Obama's Victorious Week / Candidates' Diversity / Stuart Robinson'sBook / Minds of Titans

Building Generational Leaders C.E.O. EXCHANGE Developing the Minds of Titans Contributing Correspondent: Ted Santos “The men who have succeeded ar Like Tweet Pin +1 Subscribe Building Generational Leaders For the latest menu options, please CLICK! (Paid AD) NGLC Leadership Luncheon Partner. CLICK for details! (Paid AD) Paid AD Paid AD Paid AD Ted Santos C.E.O. EXCHANGEDeveloping the Minds of Titans Contributing Correspondent: Ted Santos “The men who have succeeded are men who have chosen one line and stuck to it.” – Andrew Carnegie How often have you been told: don’t put all your eggs in one basket? Most of us have been taught this philosophy since childhood. As a result, we pursue investments, career and romantic relationships with the belief that we should always have a backup plan. Unknowingly, this results in valuable time focused on the fear of failure. However, if you look closely, many extraordinary people have chosen one path and stuck to it. For example, Warren Buffet is an investor. Bill Gates is a software expert. Michael Dell builds computers and Howard Schultz makes coffee. Each of these men encountered difficult times on their path. Yet, their focus on their craft was immovable. Andrew Carnegie becomes more explicit with his philosophy. He said, “concentrate your energies, your thoughts and your capital. The wise man puts all his eggs in one basket and watches that basket.” Why would such a successful man promote a philosophy that is contrary to public opinion? Perhaps we should look at why someone would abandon Carnegie’s belief. While there are several reasons one may expend their efforts in multiple directions, let’s focus on one. Many times people abandon a path because it is fraught with difficulty. The ensuing philosophy becomes: it just wasn’t meant to be. Except, if you look at the examples of the titans of today and yesterday, you will see they became better because of the challenges. The problems that often discourage people are usually the opportunities to build character and develop the skills that are missing and needed to fulfill the vision. Napoleon Hill speaks incessantly about the need to know the difference between failure and temporary defeat. Next time you commit to a vision, instead of retreating when things get tough, uncover the skills and competencies you will need to complete your mission. It may seem like circumstances are against you. At the same time, if you pursue your dream in the face of difficulty, you will find you become a bigger and better person. Moreover, in time, when you look back, you will be amazed at what was once difficult is now easy. In your investments, career and romantic relationships, choose one line, stick to it and become the best. What do you think? I’m open to ideas. Or if you want to write me about a specific topic, connect through my blog www.turnaroundip.blogspot.com. CLICK BANNER FOR DETAILS (Paid AD) CHANGING THE WORLD President Obama's Victories Last Week Contributing Correspondent: C.D.W. I have not been a loyal supporter of President Barack Obama's initial policies, and particularly, his attention to black folks in this country; and their most pressing issues. To say the least, I called his presidency sub-bar or marginal at best. Again, that's because I feel that he could have done more to present black people's interest and forced issues like economic development and jobs to give added relief to millions of unemployed and underemployed Negroes throughout this great nation. The election of President Obama has been more symbolism then substance, especially in regards to blacks. And when the history book is written, not many pages will be filled with black accomplishments, more so than his achievements for the entire United States during his eight-years as the 44th President. But last week, he hit a home-run on several fronts. For instance, during last week's historic Supreme Court rulings, several groups benefitted tremendously. And in the footnotes, President Obama will be given credit for bringing major occurrences that has changed the world for ever, and cemented his legacy: *Obamacare* was made the law of the land by the Supreme Court. Many who have not had health insurance, can now claim coverage through the Affordable Care Act. It's LAW! Also on last Thursday, hours after the Obamacare decision, the House passed President Obama's final Trade Bill that fast tracked his authority to provide much needed assistance to workers who might be displaced by any trade agreements. President Obama also gave the eulogy at the funeral of the murdered pastor, who was also an elected official in the South Carolina nine-person massacre. He did what he always does; he's an amazing orator, so that wasn't new to the choir. But very musically inspirational on the world-front. Not to mention, last week the Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal in all 50 States. Therefore, no state cannot keep same-sex couples from marrying and must recognize their unions. The decision was 5-4. The Supreme Court was very busy last week, they also delivered an unexpected reprieve to Civil Rights groups, ruling that housing discrimination need not be intentional to be illegal. "The court acknowledges the Fair Housing Act's continuing role in moving the nation toward a more integrated society," justice Anthony Kennedy wrote. The President chose not to brag, but expressed that the law's most important affirmation comes from the 16 million more people who have health insurance. There will be no popping bottles in the White House on either issue, even though the president did reflect on his victorious week. "So this was a good week for America, Obama said. "Now lets get back to work." LITERARY CORNERIt All Begins with "I"! Special Correspondent: P. Witherspoon We are bringing a fantastic author to Chicago with his amazing new inspirational book called, It All Begins with "I": The New Rules of Thinking and the Simple Secrets to Living a Rich, Joyous and Fulfilled Life by Hollywood acting guru and motivational speaker Stuart K Robinson. Robinson is on a six-city national tour that stops in Chicago on Tuesday, June 30. During the Chicago stop, our author has been be on WVON, WGN and more to support the book sales and promote the event. This well-respected CEO, acting coach, and acting agency president inspires actors, businessman and more within the Los Angeles community, and can bring a dose of inspiration to Chicagoans! This book is simple, easy-to-read, but relate-able because the 14 rules Stuart writes about are applicable to anyone reaching a particular "crossroads" in their life! Visionary and powerfully inspirational, Stuart’s book offers an accessible set of personal guidelines everyone can use. According to a May 2013 Harris Poll, only 1 in every 3 Americans is “very happy”– a gloomy statistic that highly sought after Hollywood Guru, believes should be 3 in every 3. Stuart challenges us to liberate ourselves from ingrained preconceived notions by trying on a new set of rules that will empower any person to overcome the boundaries that limit possibility. Whether its finishing school, finding a new job, beginning a life of retirement or stuck at a personal crossroads, It All Begins with “I” offers guidance and encouragement through 14 essential principles to readers challenged by the trials and tribulations of modern-day life. For example, try some of these simple, yet powerful “New Rules of Thinking” and apply liberally to any areas of life in need of a quick fix. Stuart’s powerful message carries into his role as CEO and co-owner of one of the top talent agencies in Hollywood — has created productions for The Academy of TV Arts and Sciences, The Hollywood Radio and TV Society, the Sundance Institute and many more and has been seen in movies and television shows with Sylvester Stallone, Charles Bronson, Cicely Tyson, Ted Danson, John Cusack, and William Shatner, to name a few, and has appeared in more than 100 TV commercials. Stuart's book signing in Chicago is Tuesday, June 30 at L26 Restaurant at the Chicago South Loop Hotel, 11 W 26th St from 6pm - 8 pm. For more details, visit http://www.stuartkrobinson.com or call Precious Witherspoon at 217.390.2011 or plwitherspoon3@gmail.com. CLICK FOR DETAILS (Paid AD) POWER TO THE PEOPLEComEd Customer Service Enhancements New enhancements to ComEd’s website are now making it easier for customers to do business with the company. In fact, the company has already seen positive reception with a 19 percent increase in customers choosing to pay with eCheck option within the second month after the new feature launch. I would be happy to put you in contact with a ComEd program manager to highlight the web enhancements, how ComEd incorporated customer feedback to implement these changes, and how these technology developments are helping the utility deliver more user-friendly customer service tools to enhance the customer experience. If you have any questions, contact Royce Strahan | Communications | ComEd | 312.394.3683 | Media Hotline: 312.394.3500. CLICK BANNER FOR DETAILS (Paid AD) CLICK BANNER FOR DETAILS (Paid AD) Raynard Jackson TBTNEWS COMMENTARYCandidates Lack Diversity Special Correspondent: Raynard Jackson Once again, Republican presidential candidates are proving that they are either truly colorblind or just blind to people of color. What is it that all these declared Republican presidential candidates all have in common: Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee, George Pataki, Rand Paul, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Bobby Jindal and Donald Trump? The answer is none of them have any paid Black staffers or consultants. Let me be perfectly clear when I say staffers or consultants; I am referring to people who can get meetings on the calendar with the candidate, call the candidate on his private cell phone, or get the candidate to show up somewhere. In other words, staffers or consultants who have power and influence to make things happen. How can you run for president of the United States in the 21st century and have absolutely no diversity on your staff? Lawdy, Lawdy, I can hear their responses now. We are focusing on Iowa and New Hampshire; and then if we become the nominee we will look to hire Blacks they will say. So, in their minds, a Black staffer or consultant can only operate in states that have Blacks? Oh really? To be a Black Republican, we must be able to operate in a White environment as well as a Black environment simultaneously. Republicans have absolutely no understanding of this dynamic. So, if you are dealing with limited funds and you have to hire staffers or consultants; you are better off hiring a Black simply because you get a twofer. You can’t take a White staffer and put him in the Black community and expect success because this staffer does not have an understanding of the various nuances within the Black community. Conversely, you can send a Black to deal with the White community if they have the right skill set. For example, as a graduate of Oral Roberts University, I have deep relationships within the White Evangelical community second to none; but I also have deep personal ties with the heads of almost every major Black professional organization in the country (journalists, accountants, lawyers, physicians, M.B.A.s, etc.). So, just on the fiscal issue alone, there is an immediate return on investment for having a policy of diversity at the highest levels of a presidential campaign since you get a twofer by hiring the “right” type of Black. The other issue is that of optics. You have yet to see a Black person get off a plane or out of a car with any of these candidates. The sad part is the candidate nor his staff is even cognizant of this situation. The candidate is ultimately to blame for this; but it is also the fault of their pollsters. I know most of the Republican pollsters very well, and with the exception of one, they all tell Republicans to ignore the Black vote. On several occasions I have nearly come to blows with these pollsters over this issue. They are propagating this myth of the Hispanic voter and Republicans are buying into it. Blacks far outnumber Hispanics in voting age population (VAP); Blacks vote in far higher numbers than Hispanics; and Blacks have a far higher turnout percentage than Hispanics. Isn’t it amazing that some of these candidates are courting Hispanics in Spanish; but refuse to speak to Blacks in a language that they understand! Blacks understand the language of entrepreneurship. Blacks understand the language of education. These are two issues that play to the Republican’s strength; but yet they refuse to go into the Black community with this message. Instead, they foolishly go into the Black community talking about prison reform issues. H-E-L-L-O! These are not major issues within the Black community. Message to Republicans: you can’t run on a platform to represent all of America when America is not represented on your campaign staff. As the old folks used to say, “Your actions speak so loud I can’t hear a damn thing you are saying.” (Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC is a recognized political consulting, government affairs, and PR firm based in Washington, DC. Visit www.raynardjackson.com)