Episode 20 - We Just Started Talking: Turning Conversations Into Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Our special guest is serial entrepreneur Bilal Akram. Bilal is a former Cleveland firefighter and the Founder of Platinum Transportation, Code M (which includes Code M Magazine, a digital publication focused on African American men), a line of cigars and the list goes on and on. Listen in as Bilal talks about the ways that he’s turned conversations into opportunities by being open to the possibilities. He also shares the ways that he’s navigated his life and entrepreneurial journey as a man of color. Most important, Bilal shares the ways that his entrepreneurial eye has allowed him to have a lifelong adventure of travel, learning and creating new enterprises around the world. The Impact Leadership Podcast is brought to you by Cardivera, the leadership development eco-system that helps your grow your people, grow your business and grow your life.

Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn…

The ways that he had to overcome additional challenges throughout his life as an African-American man
The important role of resolve in a life’s journey
The realities and issues of life that uniquely impact men and men of color
The ways you can turn obstacles into opportunities
The ways that having a vision allows you to overcome adversity and create opportunities
The impact of the people you surround yourself with and the importance of having the support and challenge of mentors in your life
That when you’re open and engage in conversations you’ll find opportunities at every turn
The importance of asking for a conversation to share your story and vision with others
That entrepreneurs do whatever it takes to pursue opportunities
The hard truth and blessing that you can’t achieve your full vision alone
That it’s vital to have a team to work together on and support your vision
What it means to create a legacy for your life and family
The critical role of purposely building an incredible team
How to stay open to opportunities in every conversation
How leaders must be authentic and clearly articulate their vision
To let your people have their own ideas and the spotlight
The essential role of passion with your team in driving action and outcomes