Tuesday, March 19, 2024

TONI THORNE: A three-step formula for success

Date:

Share post:

THIS PAST WEEK, I had the honour of being invited and attending the Forbes Under 30 Summit in Boston. It was touted as the gathering of the world’s most progressive millenials and I was happy to be carrying the Caribbean flag at this three-day event.

Over the three days we had a star-studded list of teachers from Deepak Chopra to Olympic champion in the pool, Michael Phelps. Once I started posting the activities on social media, many persons started asking that I at least write a column on all the “wisdom” I was receiving.

Chopra held a meditation session which required each person to ask themselves three questions throughout life. Chrissy Teigen, the successful model and author, who also happens to be married to John Legend, spoke about turning fame into action and impact – addressing her habits of getting into Twitter feuds with other celebrities, why she was vocal about Donald Trump never becoming president, and how being bigger than the average swimsuit model worked in her favour.

Listening and meeting the founder of Black Lives Matter, Duray, was extremely thought-provoking. There were two lessons that I took away from him. Firstly, even when you create a global movement, you would not be able to please everyone. Secondly, just because you create a global movement, does not make you a “gazzillionaire”. In many instances, impact does not immediately translate to dollar signs.

It was inspiring to hear both Bobby Flay (who never spent a day in culinary school) and Richard Branson (who struggled with dyslexia as a child) make the best of their circumstances to achieve the massive success they enjoy today. Not without struggles, Branson chuckled when he stated that the best advice he ever got was to “Sue the b*stards!”. Bobby Flay stated that despite many offers: go public, he is still (after 25 years) satisfied having one business partner with whom he shares all major decisions. That business partner is his best friend. Flay spoke extensively about  being able to trust partners and not taking all the offers made.

Phelps and Maria Sharapova both spoke of how they were able to rise from their personal turmoils and challenges which were played out on an international stage for the world to see. I do not think that Sharapova is missing tennis at all. Her candy business is out-performing predictions and business targets.

Actress-turned-mogul, Jennifer Alba, who heads her billion-dollar company, urged female entrepreneurs to own up and show up and never be afraid to take the credit for their hard work.

It was amazing to hear all these inspiring stories and I am continually grateful to be in such a space of excellence. As life would have it, upon reflection I believe that the best advice I got during my stay in Boston was neither from the greatest Olympic athlete nor the English billionaire who wants to take us to the moon. The greatest advice I received was from a born and bred Barbadian, my uncle Andrew. While driving to the summit, I asked my uncle what is the greatest advice he has received. The father of two boys, and a partner at PWC Boston, said three things which I would like to share.

Firstly, we can seek answers from all kinds of people for the “formulas of success”. The main formula for success is simple and it is hard work. The issue is that unfortunately, many of us do not want to work hard.

Secondly, be resilient. Nothing is handed on a platter. People will say no to you. However, as Eleanor Roosevelt said: “Never allow someone who does not have the power to tell you ‘yes’ to tell you ‘no’”.

Thirdly, always ask for what you want. If you want a raise, ask for it. If you want a job, ask for it.

Go forward, be successful and have a great week. The next column will be written from Haiti. Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers.

Toni Thorne is a young entrepreneur and World Economic Forum Global Shaper who loves global youth culture, a great debate and living in paradise. Email: Tonithorne@hotmail.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related articles

PM announces 15 strategies to grow economy

15 Strategies to grow the economy as announced by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley in the 2024/25 Financial...

PM: Barbados’ economy on the right track

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says the Barbados economy is on the right trajectory. Delivering the 2024/25 Financial Statement...

Road fatality on East Coast Road

Police are on the scene of a road fatality that occurred on East Coast Road, St. Andrew about...

No new taxes

There will be no new taxes in the 2024/25 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals. That was one of the...