Interview with Creative Entrepreneur - Mo Stegall
Mo Stegall is a visionary, pioneer and journeyman, he transcends any medium he touches. From media personality and producer to philanthropist, empowerment speaker and author, his creativity, wit and engaging persona have earned him recognition as an emerging community leader.
He is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Stegall has enjoyed a successful career as a radio and television personality, which afforded him opportunities to work with the BET Hip-Hop Awards the CMA Awards, and countless recognizable entertainers and community leaders. But his deepest passion and desire is personal growth and development and to empower others to achieve greatness. And with a warm and captivating presence, he has integrated his television/radio career with his desire to serve.
His clients call him "The Treasure Hunter™" because of his ability to empower people to discover their inner jewels and gems. He is a global humanitarian who less than ten years ago was homeless, endured the loss of his mother to AIDS, and experienced several life setbacks but has championed his journey and dedicated his life to serving others.
The Interview
What inspired you to become a creative entrepreneur?
My journey to becoming a creative entrepreneur was somewhat pushed upon me…lol .
I often dreamed about owning my own brand and company but wasn’t sure how to do so…I was working as a media director for a large church as well as dappling in a few ventures of my own on the side, one of my ventures began to take form and grow wings and my employer gave me an ultimatum to either nurture what they considered to be my infant child or delve full fledge with no aspirations of doing my own thing into their company and after careful thought and consideration along with prayer.
I decided this was the outlet I needed to pursue my business…less than a few months after I was awarded a huge contract by UNCF & Wachovia to travel the world doing what I loved…empowering People!
What would you say contributes to your success?
A healthy blend of research and relationship building is what contributes to my success. I believe understanding your brand and connecting with those who share the same mission will always create a win/win relationship that yields amazing results.
Share one business goal:
One of my business goals is for my foundation “I Can BE Foundation Inc.” to build community help centers across the nation to assist undeserved communities through enrichment programs, the arts, employment, medical assistance and empowerment programs that will allow them to understand their value, overcome adverse situations and achieve goals.
What is a typical working day like for you?
My work days vary depending on what’s on the calendar. Aside from being the founder and president of the I Can Be Foundation a 501c3 organization, I am also a bestselling author, empowerment speaker, media personality, brand ambassador and voice actor.
My days can sometimes be spent in airports and on planes traveling to various cities, meeting with my agent and manager about upcoming ventures, auditioning for commercials and films, on the phone conferencing with potential sponsors or brands, writing, or simply doing absolutely nothing.
What has been your biggest struggle as a creative entrepreneur?
The biggest struggle has been at times riding the roller coaster of motivation…opportunities can go from plentiful to scarce and as an entrepreneur you must possess a mental toughness to push past the do over’s and continue running towards the prize at the finish line.
What has been your biggest accomplishment with your business?
Becoming a national brand known for serving the needs of others has been my biggest accomplishment to date. I grew up in the housing projects of southwest Atlanta with mere dreams and today being able to see years of building yield what others see as a remarkable and empowering brand is a humbling accomplishment.
What piece of advice would you offer to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I often tell people you were DESIGNED To WIN so losing is simply not an option for you. Go after what you want or you will spend your entire life settling for what you can get. God created you an original so there is no need for you to become a carbon copy. You must pursue your purpose with a passion regretting nothing and giving everything to accomplish what you were predestined to become.
"Horses are so focused on the finish line that they have no desire to stare at the starting gate. Today declare you will no longer focus on what didn't happen yesterday or what could happen tomorrow yet be more incline to explore what can and will happen today"--Mo Stegall
What resources would you recommend to help other creative people stay organized?
Google and YouTube have become my best friends…I can always find anything I need to educate myself further, enhance my brand and develop new concepts from those viable resources. I simply type in what I’m looking for or what I need and someone else has thought of a way to make life easier for me.
What are you currently working on?
Currently writing my next book, working with various entities, corporations and organizations preparing to launch the “I Can Be Empowerment Tour” and continuing to educate, encourage and empower people through public speaking.
Get Your Copy of Mo Stegall's bestselling book Against All Odds I Can BE: 10 Steps To Revolutionize Your Destiny - Voted Kindle's #1 Hot New Release by Amazon Available NOW Click Here
________________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for more solid tips on business ideas, internet & social marketing, and personal branding? Check out the School of Creative Business free email newsletter, Creative Business Ideas. SIGN UP HERE
