The Road Ahead …

The Road Ahead …

by

 

Back on the road after spending the last week visiting my brother in West Virginia, I was asked what my favorite part of the trip was. After thinking out loud about how hanging out with my family, the good food, and the many conversations were all a good time for me.

But as I look at the rolling hills and grayish-blue skies in West Virginia, I’m realizing that I’m still having the best part of my trip right now! I’m in a vessel with people I love, talking and laughing. And it seems like every time I look up, the landscape has changed. Even with 11 or so hours left to go, and frustration, restlessness, and few dozen are-we-there-yets par for the course.

The process of living for right now is still a work in progress for me. The good part is, the more aware I am that the future has taken priority over the present, the easier I find it to slow down and take life as it comes.

So while on this trip I have no doubts that more laughs and a few more good stories are still on the horizon. Mile after mile, through every state on the way home, I think I’m still having the best part of this trip.

Find yourself a mentor, or two.

Find yourself a mentor, or two.

by

 

Aside from my family and friends, the most important and valuable people in my life has always been my mentors. I have not always had mentors nor have I always understood the reason why I need them in my life. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized how my first mentor, Robert Rostick, was helping shape my life into something I could be proud of. I met Robert almost 20 years ago in Atlanta.

I was a student at the Creative Circus, a small advertising school nestled in an industrial park in Atlanta. Robert started as my photography teacher, I think at the time it was a mandatory class. The school found it valuable for us as they thought it would be a helpful tool on our way to becoming well-rounded creatives. Like a lot of things back then, I didn’t get it. What I will give myself credit for is realizing that I did not have a lot of leaders growing up, especially black men that were willing to take the time to help guide me through life. You know that whole “when the student is ready the teacher will appear” thing.

I knew that there was a lot I could learn from Robert. Fast forward, 18 years later not only did I get a lifelong mentor out of the deal, I also got a friend and Godparent to my children. Way more than I asked for, but I’m glad I asked. From helping me drive cross country to start my life, attending my wedding in Dallas to helping pick up the pieces after my divorce. Every time I’ve called he has been there and I’m grateful for all of it. I’m looking forward to another 20 years.

And as I grow through life and start to establish how I want to make my impact on the world, it hasn’t been a bad idea to pick up a few other counselors along the way. Tanya Williams from T.wynne Art & Design and Jeremy Bristol are two people who are still actively playing a role in my growth as a business owner and in life. Having people who have lived a bit more than you have or at least differently than you in your corner, is never a bad idea. The time and patience they have shown me through life and business have been priceless. I can’t wait until I can be that person for someone else.

“Words Make Things Heavier” -Mason Gehring

“Words Make Things Heavier” -Mason Gehring

by

 

I’ve been thinking a lot about words and how they affect conversations lately.

How do the things I say sound?

Does the tone and pitch decide how or who understands what I’m saying?

Are some of the things I say better understood by some people than others?

And how does the weight they carry impact others?

How is what I’m saying affecting my conversations and how does that vary from person to person?

If words are truly heavy, shouldn’t we spend more time getting them right?

I’m paying more attention now, not to just the words but also to the sounds, the tones, and the pitches. This way my responses will be the right ones and be more valuable in turn.

Emails Are Never A Good Way To Have A Conversation.

Emails Are Never A Good Way To Have A Conversation.

by

Stop having hard conversations with clients over email. I know it’s easier to hide behind your computer with well-thought-out emails about processes and why they should just listen to you because that’s why they hired you in the first place. It’s trendy for us to say all clients are crazy, and in some cases that might be true. The point is that solutions come from actual conversations. Be it a phone call, a Skype chat, or face-to-face. If you are trying to reassure your clients that you have their best interest in mind, pick up the phone and tell them so.

The Breakfast Talk-O.

The Breakfast Talk-O.

by

 

A few months back I had the pleasure of being in a morning meet-up named Breakfast Talk-O, hosted by Elisabeth Brinklow. I was at a table with a multi-generational group of women from many walks but with one commonality: They were all artists or work closely with artists.

Growing up in a house filled with woman leaders, it’s not lost on me, the concept of how women are the cornerstone of our society. They uphold our families, culture and more increasingly now, are big factors in the growth of our economy. Though you’ll never understand it fully if you don’t get to witness it in real time, how they work together to get things accomplished.

Most interesting in this case is the older generation. They still have the ideas, energy, and knowledge to make things happen. And then to unselfishly turn ‘round and teach the younger generation behind them with the unified understanding that there’s still work left to do. As men, I think there’s a lot we can learn here.