“Empowering Black men to embrace their potential as business leaders is not just about entrepreneurship; it’s about rewriting the narrative of success and inspiring generations to come.” ~ The Winners Circle Group of Texas
During a conversation with the Winners Circle Group of Texas, Mack Montgomery and Reggie Barnes, opened up about their childhood experiences and how it cultivated their pathway to not only being business owners but how to be better men throughout their adulthood.
Raised by single parents, the winning duo openly admitted that while the two-parent nuclear structure of family ties was not a familial construct for them, building a better brand as healthier men was a no-brainer.
When asked about how fostering personal development in men can help them become worthy successors in business, Montgomery replied, “My children see me as their superhero, just like many children view their dads. They see me as the strongest and smartest person in the world.”
mack montgomerey
He continued, “The advice they receive from me is like [the] law to them, akin to the Bible. This is something we strive for as parents, especially in a time when father figures are often absent. Unfortunately, many fathers prioritize other activities over spending time with their kids.”
Statistics from Kauffman Indicators of Entrepreneurship indicted that Black entrepreneurship has been on a rise among Black men in most recent years. However, research has shown that some children raised in single-parent households, regardless of race, may face additional challenges, compared to those raised in two-parent households. While the research didn’t display how that affects business acumen, it did determine that career ambition can be crafted based on how a household is run.
These challenges can include economic instability, lack of access to resources, and limited parental time and supervision. Nonetheless, resilience and determination can also emerge from overcoming these obstacles, which can be valuable traits for entrepreneurship.
Barnes detailed how mentorship had to become a frontrunner in cultivating his leadership skills, having a similar experience as his partner.
“It’s crucial that we instill confidence and self-esteem in young Black boys from an early age, ideally from zero to 8 years old. Research has shown that this period is pivotal in shaping a child’s development and without proper support, they may struggle later in life,” Barnes explained. “We must move beyond societal stereotypes that suggest success for Black men is limited to careers in entertainment, sports, or music. By providing diverse role models and encouraging exploration of various career paths, we can empower young black men to realize their potential and pursue success in any field they choose.”
Even in pop culture, we’ve seen public resilience of men stepping up to raise new leaders with confidence, such as newly signed Pittsburg Steelers QB Russell Wilson, whom Barnes admires. “[Wilson] got belittled on national television, not just in the league but with his personal decisions.”
He continued, “That told me something about Wilson right then and there. I said, ‘Man, the next team that he goes to, I’m going to be cheering for that team 1,000%.’ He has shown the world how you can start early, create a nurturing environment befitting for a leader.”
In a world where opportunities are abundant, yet disparities persist, the role of Black fathers in nurturing the next generation of Black business leaders cannot be overstated. The journey toward success for young Black men often comes with unique challenges and obstacles.
However, with the guidance, support, and mentorship of their fathers, these young men can navigate these challenges and emerge as confident, capable, and visionary leaders in the business world. The Winners Circle Group of Texas focused on the crucial role that Black fathers play in grooming their Black sons for business leadership. They emphasized mentorship, instilling values, nurturing resilience, and offering growth opportunities as key factors.
Mentorship and Guidance:
One of the most crucial ways in which fathers can help prepare their sons for leadership roles in the business world is through mentorship and guidance. Black paternal figures serve as role models and mentors, imparting valuable wisdom, knowledge, and experience to their sons. By sharing their own experiences, successes, and failures, fathers can provide invaluable insights into the realities of the business world and offer guidance on navigating challenges, making informed decisions, and seizing opportunities.
Moreover, father figures can introduce their sons to successful Black business leaders and professionals, facilitating networking opportunities and mentorship relationships. By connecting their sons with individuals who have achieved success in their respective fields, Black fathers can provide them with valuable mentorship, guidance, and support, helping them to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in the business world.
Instilling Values and Work Ethic:
In addition to mentorship, fathers play a critical role in instilling important values and work ethics in their sons. Values such as integrity, fortitude, perseverance, and determination are essential traits of successful business leaders. Black fathers can impart these values to their sons through their words, actions, and examples, emphasizing the importance of honesty, hard work, and dedication in achieving success.
Furthermore, African American fathers can teach their sons the value of education, continuous learning, and personal development. By encouraging their sons to pursue higher education, acquire new skills, and stay abreast of industry trends and developments, paternal figures can equip them with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Fostering Resilience and Confidence:
The journey to becoming a successful business leader is often fraught with challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. Fathers can help prepare their sons for these challenges by fostering determination and confidence. By encouraging their sons to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, persevere in the face of adversity, and believe in their abilities, fathers can instill the durability and confidence needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Moreover, the dads of the world can serve as sources of unwavering support and encouragement for their sons, providing them with the reassurance and confidence to pursue their dreams and aspirations. By believing in their sons’ potential and capabilities, fathers can empower them to strive for excellence, take risks, and pursue their passions with conviction and purpose.
Providing Opportunities for Growth:
Lastly, having a strong male figure can help prepare their sons for leadership roles in the business world by providing them with opportunities for growth, development, and advancement. Whether through internships, apprenticeships, or entrepreneurship ventures, Black fathers can expose their sons to real-world business experiences, allowing them to gain practical skills, knowledge, and insights into various industries and sectors.
Furthermore, they can support their sons’ entrepreneurial endeavors by providing them with access to resources, networks, and capital. By investing in their sons’ ideas, ventures, and aspirations, Black fathers can empower them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
However, there is one belief the Winners Circle Group aligns themselves with as it pertains to how many men will honor their business practicums and how relationships boil down to respect.
“No matter how tough or aggressive you may be, if we’re in a room together, you won’t intimidate me. It’s about mutual respect. When a man can show respect towards you, they’re more likely to change their behavior,” Montgomery said. “That’s an important factor that can dominate a man’s leadership role.”
The role of Black fathers in preparing their Black sons to be business leaders in the world is paramount. Through mentorship, instilling values, fostering resilience, and providing opportunities for growth, Black fathers can empower their sons to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve success in the business world.
By serving as mentors, role models, and sources of unwavering support, Black fathers can help nurture the next generation of Black business leaders, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
The Winners Circle Group of Texas can be found at www.winnerscirclegroupoftexas.com. They are located at 11811 North Freeway Suite 414 Houston, TX or by phone at 972-499-5066.
