years ago, I would have said coaching and inspiring people to live their best lives and to have their best careers. I’m actually doing what I love to do now.

Most important people in your journey and how they affected your life up until now?

My grandparents have been the most important people on my journey. They raised my siblings and me, and they demonstrated the value and benefit of investing in other people. They also supported and encouraged me throughout my life.

What advice you’d give to the 18-year-old you?

That you are good enough and smart enough. Work hard and focus and things will work out well for you.

Do you have a mentor? If so, who is he/she?

Yes, I have a number of mentors. Three of my most influential career mentors are Reshema Kemps-Polanco, Lisa Deschamps, and Kristen Harrington-Smith

Do you do any philanthropic work in LA or have in the past?

Yes

If so, what non profits do you work with and why?

I support the Gentle Giants Foundation here in LA. I’m also a board member of Sunshine’s Open Door Foundation located in Dallas, TX. The foundation supports foster children. We are expending the foundations support programs to LA in 2020.

What are some of the most touching experiences you’ve had while doing work with those nonprofits/organizations?

One of the most touching moments was when I attended the Gentle Giants banquet last year. I was in a room filled with parents who had lost children to gun violence, but none of them were focused on being victims, they were all focused on building programs and support networks to help young people and support each other. There was a magic energy in room. I left inspired and motivated.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who invested in others to help them grow and succeed.

A hidden talent nobody knows…yet. 🙂

No. I would like to say singing, but my family and friends would disagree 😊

Name a young man that is doing something that you find to be very impressive that is not related to you.

Malcom “MJ” Harris. He’s in his early thirties and he is the CEO of one of the largest African America owned financial services companies in the US. He is also a success coach who inspires and motivates millions of people around the world.

Favorite Book

The 4 Agreements

Favorite Quote.

I never lose, I either win or learn – Nelson Mandela