Awarepreneurs - #1040: Awarepreneurs interview

🔖 Titles

1 / 1

1. Building Black Business Success with Dr. John E. Harmon of the African American Chamber 2. From Trenton to Statewide Impact: Dr. John E. Harmon’s Journey of Economic Empowerment 3. Power Moves for Social Entrepreneurs: Lessons from Dr. John E. Harmon 4. Partnerships, Data, and Grit: Business Insights with Dr. John E. Harmon 5. Leading with Purpose: Dr. John E. Harmon on Winning in Business and Community 6. The Growth Story of New Jersey’s Leading Black Chamber with Dr. John E. Harmon 7. Creating Equity and Opportunity: Dr. John E. Harmon’s Pathway to Success 8. How Integrity and Networking Drive Business Impact with Dr. John E. Harmon 9. Thriving as a Social Entrepreneur: Practical Advice from Dr. John E. Harmon 10. Resiliency and Excellence in Business: Dr. John E. Harmon’s Guide for Entrepreneurs

💬 Keywords

1 / 1

African American Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey business, black-owned businesses, economic empowerment, social entrepreneurship, business partnerships, equity and inclusion, entrepreneurship, networking, business growth, business challenges, business leadership, business strategy, business data, business impact, organizational development, business resilience, business model, minority entrepreneurs, business advocacy, statewide business organizations, community development, business funding, business sustainability, business training, business networking tips, diversity equity and inclusion (DEI), small business resources, social impact, business excellence

💡 Speaker bios

1 / 2

Certainly! Here’s a concise biographical story based on the text: --- **Dr. John E. Harmon** is a visionary leader and one of the 21 founding members behind the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce. In 1997, Dr. Harmon joined a collaborative group focused on economic empowerment for Trenton’s African American community, which comprised over half the city’s population but was largely excluded from local economic growth. With a city led by a Black mayor and council, Dr. Harmon recognized an urgent need for representation in business, and he contributed his voice and ideas to help shape a vital institution that strives to close this gap and support Black economic participation in Trenton. ---

ℹ️ Introduction

1 / 1

Welcome to another episode of Awarepreneurs, the world’s longest-running social entrepreneur podcast! In this inspiring conversation, host Paul Zelizer sits down with Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr.—founder, president, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ). With more than 27 years of experience championing Black-owned businesses and economic empowerment, Dr. Harmon shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Trenton, NJ, to becoming a pivotal advocate for equity at the state and national level. In today’s episode, Dr. Harmon unpacks how he discovered his calling in economic empowerment, the early challenges and unexpected turns that shaped his leadership, and his data-driven approach to forging powerful partnerships. Together, they explore the significance of using real-world insights to fuel growth, build sustainable organizations, and promote diversity, equity, and excellence in business. Dr. Harmon also discusses the lessons found in his new book, "Power Moves," and how social entrepreneurs—even those without traditional resources—can leverage networks, resilience, and integrity to succeed, especially in complex times. If you’re looking for honest, practical wisdom on lifting communities through entrepreneurship, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how Dr. Harmon’s steadfast vision and commitment to collaboration have created lasting impact—and what you can do to follow in his footsteps.

❇️ Key topics and bullets

1 / 1

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in this episode of Awarepreneurs featuring Dr. John E. Harmon, with key subtopics detailed under each primary heading: --- ### 1. Introduction to Dr. John E. Harmon and the Episode’s Focus - Host Paul Zelizer welcomes listeners and introduces Dr. John E. Harmon. - Overview of Dr. Harmon’s background: founder, president, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, past chair of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, current US Chamber of Commerce board member, TV/radio host, and author. --- ### 2. Dr. Harmon’s Personal and Professional Background - Family life: fatherhood, overcoming the loss of his wife. - Upbringing: growing up in Trenton, NJ, one of seven children, only one to finish college. - Early career: banking in New York City for nearly a decade. - Entrepreneurial journey: running his own transportation company for 16 years. - Faith and guiding principles: emphasis on blessings, the golden rule, and helping others. --- ### 3. Entry into Economic Empowerment and Chamber Work - Joining the founding group of the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce in 1997. - Motivation: addressing economic underrepresentation of Black residents in Trenton. - Initial roles and stepping into leadership by default after original leaders stepped down. --- ### 4. Learning the Chamber of Commerce Model and Early Lessons - Self-education: studying history (Booker T. Washington, origins of Chambers), attending chamber events. - Developing a leadership approach and customizing organizational strategy. - Transition to president and building the organization’s foundational practices. --- ### 5. Early Challenges and Successes as Chamber Leader - Structural challenges: evaluation and overhaul of partnership and revenue-sharing agreements. - Pushback and controversial decisions to ensure the chamber’s financial viability. - Addressing skepticism: explaining the need for a Black chamber and confronting community underperformance on economic indicators. - Building value propositions and enhancing member services through networking and education programs. --- ### 6. The Role and Value of Partnerships - Importance of partnerships for under-resourced communities. - Practical advice: conducting SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats). - Building effective teams, acknowledging gaps, and inviting collaboration. - Emphasis on humility, data-driven decisions, and self-assessment in partnerships. --- ### 7. Growth, Impact, and Transition to a Statewide Organization - Indicators of success: expanding membership beyond Trenton, need for a statewide Black chamber. - Organizational growth metrics and rationale for expanding into a broader ecosystem. - Approach to collaborating with major corporations and institutions. - Public-private partnership strategies and moving toward data-based, value-driven advocacy. --- ### 8. Advocacy, Political Challenges, and Community Impact - Challenges engaging with local government: efforts (and failure) to secure collaboration with Trenton’s mayor, motivating broader political participation. - Impact of advocacy: shifting political landscapes, promoting equity and inclusion, facing opposition. --- ### 9. Expanding Statewide: The Formation of AACC New Jersey - Planning and business analysis to confirm viability of a larger chamber. - Initial strategy: umbrella structure with regional chapters and challenges with alignment and leadership. - Lessons learned from failed partnerships and eventual consolidation into a strong statewide chamber. --- ### 10. Current Successes and Achievements of the Chamber - Membership size (850+ members), corporate and institutional partnerships. - Real estate acquisitions: office space and new training/development center. - Notable recognitions: only accredited Black chamber in the US (with US Chamber), out of 154 NJ chambers. --- ### 11. Sharing Experience with a Broader Audience: Media & Book - Hosting educational TV and radio shows focused on empowerment and entrepreneurship. - Writing "Power Moves": inspiration, writing journey, and the book’s key themes. - Memoir elements: professional rise, family loss, entrepreneurship challenges, public service. - Lessons learned: resilience, navigating loss, capital access, mistakes, and perseverance. --- ### 12. Resilience and Advice for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs - Context of 2025: raising awareness of shifting market conditions and social climate. - Historical lessons (Booker T. Washington’s era) and adapting to adversity. - Excellence as a non-negotiable for success; leveraging innovation and solutions to counter bias. - Value imperative for diversity, equity, and inclusion—moving beyond emotion to demonstrated impact. --- ### 13. The Power of Networking, Integrity, and Relationship-Building - Effective networking strategies: intentionality, follow-up, maximizing value at events. - Importance of personal and organizational integrity. - Long-term reputation building and accountability as keys to enduring success. --- ### 14. How to Get Involved and Additional Resources - How listeners can connect with Dr. Harmon, learn more about the AACC New Jersey, and purchase his book. - Links and contact information shared for further exploration. --- ### 15. Closing Reflections and Encouragement - Host’s gratitude and closing thoughts. - Encouragement to share the episode for greater impact. - Call to action for entrepreneurs to pursue clarity, strategy, and impact. --- This sequence captures the rich journey, lessons, and practical tools Dr. Harmon shares throughout the conversation, making it a valuable listen for anyone interested in social entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and organizational leadership.

📚 Timestamped overview

1 / 2

00:00 Building Trenton's African American Chamber

04:38 Chamber of Commerce Education Journey

10:13 Conduct a Personal SWOT Analysis

14:16 "Empowering Black Business Engagement"

18:23 Data-Driven Opportunity Expansion

21:37 Leadership and Commitment in Business

22:33 Leadership Dispute in Organization Transition

28:19 "Business Growth with Dr. Harmon"

31:20 "Starting to Write a Book"

33:19 Journey from Challenges to Influence

38:27 Acknowledging Shifting Times and Opportunities

41:20 Redefining DEI: A Value Imperative

45:27 Effective Networking Strategies

46:46 Valuing Time and Integrity

🎞️ Clipfinder: Quotes, Hooks, & Timestamps

1 / 2

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:04:43 00:05:05

How Studying History Shapes Leadership: "I had to learn what a Chamber of Commerce was all about and from the lens of a CEO. And so I studied Booker Tree Washington, who founded the Negro business league in 1900, which ultimately led to 300 some odd business organizations, in essence, chambers across the country."

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:07:48 00:07:58

Viral Topic: The Cost of Partnerships: "I don't think that was worth 80% of our revenue. So that was the first major decision that I made that got people's attention."

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:08:20 00:09:41

Breaking Stereotypes in Business: "I felt that it was important that one, we acknowledge the underperformance and two, create partnerships in the public private sector that we can work in collaboration to mitigate the challenges and introduce our members and black businesses as a value imperative to push back on perceptions that black businesses and or people didn't have the wherewithal to be competitive in the workforce and or with a business enterprise."

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:11:27 00:11:40

Viral Topic: The Importance of Self-Assessment for Business Owners: "you can't be all things to all people and you're definitely not the best at everything and find those folks that could contribute or hitch to your wagon to make it more effective."

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:13:40 00:14:04

Viral Growth of Black Business Organizations: "We looked at the data, we initially mapped out a 25 mile radius for membership and we started to see growth about 32% outside of our defined geographical area. And so when we saw those numbers trending in that direction, we sensed that there was interest outside of our community."

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:15:09 00:15:33

Building Black Business Ecosystems: "Because, Paul, in order to be successful, we had to create an ecosystem to position black businesses to engage corporations and government agencies for a mutually beneficial exchange based on a value imperative. That's how we structured the model and got away from emotion."

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:29:35 00:30:39

Viral Topic: The Real Key to Success
"It's not about who you know, but ultimately who knows you."

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:33:56 00:34:08

Viral Topic: The Real Cost of Getting Capital

"you can get capital, Paul, but if it's not enough capital to execute your plan successfully, you might have been better off not taking the capital. And that was a lesson learned for me."

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:35:29 00:35:53

Viral Topic: Breaking Barriers in Business
"I was being recognized for something that went from a desire to a passion to a purpose. And then, lo and behold, next year, I got the same recognition for the first time. Someone was recognized two years in a row to receive this award, and it was me."

Dr. John E. Harmon 00:45:56 00:46:13

Viral Networking Strategy: "Your strategy should be that you pan out four corners of the room and you all gather notes or cards and then you come back together and then you discuss who you met with and cross pollinate or exchange information."

🎬 Reel script

1 / 1

On this episode of Awarepreneurs, I sat down with Dr. John E. Harmon, the trailblazing CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. We explored his journey from banking to building one of the state’s most influential business networks, the power of partnerships, and the value of data-driven growth. Dr. Harmon shared hard-won lessons on resilience, excellence, and why integrity and effective networking are essentials for every entrepreneur. Want to win in business and create real impact? This conversation is a must-listen!

👩‍💻 LinkedIn post

1 / 1

Absolutely! Here’s a LinkedIn post inspired by the Awarepreneurs interview with Dr. John E. Harmon: --- I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. John E. Harmon’s journey on the latest episode of Awarepreneurs, and the insights he shared around business, community-building, and leadership are truly powerful. As the founder, president, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Dr. Harmon brings decades of experience advancing equity, building strategic partnerships, and growing organizations from the ground up. His story—from joining and leading a fledgling chamber in Trenton to creating a thriving statewide ecosystem with over 850 members—is nothing short of inspiring. 3 Key Takeaways for Impact-Driven Leaders: - **Let the Data Guide You:** Dr. Harmon emphasized the importance of paying close attention to data and feedback. It was noticing that 32% of their members came from outside their original area that inspired the leap to a statewide chamber. - **Embrace Strategic Partnerships:** Success isn’t a solo endeavor. Dr. Harmon believes in using SWOT analyses to identify gaps and forge meaningful collaborations that collectively drive impact and sustainability. - **Focus on Value & Excellence:** Especially in challenging times, offering true value—grounded in excellence and integrity—will open doors. Dr. Harmon’s advice: “Emotion may get you in, but value and innovation will keep you at the table.” If you’re interested in social entrepreneurship, resilience, or building lasting business ecosystems, I highly recommend listening to this episode and checking out Dr. Harmon’s new book, **Power Moves**. What’s a recent partnership, data insight, or moment of excellence that’s inspired your own work? Would love to hear! #SocialEntrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #ChamberOfCommerce #Equity #ImpactBusiness #Awarepreneurs ---

🗞️ Newsletter

1 / 1

**Subject:** You’re In Business to Win: Powerful Lessons from Dr. John E. Harmon --- Hi Awarepreneurs Community, We’re back with another inspiring episode of the world’s longest running social entrepreneur podcast! 🎙️ This week, host Paul Zelizer sits down for an insightful conversation with Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr.—the dynamic founder, president, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ). If you want to learn about building impactful networks and lasting change for underrepresented entrepreneurs, this episode is a must-listen! **In This Episode:** 💼 **John’s Journey:** Raised in Trenton, NJ as one of seven siblings and the only college graduate, Dr. Harmon shares his path from banking and entrepreneurship to championing Black-owned businesses statewide. (Spoiler: his journey started with a seat at the table, not with the original idea!) 🌍 **Founding & Growing the Chamber:** Hear how Dr. Harmon grew a regional chamber into a state-wide powerhouse, now boasting around 850 members and two sizeable office spaces (including a newly-acquired 27,000 sq ft training center!). He reveals the strategic decisions and data-driven pivots that made it possible. 🤝 **The Power of Strategic Partnerships:** Dr. Harmon shares practical partnership advice for social entrepreneurs, including the importance of honest self-assessment (SWOT analysis) and assembling the right ecosystem to achieve lasting results. 📈 **Let the Data Guide You:** One of John’s key lessons—don’t let emotion or mere opinion steer your organization. Closely watch your data; let the numbers and real feedback tell you when it’s time to scale, shift, or innovate. 📚 **Resilience & Excellence:** Especially poignant for today’s climate: Dr. Harmon underscores the importance of resilience, integrity, and striving for excellence—especially for entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, who may face systemic barriers. 📖 **Power Moves – The Book:** Dr. Harmon’s new book, *Power Moves: The Life and Legacy of a Black Chamber Executive*, chronicles his journey of personal and professional transformation, offers practical wisdom, and celebrates the legacy of Black contributions to entrepreneurship. **Key Takeaways:** - Effective networking isn’t about who you know—it’s about who knows *you*. - Don’t work in silos: surround yourself with other excellence-driven entrepreneurs. - Always follow up with new connections and work with integrity. - Emotional energy can get you in the door, but it takes value and discipline to keep your seat. **Get Connected:** – Learn more about Dr. Harmon and the AACCNJ at [aaccnj.com](https://aaccnj.com) – Order *Power Moves* on Barnes & Noble or Amazon (links in the episode notes) If Dr. Harmon’s story sparked new ideas for you, please share this episode and help us amplify these vital conversations. Thank you for being part of a community that’s as passionate about impact and equity as we are here at Awarepreneurs. Stay inspired, The Awarepreneurs Team --- P.S. Feeling stuck in your impact business? Paul offers 90-minute strategy sessions to get you unstuck and moving forward. Details are in the show notes! --- *Want more stories like this? Make sure you’re subscribed to get our next episode right in your inbox!*

🧵 Tweet thread

1 / 1

🚀 Thread: Lessons in Black Business Leadership & Impact from Dr. John E. Harmon 🚀 1/ Meet Dr. John E. Harmon – Founder, President & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, tireless advocate, entrepreneur, and author of *Power Moves*. His journey is packed with lessons for anyone serious about business and social change.👇 2/ Raised in Trenton, NJ, John was the only one of seven siblings to finish college. He spent a decade in NYC banking and built his own transportation company, all while guided by faith and a deep commitment to service.✨ 3/ The spark? Lifting up the community. In 1997, John joined 20 others to found a local Black Chamber in Trenton—because in a city where over half the population was Black, economic opportunity still wasn’t accessible. 🤔 4/ Two years in, leadership stepped away and John “became president by default.” He dove deep: studying Booker T. Washington, learning from national chamber leaders, and putting his unique mark on the organization. 📝 5/ It wasn’t easy. Early challenges included unfair revenue-sharing deals draining 80% of funds and constant questions like, “Why do we need a Black Chamber?” John’s answer: Look at the data—Black businesses were underperforming due to lack of opportunity, not ability. 6/ His focus? Building partnerships. John’s tip: Do a SWOT analysis—know your strengths and gaps, then find partners to fill those holes. “You can’t be the best at everything. Build teams. Leverage relationships. Align on values.” 🤝 7/ Data-driven decisions changed the game. Membership began booming out of Trenton, so John grew the Chamber statewide—bringing in major players: utilities, universities, financial institutions. “We built an ecosystem for Black businesses to thrive.” 📈 8/ Today? 850+ members strong, 2 buildings, and recognized as the ONLY accredited Black Chamber with the US Chamber of Commerce. “We play at a whole new level—and it’s all about proving value, not emotion.”🏆 9/ His book *Power Moves* isn’t just his story—it’s a blueprint. Lessons on resilience after personal losses, tips for overcoming adversity, and proof that excellence (not just diversity) earns a permanent seat at the table. 10/ Key takeaways for every entrepreneur: - The data doesn’t lie—use it to spot new opportunities. - Excellence is non-negotiable. - A strong network multiplies your impact. - Integrity and follow-up matter more than business cards at a networking event. - Resilience, even after life’s toughest blows, is everything. 11/ Navigating tough times? “If you’re mediocre, you’ll struggle. Bring innovation, show value, avoid emotional distractions, and someone WILL take a shot on you.” Legendary advice from a leader who’s seen it all. 12/ Ready for more? Grab *Power Moves* or connect with the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ. Dr. Harmon’s story is proof: With faith, grit, and data, business can be a force for real, lasting change. 🌍 🧵 END #BlackBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #SocialImpact #BusinessGrowth #PowerMoves

❓ Questions

1 / 1

Absolutely! Here are 10 discussion questions based on this episode of Awarepreneurs with Dr. John E. Harmon: 1. **Dr. Harmon talked about the importance of data-driven decision making in expanding the Chamber of Commerce. How do you use data in your own business or organization to drive growth or change?** 2. **What are your thoughts on Dr. Harmon’s approach to partnerships, particularly his advice to perform a SWOT analysis to identify gaps before seeking partners? How might this look in your context?** 3. **Dr. Harmon describes challenges with forming and sustaining relationships with governmental figures and other organizations. What strategies have you found effective in building support across different stakeholders?** 4. **John discussed having to restructure a revenue-sharing relationship that was not serving his organization’s growth. Have you ever had to renegotiate or end a partnership? What led to that decision, and what did you learn?** 5. **Dr. Harmon emphasizes the value imperative—demonstrating that Black businesses bring real value, not just filling a quota. In what ways can minority-owned businesses best communicate their value to mainstream partners and clients?** 6. **The episode touches on excellence as a necessary trait for underrepresented entrepreneurs, especially in challenging times. What does "excellence" look like in your day-to-day work, and how do you maintain high standards under pressure?** 7. **Networking and relationship building are recurring themes. What’s the most impactful networking strategy you’ve implemented, and how has it benefited you or your organization?** 8. **Dr. Harmon shares that ‘no one is successful in a vacuum’ and stresses the need for strong networks. How do you cultivate networks that support both your business goals and your values?** 9. **Reflecting on Dr. Harmon’s personal and professional journey, including loss and resilience, how have personal experiences shaped your approach to business and leadership?** 10. **The episode highlights the importance of integrity and following through on commitments. Can you share an experience where integrity—yours or someone else’s—proved crucial in business?** These questions should spark conversation whether you’re in a business group, a classroom, or reflecting individually!

🪡 Threads by Instagram

1 / 1

1. “Success in business isn’t a solo act. As Dr. John E. Harmon shares, community, partnerships, and meaningful networking are the real power moves for sustainable growth. Surround yourself with collaborators, not competitors.” 2. “Don’t let emotions steer your business. Follow the data, embrace excellence, and stay focused on your mission. As John says, emotion gets you in the room, but only value and innovation keep you there.” 3. “Building something that lasts means creating ecosystems, not just organizations. Dr. John E. Harmon’s journey from local to statewide impact is a lesson in scaling networks and leveraging collective strength.” 4. “Adversity is inevitable, but resilience is a skill. Dr. Harmon reminds us: ‘No’ is just a step on the way to ‘yes’—reflect, adapt, and keep asking until your value is recognized and rewarded.” 5. “Integrity and intentionality set real leaders apart. In every meeting and partnership, show up prepared to contribute, listen, and follow through—your reputation is your most valuable asset.”

SEO Description Summary

1 / 1

In this Awarepreneurs episode, Dr. John E. Harmon shares his journey leading the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, building bridges for Black-owned businesses, and empowering entrepreneurs through partnerships, data-driven decisions, and resilience. Discover his actionable insights on business growth, networking, and his new book, “Power Moves.” Perfect for purpose-driven social entrepreneurs.

LinkedIn Thought Leader post

1 / 1

1. What does it take to build a truly impactful business—one that creates real change and stands the test of time? How can social entrepreneurs use data and partnerships for greater equity? If you’re serious about growing a mission-driven venture, these are the questions you can’t afford to ignore. On a recent episode of Awarepreneurs, host Paul Zelizer dove deep with Dr. John E. Harmon, CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. Dr. Harmon has spent nearly three decades bridging corporate, government, and entrepreneurial gaps for Black-owned businesses. One standout insight from Paul: “If you’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, you sometimes hear me joke about my spiritual highlighter… pay attention to what you’re actually seeing—not just your theories, but who’s showing up and the kind of input you’re getting from them.” Paul’s approach emphasizes actionable data, not wishful thinking. His tough questions cut through the noise to expose what really moves the needle for social impact leaders. Ready to level up your strategy? Listen to the full conversation for boots-on-the-ground wisdom from two leaders who know what it takes to build lasting, equity-focused enterprises. How do you use data to guide your social impact work? Drop your experiences below. 2. What makes a partnership truly transformative for mission-driven businesses? How do you know when it’s time to expand your reach—or change your approach? Paul Zelizer, founder of Awarepreneurs and one of the world’s leading thinkers in social entrepreneur strategy, recently unpacked these questions on his podcast with Dr. John E. Harmon. Their conversation was a masterclass in leveraging relationships and data for maximum impact. Paul pointed out: “Paying attention to the data—who’s actually joining, where they’re coming from—can reveal powerful opportunities you might otherwise miss. That’s how you create both positive impact *and* a thriving enterprise.” Paul consistently highlights the intersection of systems-change, practical strategy, and community. His interviewing sparks actionable insights, whether about optimizing partnerships, scaling impact, or investing in networks. Key takeaway: Effective social entrepreneurs are relentlessly curious about what’s really working, and aren’t afraid to pivot when the numbers point the way. How do you decide when to double down or change directions in your social impact business? Join the conversation and check out the full episode for more strategies you can use today.

Key takeaways

1 / 1

1. Partnerships and Data-Driven Growth Are Essential for Social Impact Dr. John E. Harmon emphasizes that social entrepreneurs must be intentional about forming partnerships and consistently analyze their own strengths, weaknesses, and gaps to maximize impact. He highlights how following the data—not just good intentions—led him to expand from a local to a statewide Black Chamber of Commerce, serving broader needs and creating greater opportunities. "You must always realize that you can't be all things to all people and you're definitely not the best at everything and find those folks that could contribute or hitch to your wagon to make it more effective... If you don't have the data to support it, you must always realize... pay attention to what's going on and not responding accordingly when you see or anticipate that things may be getting off course." 2. Building for Excellence and Value, Not Just Emotion Harmon advocates for setting aside emotion and focusing on excellence, value, and mutual benefit in business and advocacy. He explains that Black businesses must strategically position themselves as value creators, and that diversity, equity, and inclusion should be understood as a “value imperative” rather than simply a moral appeal. "For us, diversity, equity and inclusion is about a value imperative... You talk about Elon Musk today who's sending spacecraft up all over the place. He could not, nor could NASA send spacecraft up without the calculation of Katherine Johnson. So sometimes we have to come to these conversations, anticipating adverse perception and push back on them with a solution, with a level of innovation, a level of creativity that's going to be transformational. There's always room... for someone at the table that offers value. Emotion will get you in the room, but it will not retain your seat for long." 3. Integrity, Resilience, and Effective Networking as Keys to Long-Term Success Throughout his journey, Harmon stresses the necessity of resilient leadership in the face of setbacks, the power of consistently acting with integrity, and the effectiveness of intentional relationship-building. He shares practical advice for networking—like purposefully panning out at events and always following up—to foster connections that drive lasting social and economic change. "I can't overemphasize networking effectively... Your strategy should be that you pan out four corners of the room and you all gather notes or cards and then you come back together and then you discuss who you met with and cross pollinate or exchange information... And lastly, you got to operate with integrity because at the end of the day, your name is all you got and people will grow and respect you for being a man or woman of your word and your willingness to admit where you might have made a mistake, a step or just wrong. I think people will respect you more in the end."

Leading question

1 / 1

What if the true key to business growth—and transformational community impact—lies not in going it alone, but in the power of partnerships and a relentless focus on excellence? These are just a few of the provocative questions we explored with Dr. John E. Harmon on the latest Awarepreneurs podcast episode, hosted by our very own Paul Zelizer.

What is Castmagic?