CultureFWD: Confessions of a Biracial Brand
What does it mean to build a biracial brand and how does cross culture collaboration impact each and every one of us?
These were the two biggest questions driving the conversation at our latest #CultureFWD21 event, featuring musical performance and affirmations by Michael Seven of Royal By Design, and keynote speakers Natashee Scott and Andrea Mac, Growth Strategists and Partners at Prequal.
As we rebuild post-pandemic, learning how we can effectively work together is of utmost importance, not to mention finding ways to stay positive in a world that will undoubtedly bring challenges our way.
Here’s the recap of our latest event, including key takeaways, talking points, and notes on how you can connect with us to make sure you don’t miss out on future events!
Opening: LIVE! Musical Performance & Affirmations with Michael Seven, Founder of Royal By Design
Improving your mentality can change your entire life. In the event’s opener, Michael Seven (aka Michael Robinson), Founder of Royal By Design, talked about building his business and the message behind the butterfly—rebirth and hope.
Michael opened up about a job change he experienced during the pandemic, and how this shift in his professional life catapulted him on a journey of self-love and self-discovery. He also shared affirmations of hope and even performed one live!
Michael Seven is focused on manifestation, positive affirmations, and the power of thought, Michael is a living example of putting good out in the world to receive positivity and goodness in return. Michael recently went viral with his Instagram post sharing an affirmation about 'Energy', and the power of what's already inside of you to create what you need (full truth...we saw the video and we were blown away, so naturally we 'lightly stalked' him to join us to share his magic and energy with the #FWDFamily). Michael is a 33-year-old music artist/entrepreneur/father from Louisville, Kentucky and the owner of Royal By Design and 369 Media.
Notable Quotes:
“We love to incorporate positivity and we love to incorporate a great message into something that we do every day. It’s a better way to express yourself and express your individuality through clothing.” - Michael Seven
"The main thing I learned from studying, reading, and research is your mentality—how you approach things, how you approach life. So I really started looking into mental health, and spiritual health, and physical health and repair the state of mind I was in to be able to handle certain challenges." - Michael Seven
“You have the ability to be the best version of yourself. There are no obstacles we can’t tackle, [and] no adversity we can’t overcome.” - Michael Seven
“Everybody has gifts and talents and everybody has the potential to be great. Find that, and bring that to the surface so that you can lead the life you want to lead.” - Michael Seven
Key Takeaways:
You have the power to make an active change in your life and overcome adversity.
You can’t let your setbacks define you or keep you stuck in place.
Everyone has gifts and it’s important to embrace the unique gifts that you have.
Keynote: Confessions of a Biracial Brand, with Natashee Scott & Andrea Mac of Prequal
What is the value of a biracial brand? What are the challenges? In the main event of the night, Natashee Scott & Andrea Mac, Partners at Prequal, talk about some of the obstacles, lessons, and positives in launching and building a biracial brand.
Natashee Scott, Esq. is a Partner and Growth Strategist at Prequal. She has a reputation, and record, of simplifying the complex, strategically connecting the dots, and crushing goals. She applies these skills to working with her clients to drive transformations of all kinds.
Before joining Prequal, Natashee was the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at the North American Center for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response. Prior to that, Natashee was both the Senior Advisor and Chief Legal Counsel to Chicago City Clerk Anna M. Valencia and Legal Counsel at the Chicago Park District. Before her government career, Natashee worked in the private sector for 15 years. She developed substantial expertise in corporate formation and restructuring, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and providing legal counsel to clients ranging from small business owners to large corporations.
Andrea Mac is an accomplished growth strategist and Partner at Prequal. She is known for being ambidextrous in her fusion of creativity and business acumen, with a proven track record of helping firms attract and retain clients through Marketing, Business Development, and Client Experience Programs most notably in the professional services field. Her work has been covered by Inc Magazine, Forbes, Crain’s, MarketingProfs.com, The ABA Journal, The National Law Journal, and various industry publications.
She has a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy from Dominican University and is certified in Design Thinking methodology, both of which come in handy while trying to parent her four children. She is a reader, a writer, and obsessed with podcasts.
Notable Quotes:
“Your business is your identity, and as a Partner in a biracial brand/biracial business, now I have a different responsibility.” — Andrea Mac
“Black people are used to being in white spaces, but white people are not always used to being in black spaces.” — Michael Donnelly
"You know it all, you have the information — just say it!" — Natashee Scott
“You’re representing all black people when you walk into a room filled with people who don’t look like you. She [Andrea] helped me work through that and I got comfortable being in those spaces, and standing up for myself, and removing those stereotypes that are often associated with Black women.” — Natashee Scott
Key Takeaways:
It is incredibly important to have open and honest conversations, and to create spaces where people feel comfortable discussing the value of a diverse and inclusive brand, business, or workspace.
You have a responsibility for and an ownership of whatever you create or participate in.
Creating a diverse space—professional or personal—often incorporates a shift in identity that is incredibly valuable for true inclusivity.
Let’s Get Connected:
Did you miss the CultureFWD21 event? Bummer. But, good news! You don’t have to miss future events! Click here to stay updated on our happenings and subscribe to become a part of our #FWDFamily and get the inside track on what we’re talking about, hosting, and building!
