My business kind of started on accident, although I've always been known to solve huge problems under pressure.. I never thought of it as a career. A good friend of mine who’s been a NBA sports agent for over 20 years would call me for advice regarding his clients, specifically those who were navigating a crisis on a public stage or those who were trying to figure out the secret sauce to franchising their names as a business. After a while, my friend suggested I take my 20 plus years of media experience and critical leadership skills to the sports industry and partner with his firm as a crisis strategist and manager. I thrive off solving problems especially when there's a lot at stake. I've since expanded my client base where I have partnered with one of the most world known Law Firms proving strategies and support to clients that are engulfed in public civil cases. To include lawsuits brought against High Profile entertainers such as R Kelly and Usher Raymond
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
I think the #1 hurdle was me trying to balance starting my business and working at a high level in corporate America. My workloads became larger and my days became shorter.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read? I am currently reading Anita Elberse (who was one of my Harvard Professors) book called Blockbusters .
I am also reading Jim Collins book titled Good to Great. I recommend entrepreneurs to read anything that can teach them how to horizontally capitalize in their skill set. I call it my Tree branches method.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits? How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight? I don't tell my friends and family what I'm doing until after its' already in motion.. lol
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Understanding that the unique set of skills and experience that I have has monetary value as well as a service value. Once I truly realized that, and learned how to market that... it was on! Also allowing myself time to grow as a person, a leader and in business. If you aren't willing to put in some sweat equity.. forget about it.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
I wish I would have known that business mentors existed.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Find yourself a business mentor.
