Innovate, Collaborate, and Cogitate

I write. I’ve written a memoir about growing up in Mississippi, and published in both paperback and Kindle formats.  I’ve co-authored 2 editions of another book, also published in paperback and Kindle formats. My books are online at Amazon and other book portals.

I’ve written a bunch of articles that are posted around the ‘Net.

(An aside:  you, too, can share your knowledge and fantasy – in writing. Amazon and others await.  It’s easier and w-a-a-a-y cheaper than you think).

I create new stuff. Aside from spending quality time with my family (far too little, I’m afraid), the thing I do that makes me happiest is excavating what I know and do well from the recesses of my mind, and leveraging that knowledge and skill to create something new, usually in a collaborative environment.

I enjoy the excavating and creating so much that I work with others to help them leverage their knowledge and skill to innovate themselves.

The photo galleries below will give you some idea of how the innovating, creating, and leveraging have worked for me. (And can also work for you).

Project:  Young CEOs

The Young CEOs organization was conceived out of a desire to help young Black men and women become the owners of viable businesses of the future.  It is a grass roots organization aimed at demonstrating that we can all make a difference, wherever we are.

We’ve produced a number of events, all designed to provide information and tools that prepare urban youth to succeed in entrepreneurial endeavors. This event is one of many that brings our young entrepreneurs together with seasoned entrepreneurs willing to share lessons learned and lend a hand.

Young CEOs Entrepreneurship Conference Gallery, University of Missouri at St. Louis, MO

This conference featured interactive panel discussions and facilitated instruction from noted Black Hair and Beauty professionals and entrepreneurs from across the U.S., professionals from the business side of hip-hop, political leaders, and trainers in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Top row, left to right: Event poster; Black Hair panelists Devin Robinson (author, entrepreneur, professor), Sojhana Bell (entrepreneur), Terry Briggs (Black hair distributor and manufacturer), Blondie Henderson (executive – Luster), Terrie Vincent (entrepreneur), Mehkat (hair style designer and entrepreneur), Steve Conley (We Care, off camera)

2nd row, left to right: Black Hair Panelists Devin Robinson, Terry Briggs; Holistic health coach and therapeutic massage therapist Kelly Wimbley

Bottom row, Hip-hop panelists Young Dipp, Tatum Polk, Steve Joyce, Marcus Strauthur, ; Steve Conley (facilitating Web Biz Bootcamp); Tiahmo Rauf (International Entrepreneur – facilitating International Trade class)