Ted Audio Collective

When I was younger and people asked me what I wanted to be, I would say an architect.

It made sense.

I like math, I like precision, I like drawing, and I grew up in New York City with all those

beautiful buildings around me.

And then somehow, when I got to college, I found myself drawn to Econ and Psychology.

But I didn't know how these two interests could turn into a career.

Until I met Professor David Thomas, the summer after my freshman year, and eventually began

doing research for him, studying the career progression of people of color in organizations.

David's now the president of Morehouse College.

Back then, he was a Harvard Business School Professor, who became my mentor and a dad away

from home.

He's brilliant, thoughtful, and just one of those cool cats, someone I truly enjoy spending

time with.

He helped me see the impact you can have on people as an educator.

But interestingly, when I told him I wanted to be a professor just like him, he knew

me well enough to suggest that I give Wall Street a shot.

And Profits a shot to try running something.

He saw multiple paths for me, not just one, and gave me the confidence to go for it.

Thirty years later, I can't tell you how much I valued that guidance.

It's part of the reason why you're hearing me say, I'm a doobachinola, this is Ted Business.

I'm one of many people whose journey has been shaped by mentorship.

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