07 October 2007
3 Michigan Stories, Greg White, Willie Green and Toni
Webb
Like everyone you'd like to return to a college or
highschool reunion saying you have done something
great and that you are a big timer. Well there are
two things you can do:
1) you can rent a beautiful car and act like you have made it (my strategy all the way).
2) or You can actually do the work to create something great for yourself or someone else.
These three folks you are about to meet have all opted to do the work.
Toni Webb
JUST ABOUT YOU
1. I am from Detroit, Michigan. I have one brother and one sister--Kevin is 21 and Regina is 25. We were raised by our wonderful mother, Shirley Ramsey. I am 26 and have no children except my pet kitten, K.J. I am in a relationship with Kelvin Washington, with plans to marry next year. I am affiliated with the University of Michigan African American Alumni Council, as well as the National Dance Week Association. I own Toni's Dance Company, Inc. known as TDC.
2. I danced all of my life since the age of 6. My training includes: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Liturgical, Cheer and Hip Hop Dance. Upon graduation from the University of Michigan where I served as Choreographer of Indigo Dance Troupe, I no longer had an outlet for dancing. So in 2003, I began volunteering at my church, Word of Faith, serving as Co-Director of Praise N' Motion Dance Ministry. After teaching and choreographing for a couple years, I realized that I was more attracted to the business side of dance - scheduling appearances, seeking performance opportunities, coaching a team, etc. I soon had a God-idea about doing those things within my own business. So I prayed my God-given vision through and wrote an extensive business plan; and in 2005, I incorporated Toni's Dance Company, Inc. which is a full-service dance agency representing professional dancers in Michigan.
3. Prior to starting TDC, I worked as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams, and then at Merck Pharmaceuticals where I currently still am employed as a Vaccine Sales Professional.
4. When I first started TDC, I was influenced by a couple books - most notably, The Biography of Ted Turner. I obtained my BA in Organizational Studies and concentrated in Business Management, so I've read and studied several business and success books from The Disney Way by Capodagli & Jackson, to Phil Jackson's Sacred Hoops, to Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Jackson. But one thing stuck out in Ted Turner's book. His message was that to be successful, you need to find a niche. Whatever the industry, there is always a need and if you find some way to effectively fulfill that need, you will soar. I admire several entrepreneur's within the dance industry, as well including Angela King-Twitero who is a writer, motivational speaker and vetern of the professional sports dance industry.
THE STRIVER IN YOU
1. A striver is a dreamer with the non-wavering perseverance and tenacity to make their vision become a reality.
2. My dance agency is original because it has never been done in Detroit or in Michigan. TDC is the first dance agency that manages professional dancers. There are dance agencies in L.A., New York and Atlanta. These cities are well-known for professional dancers. However, TDC's mission is to bring Detroit's dancers to national acclaim as this city is rich with talent.
I know I am on top of my game because within the first year of the development of TDC, three competitors sprang up--and they all derived from TDC. Currently, only one of them still operates, however they have partnered under TDC so they now are represented by our agency. Imitation is the highest form of flattery in my eyes and shows me I must be doing something right.
3. Success is defined as wealth. Wealth entails health, peace, riches, true happiness and healthy relationships. If my overall wealth is in order, I am successful. I will consider myself as having "made it" when all of my visions for businesses are fulfilled. TDC was my first business and once I have institutionalized my company and opened up operations within a few U.S. regions, I plan to move onto my goals of starting two other businesses.
TO OUR READERS
1. Professional Dance is a component of the ever-changing entertainment industry, so there will always be certain patterns and changes. Right now, the hip hop movement has taken over in our society - the music, the clothing, the lingo, the lifestyle--and even dance. This movement has been a large catalyst for hip hop dance to become mainstream in America where classical dance has dominated. Every dance school is now beginning to offer hip hop dance classes including white, middle-eastern and asian dance studios; while in the past, only black dance schools offered hip hop. Popular TV shows such as Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, ABC's Dancing with the Stars and MTV's Dancelife all incorporate hip hop dance. I see this pattern continuing longterm since our society has accepted hip hop. To get ahead in my industry, you must have a strong hip hop dancer representation. You must think smart and carry contemporary dancers within your management strategy so that you are well-rounded and can work with any client, but you must first and foremost have top hip hop dancers represented in your agency to be recognized and respected, as well as networks with the industry's top hip hop choreographers. I currently have stealthy working relationships with Darrin Henson from the movie, Stomp the Yard who has worked with Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez and more; as well as Laurie Ann Gibson from MTV's Making the Band who has worked with Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Corbin Bleu and more.
2. My advice for others is to just do it. Do not have fear because the worst that can happen is that you will fail. I've found that nearly every successful person has failed at some point in their careers and often have failed several times before their big break. Simply believe in yourself as you pursue your dream with the end in mind, and have faith in God--you will succeed.
My 3-step recipe for success: 1) Envision your dream and line it up with God's will for your life. 2) Execute on your dream and give it 110%. 3) Surround yourself with those that can help your dream (Investors, Partners, Advisory Boards, Assistants, etc.)
LAST WORDS
1. When I first wake up, I thank God for another day to fulfill my purpose on earth. The last thing I think of is whether or not I accomplished all of my goals for that day because I truly believe in and live by the statement: Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
2. The one thing I know for sure is that God is real! He has showed me with large miracles in my life, and the small day-to-day miracles to remind me He's with me.
Toni Webb
Owner/Director
TONI'S DANCE COMPANY, INC./TDC DANCE AGENCY
30074 Grand River, Ste. 317 Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Phone: 248.320.8479 Fax: 248.477.3155
www.tonisdancecompany.com & www.myspace.com/tdc_dance
Willie Green
Just About You
1. Tell me a little about yourself? Where are you from, Brothers/Sisters, Children, Affiliations, Marital Status or anything else?
2. How did you get started? Have you always wanted to do this? Where did the inspiration and passion come from?
3. What jobs did you hold before you became successful?
4. Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out? Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire and would like to emulate?
Just about me
1. I'm 29 years old, currently live in Ann Arbor, MI.. I was born in NYC, and lived in Washington Heights, before moving to New Jersey, where my parents currently still reside. I have one younger brother, Justin, that is a graduate student in Mechanical Engineering at NC&T. I am an alum of the University of Michigan where I am currently employed in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
2. I got started as an Admissions Counselor in 2004 because of my large interest in academics and higher education. I’ve had a large interest in education since the Supreme Court lawsuit on affirmative action that was initiated in 1997.
3. I worked in disability claims with Prudential Disability prior to my current job, and I also worked in a number of different offices within the Athletic Department before transitioning to the Admissions office.
4. The individual that has influenced me the most is the director of my office, Ted Spencer. As the leader of the office that is the front door to the University, he has and continues to show great leadership in challenging times at the University of Michigan. Seeing an African American male as the leader of the university helped me make the decision to attend the University. I would love to emulate the progressive thought and leadership that he has shown throughout all is years in admissions including at Michigan.
To Our Readers
1. Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that? What is the insider perspective on getting ahead in your industry?
2. What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true? What are your 3 lessons for success? Or what is your recipe for success?
To Strive Readers
1. During recent years, competitiveness for admission to most schools has increased dramatically, and I believe this continue for the next 5 to 10 years. I believe for that reason that students currently in elementary and middle school need to prepare themselves even more academically to be able to qualify for the more selective colleges and universities in the country. In terms of getting ahead with the admissions industry, depending on your goals, it is an industry where you may have to change institutions to get the type of experience you need to move up the ladder in the industry.
2. In terms of advice to others attempting to make their dreams come true, follow your dream with passion and research. Don't be afraid to go to others that are in the industry or area you have a passion for and find out as much about it as you can. Most importantly, develop a plan and follow it, once you put a plan into place and follow it you will be able to determine if you are going in the right direction or not, without a plan there is no way to track any sort of progress. Finally, opportunities come at weird times, be prepared to jump at them when they come, and don’t be afraid to make a sacrifice you do not typically achieve success without making a sacrifice.
Last Words
1. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing you think of at night.
2. What do you know for sure?
3. Any last overall advice?
4. My last overall advice is work hard and play hard. Make sure to enjoy the ride while you continue to work hard, it may sound cliche but life goes by quickly and regardless what happens there will always be work to do, so make sure you have fun along the way and spend time with the ones you love, in the long run that'll be more important than anything else.
willie.green3@gmail.com
Gregory J. White
1. Tell me a little about yourself? Where are you from, Brothers/Sisters, Children, Affiliations, Marital Status or anything else?
I’m the oldest of nine. Four brothers, four sisters. I have 3 kids; 2 girls, 1 boy. Currently I am a District Manager for the Healthcare arm of staffing giant, Kelly Services.
2. How did you get started? I got started by always being myself, having higher standards than most, and by not being afraid to speak on what I know and admitting what I do not. From there, someone took notice and reached out to me. Have you always wanted to do this?
I have always wanted to be in management, but I did not envision my roll within the confines of any particular firm or industry. Where did the inspiration and passion come from? The inspiration and passion came from my childhood. Growing up I was a cute, smart kid. Folks treat you differently based on both. I also realized that what was in my head garnered me more consistent positive attention than my peers. With nine kids in the family, it is hard for anyone to feel satisfied with the level of attention you get. School became my haven. Unfortunately, if your friends are not as talented in the arenas where you possess talent, you are quickly stratified, labeled and separated. I knew that my friends were talented; they just didn’t have the same talents as me. As a manager, I help people leverage their strengths and talents that they are aware of while simultaneously developing other talents and strengths they may not be so conscious of.
3. What jobs did you hold before you became successful?
I’ve tried my hand at everything! My formal training is in Education. I was a high school teacher in Detroit for a few years. I also was a Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, an Account Executive for Liberty Mutual, a pharmaceutical representative for Pfizer, and now I am a District Manager for Kelly Healthcare Resources.
4. Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out?
Early on it was my great auntie, Virginia Williams, my mother, and my grandmother. My mom was extremely talented, but far too nice. She gave me inspiration to read more and to be kind. My grandma was spicy, vocal, and not the most shy person in the room. She taught me to have conviction and to never shy away just because your presence, views or opinions make others uncomfortable. Auntie Virginia taught me that I was half-man, half-amazing. Through her I learned that the only that thing has ever stopped mankind lives in your mirror.
5. Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire and would like to emulate?
No! The path I seek to emulate could not be contained in one personality. I want my path to be as varied as snowflakes. Those that know me understand that my life has been nothing less. I seek to emulate the industrious nature of Reginald Lewis(A brother that was smart, paid, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi). I want to emulate the dexterity of Shawn Carter(Jay-Z for those that don’t recognize. Who else has gone from the hustle of the streets to the hustle in corporate suites while still maintaining mass appeal and street credibility? Like he said, “Men lie. Women lie. Numbers don’t lie.&rdquo
I would like to emulate the
resolve and forward-thinking nature of Malcolm
X.(He was pretty sure that he would be killed
and STILL walked into the Audubon Ballroom on
his own terms!)
The STRIVER in You
1. What signifies a STRIVER to you?
To me a STRIVER is someone that would love to avoid the status quo, push the boundaries a bit, and squeeze more out of this adventure we call life.
2. What makes you original or sets you apart?
I’m one of the few black men I know that refuses to buy into the falsities these pseudo knowledge peddlers are selling every day! I refuse to buy into hip hop as a major force in the destruction of our youth!(When was the last time you saw hip hop babysitting kids or even given birth to kids?) I refuse to buy into black-on-black crime!(98% of all crime committed by whites are against other whites. Have you ever heard white people talking about white on white crime? No!!!)
3. Why are you on top of your game?
I have been exposed to great teachers and I have learned to mentally position myself for knowledge acquisition. From there I have learned to seek avenues of application. Without attempting to put your game in play, I do you ever understand the depth and gravity of what you have to offer?
4. How do you define success?
I define success as a many-faceted state of existence where I am more consistently pleased with my physical, material, and emotional state of being. I believe that success is an ever-changing continuum where what you value today may shift tomorrow.
5. People often talk about "Making IT", but when will you consider yourself as having made it?
When I work because I want to, when I stop working when I want to, and when my primary work that I am known for is philanthropic in nature.
To Our Readers
1. Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that?
Yes, I see a trend of increasing numbers of staffing firms. Firms are starting to better understand how contractually limiting your exposures via the use of a staffing firm can be a long-term solution. I believe that it is a positive step as a business person. As a person looking for a job, it is great to have a situation where someone else gets paid when they get you a job. You now have someone with a vested interest in your success.
2. What is the insider perspective on getting ahead in your industry?
Know your market! Staffing firms are popping up all over the place. Most fail because they have not identified a niche.
3. What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true?
Surround yourself with people that are more talented than you. Develop relationships with people that will give you honest and consistent feedback. Operate with integrity, even when it hurts to do so.
4. What are your 3 lessons for success? Or what is your recipe for success?
My recipe centers largely around those things that you can’t coach: passion for achieving/obtaining the prize, a sense of urgency, and holding myself to the higher standard that I have designed.
Last Words
1. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing you think of at night.
First thing I think of is, “How did my baby girl sleep last night?” The last thing is, “Lord, if this is my time, I hope I have squeezed all the living out of this thing called life.”
2. What do you know for sure?
I know for sure that when God made me he was showing off!
3. Any last overall advice?
Define yourself, for yourself because even the greatest of composers have to turn their back to the crowd in order to lead the orchestra…
gregory_j_white@yahoo.com
1) you can rent a beautiful car and act like you have made it (my strategy all the way).
2) or You can actually do the work to create something great for yourself or someone else.
These three folks you are about to meet have all opted to do the work.
Toni Webb
JUST ABOUT YOU
1. I am from Detroit, Michigan. I have one brother and one sister--Kevin is 21 and Regina is 25. We were raised by our wonderful mother, Shirley Ramsey. I am 26 and have no children except my pet kitten, K.J. I am in a relationship with Kelvin Washington, with plans to marry next year. I am affiliated with the University of Michigan African American Alumni Council, as well as the National Dance Week Association. I own Toni's Dance Company, Inc. known as TDC.
2. I danced all of my life since the age of 6. My training includes: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Liturgical, Cheer and Hip Hop Dance. Upon graduation from the University of Michigan where I served as Choreographer of Indigo Dance Troupe, I no longer had an outlet for dancing. So in 2003, I began volunteering at my church, Word of Faith, serving as Co-Director of Praise N' Motion Dance Ministry. After teaching and choreographing for a couple years, I realized that I was more attracted to the business side of dance - scheduling appearances, seeking performance opportunities, coaching a team, etc. I soon had a God-idea about doing those things within my own business. So I prayed my God-given vision through and wrote an extensive business plan; and in 2005, I incorporated Toni's Dance Company, Inc. which is a full-service dance agency representing professional dancers in Michigan.
3. Prior to starting TDC, I worked as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams, and then at Merck Pharmaceuticals where I currently still am employed as a Vaccine Sales Professional.
4. When I first started TDC, I was influenced by a couple books - most notably, The Biography of Ted Turner. I obtained my BA in Organizational Studies and concentrated in Business Management, so I've read and studied several business and success books from The Disney Way by Capodagli & Jackson, to Phil Jackson's Sacred Hoops, to Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Jackson. But one thing stuck out in Ted Turner's book. His message was that to be successful, you need to find a niche. Whatever the industry, there is always a need and if you find some way to effectively fulfill that need, you will soar. I admire several entrepreneur's within the dance industry, as well including Angela King-Twitero who is a writer, motivational speaker and vetern of the professional sports dance industry.
THE STRIVER IN YOU
1. A striver is a dreamer with the non-wavering perseverance and tenacity to make their vision become a reality.
2. My dance agency is original because it has never been done in Detroit or in Michigan. TDC is the first dance agency that manages professional dancers. There are dance agencies in L.A., New York and Atlanta. These cities are well-known for professional dancers. However, TDC's mission is to bring Detroit's dancers to national acclaim as this city is rich with talent.
I know I am on top of my game because within the first year of the development of TDC, three competitors sprang up--and they all derived from TDC. Currently, only one of them still operates, however they have partnered under TDC so they now are represented by our agency. Imitation is the highest form of flattery in my eyes and shows me I must be doing something right.
3. Success is defined as wealth. Wealth entails health, peace, riches, true happiness and healthy relationships. If my overall wealth is in order, I am successful. I will consider myself as having "made it" when all of my visions for businesses are fulfilled. TDC was my first business and once I have institutionalized my company and opened up operations within a few U.S. regions, I plan to move onto my goals of starting two other businesses.
TO OUR READERS
1. Professional Dance is a component of the ever-changing entertainment industry, so there will always be certain patterns and changes. Right now, the hip hop movement has taken over in our society - the music, the clothing, the lingo, the lifestyle--and even dance. This movement has been a large catalyst for hip hop dance to become mainstream in America where classical dance has dominated. Every dance school is now beginning to offer hip hop dance classes including white, middle-eastern and asian dance studios; while in the past, only black dance schools offered hip hop. Popular TV shows such as Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, ABC's Dancing with the Stars and MTV's Dancelife all incorporate hip hop dance. I see this pattern continuing longterm since our society has accepted hip hop. To get ahead in my industry, you must have a strong hip hop dancer representation. You must think smart and carry contemporary dancers within your management strategy so that you are well-rounded and can work with any client, but you must first and foremost have top hip hop dancers represented in your agency to be recognized and respected, as well as networks with the industry's top hip hop choreographers. I currently have stealthy working relationships with Darrin Henson from the movie, Stomp the Yard who has worked with Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez and more; as well as Laurie Ann Gibson from MTV's Making the Band who has worked with Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Corbin Bleu and more.
2. My advice for others is to just do it. Do not have fear because the worst that can happen is that you will fail. I've found that nearly every successful person has failed at some point in their careers and often have failed several times before their big break. Simply believe in yourself as you pursue your dream with the end in mind, and have faith in God--you will succeed.
My 3-step recipe for success: 1) Envision your dream and line it up with God's will for your life. 2) Execute on your dream and give it 110%. 3) Surround yourself with those that can help your dream (Investors, Partners, Advisory Boards, Assistants, etc.)
LAST WORDS
1. When I first wake up, I thank God for another day to fulfill my purpose on earth. The last thing I think of is whether or not I accomplished all of my goals for that day because I truly believe in and live by the statement: Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
2. The one thing I know for sure is that God is real! He has showed me with large miracles in my life, and the small day-to-day miracles to remind me He's with me.
Toni Webb
Owner/Director
TONI'S DANCE COMPANY, INC./TDC DANCE AGENCY
30074 Grand River, Ste. 317 Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Phone: 248.320.8479 Fax: 248.477.3155
www.tonisdancecompany.com & www.myspace.com/tdc_dance
Willie Green
Just About You
1. Tell me a little about yourself? Where are you from, Brothers/Sisters, Children, Affiliations, Marital Status or anything else?
2. How did you get started? Have you always wanted to do this? Where did the inspiration and passion come from?
3. What jobs did you hold before you became successful?
4. Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out? Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire and would like to emulate?
Just about me
1. I'm 29 years old, currently live in Ann Arbor, MI.. I was born in NYC, and lived in Washington Heights, before moving to New Jersey, where my parents currently still reside. I have one younger brother, Justin, that is a graduate student in Mechanical Engineering at NC&T. I am an alum of the University of Michigan where I am currently employed in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
2. I got started as an Admissions Counselor in 2004 because of my large interest in academics and higher education. I’ve had a large interest in education since the Supreme Court lawsuit on affirmative action that was initiated in 1997.
3. I worked in disability claims with Prudential Disability prior to my current job, and I also worked in a number of different offices within the Athletic Department before transitioning to the Admissions office.
4. The individual that has influenced me the most is the director of my office, Ted Spencer. As the leader of the office that is the front door to the University, he has and continues to show great leadership in challenging times at the University of Michigan. Seeing an African American male as the leader of the university helped me make the decision to attend the University. I would love to emulate the progressive thought and leadership that he has shown throughout all is years in admissions including at Michigan.
To Our Readers
1. Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that? What is the insider perspective on getting ahead in your industry?
2. What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true? What are your 3 lessons for success? Or what is your recipe for success?
To Strive Readers
1. During recent years, competitiveness for admission to most schools has increased dramatically, and I believe this continue for the next 5 to 10 years. I believe for that reason that students currently in elementary and middle school need to prepare themselves even more academically to be able to qualify for the more selective colleges and universities in the country. In terms of getting ahead with the admissions industry, depending on your goals, it is an industry where you may have to change institutions to get the type of experience you need to move up the ladder in the industry.
2. In terms of advice to others attempting to make their dreams come true, follow your dream with passion and research. Don't be afraid to go to others that are in the industry or area you have a passion for and find out as much about it as you can. Most importantly, develop a plan and follow it, once you put a plan into place and follow it you will be able to determine if you are going in the right direction or not, without a plan there is no way to track any sort of progress. Finally, opportunities come at weird times, be prepared to jump at them when they come, and don’t be afraid to make a sacrifice you do not typically achieve success without making a sacrifice.
Last Words
1. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing you think of at night.
2. What do you know for sure?
3. Any last overall advice?
4. My last overall advice is work hard and play hard. Make sure to enjoy the ride while you continue to work hard, it may sound cliche but life goes by quickly and regardless what happens there will always be work to do, so make sure you have fun along the way and spend time with the ones you love, in the long run that'll be more important than anything else.
willie.green3@gmail.com
Gregory J. White
1. Tell me a little about yourself? Where are you from, Brothers/Sisters, Children, Affiliations, Marital Status or anything else?
I’m the oldest of nine. Four brothers, four sisters. I have 3 kids; 2 girls, 1 boy. Currently I am a District Manager for the Healthcare arm of staffing giant, Kelly Services.
2. How did you get started? I got started by always being myself, having higher standards than most, and by not being afraid to speak on what I know and admitting what I do not. From there, someone took notice and reached out to me. Have you always wanted to do this?
I have always wanted to be in management, but I did not envision my roll within the confines of any particular firm or industry. Where did the inspiration and passion come from? The inspiration and passion came from my childhood. Growing up I was a cute, smart kid. Folks treat you differently based on both. I also realized that what was in my head garnered me more consistent positive attention than my peers. With nine kids in the family, it is hard for anyone to feel satisfied with the level of attention you get. School became my haven. Unfortunately, if your friends are not as talented in the arenas where you possess talent, you are quickly stratified, labeled and separated. I knew that my friends were talented; they just didn’t have the same talents as me. As a manager, I help people leverage their strengths and talents that they are aware of while simultaneously developing other talents and strengths they may not be so conscious of.
3. What jobs did you hold before you became successful?
I’ve tried my hand at everything! My formal training is in Education. I was a high school teacher in Detroit for a few years. I also was a Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, an Account Executive for Liberty Mutual, a pharmaceutical representative for Pfizer, and now I am a District Manager for Kelly Healthcare Resources.
4. Who influenced you the most in your career/life when you were starting out?
Early on it was my great auntie, Virginia Williams, my mother, and my grandmother. My mom was extremely talented, but far too nice. She gave me inspiration to read more and to be kind. My grandma was spicy, vocal, and not the most shy person in the room. She taught me to have conviction and to never shy away just because your presence, views or opinions make others uncomfortable. Auntie Virginia taught me that I was half-man, half-amazing. Through her I learned that the only that thing has ever stopped mankind lives in your mirror.
5. Is there anyone's path that you particularly admire and would like to emulate?
No! The path I seek to emulate could not be contained in one personality. I want my path to be as varied as snowflakes. Those that know me understand that my life has been nothing less. I seek to emulate the industrious nature of Reginald Lewis(A brother that was smart, paid, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi). I want to emulate the dexterity of Shawn Carter(Jay-Z for those that don’t recognize. Who else has gone from the hustle of the streets to the hustle in corporate suites while still maintaining mass appeal and street credibility? Like he said, “Men lie. Women lie. Numbers don’t lie.&rdquo
I would like to emulate the
resolve and forward-thinking nature of Malcolm
X.(He was pretty sure that he would be killed
and STILL walked into the Audubon Ballroom on
his own terms!)
The STRIVER in You
1. What signifies a STRIVER to you?
To me a STRIVER is someone that would love to avoid the status quo, push the boundaries a bit, and squeeze more out of this adventure we call life.
2. What makes you original or sets you apart?
I’m one of the few black men I know that refuses to buy into the falsities these pseudo knowledge peddlers are selling every day! I refuse to buy into hip hop as a major force in the destruction of our youth!(When was the last time you saw hip hop babysitting kids or even given birth to kids?) I refuse to buy into black-on-black crime!(98% of all crime committed by whites are against other whites. Have you ever heard white people talking about white on white crime? No!!!)
3. Why are you on top of your game?
I have been exposed to great teachers and I have learned to mentally position myself for knowledge acquisition. From there I have learned to seek avenues of application. Without attempting to put your game in play, I do you ever understand the depth and gravity of what you have to offer?
4. How do you define success?
I define success as a many-faceted state of existence where I am more consistently pleased with my physical, material, and emotional state of being. I believe that success is an ever-changing continuum where what you value today may shift tomorrow.
5. People often talk about "Making IT", but when will you consider yourself as having made it?
When I work because I want to, when I stop working when I want to, and when my primary work that I am known for is philanthropic in nature.
To Our Readers
1. Do you see any changes or patterns in the industry and what is your opinion of that?
Yes, I see a trend of increasing numbers of staffing firms. Firms are starting to better understand how contractually limiting your exposures via the use of a staffing firm can be a long-term solution. I believe that it is a positive step as a business person. As a person looking for a job, it is great to have a situation where someone else gets paid when they get you a job. You now have someone with a vested interest in your success.
2. What is the insider perspective on getting ahead in your industry?
Know your market! Staffing firms are popping up all over the place. Most fail because they have not identified a niche.
3. What advice would you give others attempting to make their dreams come true?
Surround yourself with people that are more talented than you. Develop relationships with people that will give you honest and consistent feedback. Operate with integrity, even when it hurts to do so.
4. What are your 3 lessons for success? Or what is your recipe for success?
My recipe centers largely around those things that you can’t coach: passion for achieving/obtaining the prize, a sense of urgency, and holding myself to the higher standard that I have designed.
Last Words
1. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning and what is the last thing you think of at night.
First thing I think of is, “How did my baby girl sleep last night?” The last thing is, “Lord, if this is my time, I hope I have squeezed all the living out of this thing called life.”
2. What do you know for sure?
I know for sure that when God made me he was showing off!
3. Any last overall advice?
Define yourself, for yourself because even the greatest of composers have to turn their back to the crowd in order to lead the orchestra…
gregory_j_white@yahoo.com
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