The Shark Daymond

Being black in business often means meandering through imminent struggle, reaching a point of survival and ultimately, transitioning to thriving status. Daymond John who boldly states, "You can make the world happen to you or you can happen to the world," is a prime example of what hard work during humble beginnings can do. He turned a dream into a dynasty and a budget of $40 into a $300 million dollar net worth plus a $6 Billion Fashion Empire called FUBU - For Us By Us.

If you've watched ABC's Shark Tank - a show where entrepreneurs pitch their products or ideas to a panel of investors for a chance to take their businesses to the next level - then you've come to see Daymond in all his splendor as the only black investor and as an entrepreneur. You can catch me on a Friday night binge-watching each and every episode that airs on ABC. I am not only obsessed with aspiring innovators pitching their ideas and inventions to the investors, but impressed by Daymond John as a black innovator. The only black innovator on a panel of fellow sharks: Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner and Barbara Corcoran.

He reminds us time and time again that his road the wealth and impact was dotted with countless failures and obstacles. I'm glad he stood by the advice of his mother that, "It only takes one person, with one idea and one action," to turn a vision into reality. They say moms are always right and boy oh boy did his mother hit the hammer on its head. His story screams, "If I can do it, you can do it too."

"I want you to remember that what you see of me on TV, in the news, right here on social media, it all started with the same vision, same drive and same set of obstacles you’re facing right now. If I can do it, so can you." - Daymond John

With the photo above, Daymond relates his story - "But the road was never easy. This photo was taken during one of the hundreds of nights in my basement, learning how to sew with my mother, probably scrambling to make ends meet as I worked my job at Red Lobster while trying to build FUBU.⁣"

For his non-negotiable go-getter spirit, for his memorable marks in entrepreneurship, for his commanding commitment to the people as "The People's Shark", for his creation of the fabulous FUBU brand, for his books that beg for a change in mindset, for his motivation on the Visualize Album, for his bold support of the Black Business Community and most importantly for never giving up, I'm truly inspired by Daymond "The Shark" John. He has shown what innovation and insight can do for those who endure. When I seek representation I look to Daymond the Shark. I apply that very same "Shark Mindset" in hunting for the prey of my purpose. Not to devour it. No no, but to declare it to the world as Daymond did his own.

He's a leader - I look up to him. He's a mentor - I seek his advice and counsel through his online platforms and productions. He's a businessman - I grow from his speeches and training. He's an entrepreneur - I'm encouraged by his drive. Most importantly, he's an innovator who's always creating, investing and doing - I aspire to be like him.

It All Started with FUBU.

FUBU is a contemporary sportswear brand that Daymond founded in 1992 with the partnership of three friends. FUBU's slogan says, "For Us, By Us" which means it's made by black innovators for the black community as a representation of black culture. It's a brand with deep ties to its roots pushing the philosophy of "Laying the groundwork and building the future." With only $40 to his name at the time, faith and a great amount of hard work, Daymond started FUBU. After much rise and fall, he catapulted the company to a worth of over $6 billion.

The Shark

By securing a seat as the only black investor on ABC's popular show "Shark Tank", Daymond has rightfully labeled himself "The People's Shark". He's at a place and position where many black business owners and innovators can aspire to be, simply because he shows it's possible.

Books That Beg For a Change in Mindset

Daymond's books push the responsibility on self for the sequestering and sustenance of success. He incites innovation in Display of Power: How FUBU Changed a World of Fashion, Branding and Lifestyle published in 2007. The Brand Within: The Power of Branding from Birth to the Boardroom published in 2010 takes us back to the basics of business as it delves into product development, marketing and branding. The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage was published in 2016. It is a testament to Daymond's drive and resourcefulness in taking very little and turning it into a legacy. It speaks of his innovative spirit. Rise and Grind: Outperform, Outwork, and Outhustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life (pictured above) is his 2018 book. Screaming, "Build that Hustle Muscle," this written work wearies not in stressing the importance of giving that idea or business or product everything it needs to flourish. Daymond's latest book, published in 2020 is Powershift: Transform Any Situation, Close Any Deal, and Achieve Any Outcome. This masterpiece pedestals the power of relationships and the importance of influence. Each book is a call for action and a tool for innovation.

Daymond on Demand

This online training platform gives the brick by brick steps, techniques and strategies that entrepreneurs need to build, scale and grow their businesses. Daymond, through Daymond on Demand, gives access to the tools he uses and used to reach innovative success.

Daymond's Launch of Black Entrepreneur's Day

True innovators always give back to the community. Daymond John has done just that. With the launch of his Black Entrepreneur's Day in October of 2020, he gave 9 entrepreneurs grants of 25,000 each to help their businesses amid COVID-19. The grants were named, "NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant,” and were administered through the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He also opened access to personal mentorship for these entrepreneurs. The event also opened the virtual stage to keynote speakers such as Gabrielle Union, Shaquille O'Neal, Jamie Fox and LL Cool J among other black innovators. Daymond is keen on helping other black businesses thrive and survive. It's no wonder he was named "Global Ambassador of Entrepreneurship" by President Obama.

The Visualize Album

Daymond John's knack for innovation has taken him to the spoken word industry to create a 12-track album enveloped with motivation. If his business, books or brand were not motivation enough, then this project proves otherwise. With tracks such as "Rise" which prompts us to go against the grain and "Power of Words" which speaks of the power of positive self-communication, The Visualize Album is sure to activate the innovator in any business owner, entrepreneur or those aspiring to be.

On ending, I most admire Daymond for never allowing his obstacles to obtain his vision. He's "happening to the world" and not the other way around. In so doing, he has inspired me and countless others to do the same despite the challenges we face. I trust now that the promise of innovation is the same in never giving up. I trust now that the truth in innovation is in inviting a "Shark Mindset" and dismissing all doubts. Daymond "The People's Shark" John is to be thanked for that.