Why I do what I do.
I was seventeen years old.
And I thought I might die on a city bus in the Bronx. It was 1975. I was riding home from school. Just another ordinary day, until it wasn’t. I come from a lower-middle-class African American family with strong values, education being a primary one. Ten years earlier, my parents moved us to this predominantly White neighborhood for better schools and what they hoped would be a better life.
The bus slowed at a stop about a mile from my house, and the driver didn’t open the doors. At first, I didn’t understand why. Then I looked through the front window. There were about fifty young White men, red bandannas tied around their heads, running toward us. They surrounded the bus, and they were screaming that they were going to get the N-words.
Let me tell you, that word doesn’t just land. It enters your body. And in that moment, I noticed two things that terrified me. First, on that crowded bus there were only three Black people: the bus driver, one teenage boy, and me. Second, the baseball bats. They were hitting the sides of the bus, demanding that we come out. That day, I experienced conflict at its most violent edge. But here’s what I also learned: Conflict is energy. It can destroy, or it can transform. And transformation requires someone willing to step in. Today I have the honor and privilege of helping people communicate better and strengthen the relationships in their lives. I also speak on stages all over the world and coach leaders in non-profit and the C-suite. I have a master’s degree and an honorary doctorate because of the work that I have been doing in the world. I’m an author and trainer. I have to tell you about a company I’ve been working with; let’s call them the company I Want To Do Better. When they first brought me in, the leadership team was at each other’s throats; two people had been written up and put on a performance improvement plan, the VP in charge of the team was completely conflict-avoidant; and both production and morale were at an all-time low. Today, they are much better in communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and morale.
Back to the bus. The mob began trying to tip the bus over…
You may believe in fate or destiny. I believe God had a plan, and it started in these terrifying moments in my life. This story was told in Episode 1. The Making Of An Entrepreneur Docuseries is the telling of the truths that shaped my life’s work. In it, I tell the rest of this story and the reasons why I do what I do so that I can work with you.
Produced by Che Brown, The Making Of An Entrepreneur follows eight entrepreneurs who share the defining moments that shaped their lives, businesses, and purpose. Alongside seven other inspiring leaders, I open up about the challenges, fears, setbacks, faith, and perseverance that helped me become who I am today.
If you’ve ever wondered what shapes a person’s mission, this series offers a powerful look behind the scenes.
Watch the series June 22nd–26th, 2026, @12PM EST and meet the cast here.
Get Ready! Get ready! Get ready! To get to know me like you never have before.
