Feature #117: Walter John Whitehead, Managing Partner

Name: Walter John Whitehead 

Current Job Position Title: Managing Partner 

Company Name: A.J. Baron Capital 

Contact Information:  Direct: (424) 666.7621 | walter@ajbaroncapital.com 

Special skills: 

Investment Banking, Business Valuation, Exit Planning, Wealth Management

Describe your job story: 

I always wanted to work on Wall Street. I was granted several internship opportunities while in undergrad that gave me priceless work experience and beefed up my resume. Upon graduation, I landed a Job with J.P. Morgan. After several years I decided to launch A.J. Baron Capital, a boutique M&A Advisory firm. 

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 

I always wanted to be an Investment Banker. 

Are you doing your dream job? 

I am so blessed to say, yes I am. 

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 
I like the quantitative and artistic aspects of what I do, the sophisticated financial modeling and the creative deal structuring involved in each transaction - the mental stimulation on both the left and right brain hemispheres. What I like least is the traveling.  

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

In 5 years, I see myself more developed spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and much further along in my career. 

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

Yes, I truly am happy with where I am in life and in where I am going. 

What more do you want to do with your life? 

I also want to make significant monetary donations to and bring a greater awareness to the Junior Achievement of Southern California programs 

http://www.jasocal.org/. I would love for their impact in my community to be greater and more substantive. 

What drives/motivates you?

Love. Love for my Lady, my immediate and extended family. Love for financial independence and financial freedom. Love for seeing my community thrive. 

What else do you do? 

I also own minority interests in a few Private Equity firms with diverse investment strategies across different asset classes from ATMs to Financing Films. I am also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. I volunteer with my alumni chapter's Guide Right Program - where we mentor male high school students and ensure they get in and graduate from College.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope? 

Frederick Douglas once said, "without struggle there is no progress". Stay focused and continue giving everything you have toward your efforts, you will eventually reap what you are sowing. 

IT IS JUST TIME | READING MY BIBLE AGAIN

When you go days, weeks, or months without reading the Bible, you feel somewhat empty. Just as your stomach would gradually feel void as the food travels and digests, the same goes with your spirit. Your spirit will feed off scriptural leftovers that have been acquired over time, but eventually, it will get back hungry too. I know how it feels to be spiritually hungry—to desire for gaps of diverse kinds to get filled. I have gone without truly feasting on the holy word and snacked on scriptures, instead. God’s word has great impact and can break the broadest borders with just one word, but I have learned that it is more essential to feast on God’s word daily. We need more than just one word to get us through this life.

When we study the Holy Bible, we experience a sense of fulfillment and rejuvenation. Whether felt at the moment of reading or moments later, we are recharged and amped-up for whatever may come. If they be trials or tribulations, we will become ready for spiritual combat without fear. While reading the Bible, we are instantly reminded of our purpose for dwelling on earth. We are reminded that when we stay connected to Jesus Christ, we can conquer anything and do all things through Him. We are reminded to keep the faith, no matter what is going on in the world. We are challenged in the deepest ways to get over our emotions and trust God, anyhow.

I just got to a lazy point where I didn’t read many scriptures within a day. I am without any other excuse. I was just lazy. Despite my slothfulness, I did not feel as if I was disconnected to God. I still felt His love and seen His mercy on me. However, I felt my inspiration wane. I noticed a fading away of my patience, tolerance, and kindness. I became snappier while driving. I separated myself from the people who genuinely loved me. I justified my reasoning for wanting to be to myself. I made excuses for not calling certain people back. I did not often get on my knees or lay prostrate before our Heavenly Father on a daily basis. My focus was skewed and my spirit was starving. I was hungry. Not for tangible food, though. I was famished for the living word.

As a result of my pulling away from reading God’s word, I sought solace in other things. I turned to social media, other people’s opinions, and my own solutions to solve problems. Yes, I prayed, but lightly. Have you ever prayed quick, short prayers that you could barely remember? I call those light prayers. The kind you say at bedtime because you’re too tired to pray. The kind that you say when you are saying grace while your mouth is drooling. Short and sweet prayers are just as meaningful, but not when they are rushed and lax. The word tells us that the “effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much” (James 5:16). Our words must be heartfelt when we go to the Father. We must not rush when speaking to Him. If anything, we ought to humble ourselves before Him, for He is holy. We must pray with an open heart and mind, ready.

Overall, I am grateful that the Lord blessed me with conviction. He chastises the ones He loves. When we get off-kilter or out-of-whack with Him, He reminds us in the way we think and feel that something is not right. So, I have decided not to be so distant anymore. The Lord mentioned that in the last days, there would be a great falling away. People will become lovers of themselves rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:2). Before it’s too late, I will continue to “cling to the old rugged cross,” as the classic hymn says. I will draw night to God, so that He will draw nigh to me.

My heart yearns and begs to be massaged with more wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Why resist His word when I can maintain an edified spirit? Why read scriptural crumbs when my spiritual belly could be overstuffed with the fruits of the spirit? I desire to enter the Lord’s beautiful, pearly, heavenly gates. Therefore, I must read. I must “study to show myself approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). I desire for Him to lead me in His way, not my own. So, social media will have to go for a while. Technology will have to go for a while. Personal desires will have to go for a while. Fun and games will have to go for a while. It’s time to get back on track. My spiritual stomach is growling. It’s empty now. It’s time to reboot and revitalize. It is just time.

Feature #116: Gianna Brown, Managing Partner

Name:  Gianna Brown 

Current Job Position Title:  Managing Partner

Company Name: Gemuity

Contact Information: giannabrown@gmail.com

Special skills: Dream developer, wealth strategist, business expansion, and teen mentor.

 Describe your job story: 

I started working at 12 by babysitting and doing hair . I made flyers and eventually turned my mom's garage into a salon. These two trades funded my extracurricular activities, such as cheer leading. By 18, these two ventures had amassed about $50,000. If only I had a money coach back then, I would probably be a millionaire two times over. After Spelman, I worked for Kaplan and then transitioned back to entrepreneurship. I then taught for a few years hoping to sew global business into the minds of such amazing teens. I transitioned from this field to entrepreneurship again when health challenges impacted my  mom, dad and grandmother all in a 12 month period. I became even more dedicated to my mission and to helping other build a legacy. Now, I am in the process of opening 10 offices across the United States and in Puerto Rico. It's exhilarating and I know my future kids and generations thereafter will be iin a great situation

 What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 
Since the younger portion of my years was in Valdosta, GA, I attended primary school with people from all over the world. Moody Air force Base was just 10 minutes from my home. So when I started my first business at 12, doing childcare, I would proclaim, " I want to be an international business woman." That goal had superseded the other goal of being a pediatrician. 

 Are doing your dream job? 

Yes, I am building my dream empire.
 

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?  

The least favorite part of owning my very own firm is moreso with the procrastination of clients. We see peoples lives change in a millisecond everyday so when people forfeit now and replace it with later, it can be quite catastrophic. 

 Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?  

Firms in 10 different states including Puerto Rico. A global mogul that has partnered with other professionals to genuinely elevate, educate and empower over 1,000,000 individuals and families.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

Yes, I am happy, but I am not content. Content is the adversary to growth and the best friend to mediocrity. Having the ability to awake each day and doing God's will is the source of my unwavering happiness.

What more do you want to do with your life?  

Well, that would be a novel as I have laid out the next 30 years of my life....but at the end I want my future grand kids to say....because of Grandma or GiGi....we can. The world is our oyster. It's all about preparing the path for the kids I've yet to bear and their kids. It's all about the legacy.

What drives/motivates you? 

The sacrifices and lives before me, the present ones I see that are older and younger than me....the ability to look at the transitions of generation,,,so the fights can not be in vain and so the future generations success doesn't hinge upon getting funding for their dreams, but having it readily accessible where they don't have to ask anyone for a job but are the creators of jobs.

What else do you do? 

I speak at schools and colleges. I travel. I garden. I dance salsa. I organize events, like the Educators' Wealth Summit on June 4th.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope? 

Create your own business; employ yourself and write off the process. 

FRUITS AND SEEDS | LEARNING TO TRUST GOD IN FULL FORM

You know that snatchy feeling you have within your stomach when your secret crush walks into your same room? Or the sudden rush of excitement you feel when someone says that they have a surprise for you? What about when you’re sitting in a restaurant starving and you see the waiter walking your way with the food you ordered in hand? That’s how it feels when Jesus gives me inspiration.

Right now, at this very moment, he just gave me a word. He gave me words of assurance and reassurance all at once. He just told me what will change my perspective forever. The Holy Spirit has just comforted me regarding my future and now I can truly put my works to work. God just told me,

Not only will I bless your fruit, but I will bless the seeds within your fruit.

For the longest time, I have aspired to be a full-time editor and author and am praying and hoping that this desire comes to pass. I am faithful, but the thought of being an entrepreneur is extremely daunting. To some, it is doable. There are no worries of a supervisor monitoring your time. No one to report to, other than oneself. There aren’t too many rules other than one’s own. To others, it is impossible. There seems to be no possible way to survive without a W-2 tax form for employees. Well, I am a part of another group—a group that aspires to go beyond the norm and actually put my faith to action.

Outside of dreaming, I am using the creativity that God has given me and I am devising a plan to exit being an employee for the rest of my life. The Lord has allowed me to have this desire for a long time and I will do my best to achieve it.

It is best to move silently and remain humble, no matter what. Although I am filled with rich determination and perseverance, I will do what my Heavenly Father says which is,

“BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, WITH THANKSGIVING, LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD; AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS” (PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7).

I am learning the wisdom in silence and the power of praying in secret (Matthew 6:6). There is nothing too hard for God to handle and I trust that no matter which route I take that He will use me to my fullest capacity and forge me in the direction of His success and prosperity.

God Blesses Your Fruit

I have seen the Lord bless the works of my hands. He does it every day. When I work with writers and show them the route to publication, I can feel His presence in everything that do. There is never a meeting that I have where He is not present. Each writer feels the love of God in my work and I consider this an anointing. I am fully dependent on the Lord when I edit books and consult with aspiring authors. After each book is published, I know that it was by God’s grace that was completed. Because I include the Lord in everything that I do, He blesses me. I cannot meet anyone without thanking Him for the opportunity. I cannot get an increase in any aspect unless I give reverence to Him.

God Blesses Your Seeds

The Lord blesses my seeds in that every idea that I develop is so profound that I will be nearly bursting at the seams with perplexity. I am always in awe of what the Lord shares with me. Many times, I have to jot them down because the ideas flow heavily. Our God is so abundant in what He gives. Simply think of anything that is created. Everything that the Lord created is able to reproduce. Whether plant, animal, or mammal, it is able to produce more. He blesses the living as well as the indweller. He will bless your outer being as well as your spirit. He will bless your works as well as the ideas that are provoked.

Once you learn the amazing power of believing and trusting in Jesus Christ, you will be able to put your faith to action. Know that He created you with your best interests at heart and you will always be fruitful and able to multiply every good thing that you do. Think of a something that you want to accomplish, pray for the ability to get it done, wait for the Lord to direct your spirit, then GO!

A Book for Starving, Hungry Souls | Now Available As Audiobook

So...I am super excited to announce that my book, Midnight Snacks for the Hungry Soul, is now available on audible.com!!! Now, I have to warn you: the book is EXTREMELY filling and soothing. I was very careful with selecting the best and most calming narrator and I was very blessed to have Stephanie L. to work for me.

My book is a little over 1 hour and is perfect for listening on-the-go, in the car, while working out, or going to bed. You can listen to it anytime and anywhere. I highly recommend AFTER MIDNIGHT.

For a limited time, Midnight Snacks for the Hungry Soul, is F-R-E-E. Zero dollars.

In 3 easy steps, simply
1. Go to audible.com.
2. Search "Midnight Snacks" to find my book or CLICK HERE.
3. Get your copy for FREE!

Enjoy and thanks for following my blog! Your reviews are welcomed. Please comment directly on this site.

Midnight Snacks for the Hungry Soul is also available on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and thebrownorangebooks.com.

Put Some Soap in Your Mouth | 6 Keys to Taming the Tongue

For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. - James 3:7-8

I have said some nasty things. I have hurt other people’s feelings. I have had regrets. I have held grudges and blurted out whatever I felt after letting it boil for a time. I have been devious. I have been unkind. I have said many things that I wished I’d never said. Truly, it is God’s grace and mercy that has followed me all the days of my life. Because of His gracious will to forgive me freely, I have time to improve my behavior and move forward.

We all have had times when we don’t want to hold back our words for fear of hurting someone’s pride or feelings. Sometimes, it’s that last word that would perfect the argument or the small, yet piercing comment that would shut the entire conversation down. But is it really worth it? Is your time really worth arguing or fighting over anything? Does it matter who gets the last word or says the most mean comment?

God did not create us to bicker or fight or have wars with one another. Our purpose for being created is to serve and worship Him through His son, Jesus Christ. Our purpose for being planted on this earth is to walk in our own purpose to carry out any assignments that He gives us. Our purpose for being created is to live holy. There is nothing righteous about spitting out harsh comments at one another. We were born to serve and do everything for the glory of God, not be ugly, as my grandmother would say.

So how do we fix ourselves? How to we refresh everything we have done and make it better. After a fresh, hot, and “ratchet” argument, what then? Do we continue to sit and bake in our anger and frustration? It is only human to be upset, but the Lord outlines in the Holy Bible several things to keep in mind:

1. Be angry and sin not (Ephesians 4:26).

Just because we are upset does not give us permission to react in a mean way.

2. Speak with a soft answer (Proverbs 15:1).

As some people say, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.”

3. He [God] gave us a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

Self-control comes from the Lord. He did not create us to be reckless.

4. We must be dead to sin and alive in Christ (Romans 6:11).

Saying and doing evil things should not be a part of our everyday living.

5. Do not repay anyone evil for evil (Romans 12:17).

Although some people can be unkind, we must not give place to the devil and be the same.

6. Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

There are more scriptures to fit controlling one’s anger and being careful with the words we say. Our Lord is forgiving but He commands us to be obedient to His will. I struggle sometimes with offense, but I am always practicing after righteousness. I yearn to do better for my life and if I keep falling, I fight that much harder to do better.

Jesus knows our struggles more than anyone else, which is why He is merciful. He knows that we are fragile; however, He gave us precepts to follow. Because He implanted within all of us a sound mind, we have the ability to humble ourselves and be obedient to His commandments. Many times, pride will stop us from living within His will. We get annoyed with God when we have to change. If you’re like me, sometimes I ask, Well how come ____ doesn’t have to change? I focus on what the other person isn’t doing. That is a distraction. We must lower our pride and not “think higher of ourselves than we ought to think” (Romans 12:3). We all have to stand before the Lord on judgment day. Nevertheless, we must focus on our own path and obey the Lord’s instructions.

Our tongues are tiny, but can drive our lives up- or downhill. What we say, we tend to attract. The Bible says that no man can tame the tongue (James 3:8), but guess what? God can.

“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”

One Last Time to Be LATE!

It took me one final time to be late...AGAIN! I learned yesterday that time truly is of the essence and if I kept going the route that I was going, I will miss out on the most significant things, whatever they may be.

I was asked to be a featured panelist at my alma mater and I was excited! Couldn't wait! I shared the opportunity with family and friends and began to mentally prepare what I would present to the future audience. I listened to good music, spent time in meditation, all while sending my correspondent the necessary information to include within the agenda and media. I was ready! Beyond my excitement, I didn't know what I would face. I didn't know that I would be so majorly disappointed in myself that my life would change forever.

All my life, I've been pretty much late to everything. Unless someone else was the driver, I was late. Now that I have my own car, it has been worse getting a handle on my time. It began in childhood. I used to live right next-door to my elementary school, but was late every day. My teacher even mentioned, "Neely, you live two houses down from the school and you are late every day." I couldn't help it, I thought. I'm always late. It's ingrained in me.

As time progressed all the way through grad school, I realized that I also had a bad habit of procrastinating. I bragged to friends and others about how I "work better at the last minute" when really, I just had a bad habit of not valuing time. I would know well in advance about particular assignments and still wait until a day before or day of to complete them. Sometimes, I would work on assignments up until class had started and ended up being late for completing late work. My bad habit was consuming me. I worked hard and passed all classes, but I created a stressful experience all due to untimeliness and straight-up lateness. It made me want to rebel against being on time for anything.

The more time passed, the more opportunities came and stalled. Skill sets clashed with my procrastination and I would have all types of projects and goals unfinished. Lateness was plaguing my life. Now that I think of it, I have many tasks that I have not completed because of my problem. But all that was fixed yesterday.

Yesterday was the day of the amazing and wonderful panel discussion and I was stuck in traffic. 

The event began at 6:00pm sharp and I was still swirling and twirling in the streets looking for a parking ticket. I was on the college campus and students flooded the sidewalks. I cringed as I approached the unnerving stops signs, bitter that they had to to cross the street and I could not go around them. I was running way behind and they were in the way.

I darted my eyes at the clock on dashboard. Almost 6:35. I was livid. I hated myself for showing up and I wanted to speed back home and wrapped myself with covers and dissolve in guilt. But I managed to find parking and walked what felt like half a mile toward the building where the event was held. I clutched my book and notes with weak confidence and held my head high enough to see where I was going. Once I got inside, I wanted to turn around and go back out the door.

There was no way that I could be this late, I thought. I am way too late. 

I entered the room and eyes turned to me. The panelists were all lined up onstage, the presenter was speaking, the camera was rolling, and the other camera was flashing. I found a seat at a table in the back and sat quietly...

....I listened to the speakers speak...

...could barely look at them...

...I spotted an empty seat beside one of the panelists....

...that was my seat.

But I was too late.

I felt so much pain. I showed up 45 minutes after it had gotten started. I was much too late to scramble toward the panel to join everyone. I sat in the back feeling defeated. I wrote notes from the speakers. I wrote notes to myself. I felt like a failure. But that was the last day that lateness would be mys excuse. No more will I jack up an opportunity that is presented to me. I will be more humble and timely, moving forward. I promise to no longer struggle with procrastination or lateness. I dare myself to change forever, for that moment in time was earth-shattering for me. I learned yesterday that sometimes you have to learn the hard way. Sometimes you have to show up so late that you have to sit in the audience when you're really supposed to be sitting on the panel.