Travis Townsend Jr.

The magic that's unlocked by reading and experiencing books is unparalleled. This past week a great client pinged me about reading and doing Q&A for his new children's book the, Unfunny Bunny, so I jumped at the chance to support two great clients and people. Their talent is matched by their hearts for giving back and being grounded in their roots. Partnering with Kenan regaled the audience of parents and kids to encourage them to persevere and stick to their goals.

The added bonus was being able to take Trinity. The way her eyes and the eyes of the other children in attendance lit up during the reading probably added 5 years to my life! The cherry on the top was catching up with one of my fellow original Urban League leaders from the trenches back in the day, and introducing her to Trinity. You serve the community with people and they are family decades later.

As Co-founder of and Leader of its Transactional Practice Division, I have the significant privilege and responsibility (emphasis on responsibility) to drive the success of the firm. I must account for the needs of our ever growing team, their families, the community we operate in, all while ensuring our legal practice is elite in results achieved and client experience, and remains in business beyond these last 16 years, among other things.

That's why I take advantage of every opportunity to learn from other leaders from all backgrounds, not just the legal industry. This week I had the opportunity to hear from not one, but two accomplished leaders in Paul Brown, CEO of Inspire Brands and Former Governor Deal of Georgia. Paul shared some invaluable points about establishing and maintaining a successful company culture while Governor Deal reminded his audience of Georgia leaders to set aside tribal party behavior for honor, decency and doing the right thing for the people we serve.

I know I must never stop developing as a leader so I appreciate being able to learn from those who sit or have sat in the most intense positions.

This Drake v. Kendrick beef is chock-full of life lessons. You've heard them in one shape or form before, but sometimes we forget. These are just 7 that I'm reminded of.

1. Authenticity still has value. You can be adored because of your persona, the trappings around you, selling the story everyone wants to hear, but what you're really made of matters.

2. Conflict is unpredictable. Never underestimate how far your enemy will go, how strong you are, how weak they appear, and how straight the path to victory seems. The terrain on the ground is rarely as your scouting and intel informs you. Expect the worst and prepare for worse than that.

3. People will double down on their heroes even when it is clear they are losing, wrong, made a mistake, or what have you. Only the strongest can let our senses take in opinion changing data and act accordingly. No different with political candidates.

4. Protecting your peace at the expense of ridicule from folks who got no skin in the game is always a wise move.

5. Law 14 of the 48 Laws of Power is on point in all situations. Been a major 🗝 in battle since the beginning of ⏱.

6. People who don't understand will always demean intellectualism. So never dim your light because others can't stand the glare. However, if you are trying to be understood, it's your responsibility to communicate in a way the audience can hear you.

7. Be civil, peaceful, and tend to your business, BUT always be ready to fight in your defense in the event a fight thrusts itself upon you. Most peacekeepers keep the biggest weapons and shields handy.

In non-Grammy news, MSNBC ran a documentary about the race, culture and policy from the lens of Black men last night. While the timing of the airing was definitively not prime (that's a post for another day), I appreciate at least SOME medium considering the importance of the vote of Black men in the elections and why you might see some of the engagement (or lack thereof) that you get.

Search for the full show, re-airing or some other source and view it when you have a moment. Otherwise, please tone down any commentary about Black men, their participation and who they vote for when this 2024 election cycle goes down.

‘Black Men In America’: Trymaine Lee and Charles Coleman Jr. spotlight the strength of the Black vote In a brand new MSNBC documentary, Correspondent Trymaine Lee and civil rights attorney Charles Coleman Jr. explore the intersection of race, culture and politics through the eyes of Black men in America and what it means for 2024. “I think it's important for folks in this moment to really pay atte...

Good afternoon this October 20, 2021! I'm posting to share about money we are giving away at National Black MBA Association, Inc. - Atlanta Chapter Scholarship applications are open. If you know anyone in the Metro Atlanta footprint who is either in or headed toward higher education at a 4-year institution, in an MBA program or PhD program, share the details with them.

The application is digital, can be completed in 20-30 minutes and barely requires breaking a sweat. Deadline is November 5th. Don't wait until the last minute. Hard work get paid!

The NBMBAA Atlanta 2021 Scholarship Applications are Now Open! Applications due November 5th! - https://mailchi.mp/atlbmba/scholarships2021