Building Success with Relationships, Trust, and Leadership
My career path has taken me through sales, leadership in politics, and entrepreneurship, but the principles that guide me remain consistent: trust, relationships, and the courage to embrace failure. These are the cornerstones of success, whether managing a team, launching a business, or leading a community through a crisis.
Treat People Fairly and Like Family
One key philosophy that has always driven me is the belief that relationships are greater than money. When I first started in sales, it was clear that success didn’t come from closing a single deal but from fostering genuine, long-term connections with clients. Treating people fairly, like family, builds trust—and that trust is the foundation for everything.
This lesson carried over when I transitioned into politics. As a mayor during Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Matthew, I wasn’t just leading through policy—I was helping guide a community through moments of crisis. Trust and strong relationships with the community made the difference. People needed to know I cared, and social media became a way to keep them informed, safe, and connected in real time.
Work Hard and Let Go of Fear
Fear of failure holds many back, but failure is one of life’s greatest teachers. When I first ran for mayor, I lost by just 300 votes. That loss could have discouraged me, but instead, it gave me a renewed purpose to try harder and be better. I learned from it, adjusted my strategy, and ran again—this time winning by 51 votes. Success didn’t come from playing it safe; it came from taking calculated risks and working harder each time.
As an entrepreneur, I have taken that same mindset into building Magic Mile Media and Neuse News. My focus hasn’t just been on avoiding failure, but on pushing forward, even when it means changing the way I work or stepping outside my comfort zone. Today, Neuse News delivers local news for free to thousands of subscribers, and Magic Mile Media helps businesses grow through authentic, meaningful social media engagement.
Empower Others to Make Decisions
Empowering others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. Whether mentoring interns or managing my team at Magic Mile Media, I find that giving people the ability to make decisions solves problems and builds confidence. Trust is greater than skill—a philosophy shaping how I hire and work with others. I’d rather have someone I trust who’s willing to learn than someone with all the skills but no integrity.
In the end, leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about inspiring others, building trust, and solving problems by empowering your team.