Showing posts with label cornell university. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cornell university. Show all posts

Friday, January 2, 2009

Interview With "Great Black Speakers" Founder Lawrence Watkins



Name: Lawrence Watkins

Current Gig/Occupation: Owner of Great Black Speakers Bureau and MBA student at Cornell University

Motto: “Success is manufactured”

Favorite Quote: In order for God to direct you, you have to be moving.

Q: What makes you one to watch in your opinion?

I am very ambitious and I want to make a positive impact on my community politically, socially, and economically. Also, I have a business that is growing and that will soon be a powerhouse within the speaking industry.

Q: What’s the most important lesson you learned so far?

Always approach task and people with humility, yet still have the confidence inside that you know you will achieve.

Q: What or who are your inspirations?

Warren Buffet, Google, The Wire, my parents, my brother Dr. Boyce Watkins, John Wooden (Former UCLA basketball coach), Tim Ferris Author of the 4-hour Workweek.

Q: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?

John Wooden. His books on leadership have changed my life.

Q: Describe a typical day.

I wake up about 7:20 a.m. in the morning and take my shower and get ready for school. On the bus, I listen to a motivational audiobook on my iPod. From 8:40 – 1:10 p.m. I am in my finance, strategy, and statistics classes. After that I take a break and review my financial and advertising numbers for Great Black Speakers. The company’s director gives me a call and an update on the daily activities for the last 24 hours. From 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., I am preparing for class/tests. Lastly, I hang out with my friends on another successful day.

Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I am extremely silly under the right circumstances.

Q: What do you bring that hasn’t been brought to your craft?

I sense of purpose and passion in what I do to help the African-American community. Also, analytical skills that most people do not have.

Q: Where do you hope to be in five years?

I hope to be a tycoon of many different companies related to speaking, public relations, and event planning. I hope to travel the world speaking to organizations about productivity and entrepreneurship.

Q: What’s the one thing you are still trying to overcome or master?

I am trying to become more consistent in my work ethic.

Q: What three words describe your attitude?

Positive, Laid-back, Cerebral

Q: What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered by the people who loved me and the people that I loved.