We recently connected with Julius Tolbert and have shared our conversation below.
Julius , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Interestingly enough, I found my purpose by “becoming” the person I always needed. Growing up I had a rather unique set of circumstances that forced me to develop skills that I wouldn’t truly understand the importance until a lot later in life. It was a mixture of entrepreneurial prowess, compassion but also levels of abuse. Though I wouldn’t wish the abuse on others nor myself again, I don’t quite see my impact now being what it is today without it. Being the oldest cousin in a very tight group, when we were faced with the issues I found myself trying and wanting to protect them even though I was just as small as them and in the midst of my own battle. That sense of responsibility developed a mindset at a very young age of being resilient in the face of whatever the adversity is. As traumatic as that sounds, also during that time I was blessed to somewhat get out of that situation and I moved in with my grandparents. My grandfather very particularly was the “head” of entrepreneurship in our family and as long as I can remember most of my family has owned their own businesses because of it. My grandmother is where my peace came in. She was patient. She knew with the right amount of support and love that one day I would become something they all could be proud of. A few years later my grandfather passed before I really was able to make my mark in entrepreneurship, so in alot of ways I felt like I didn’t have that business coach to guide me through my journey of business. From that day, I decided to just jump out there and figure it out. Along the way I found my purpose of being a business coach by “becoming” the person I needed.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Some would consider me a serial entrepreneur, but in reality I’ve learned to turn the things I’m most passionate about into a business. The oldest active business we have is Cornbread Consulting Firm. It is South Carolina’s only hospitality small business support company. We are service nationwide. We help our clients get into the business, turn around struggling concepts, and expand through developing hospitality groups and franchises. It’s sister company is Tolbert Consulting Group. They very specifically focus on helping small business owners financially through personal credit repair, establishing business credit, obtaining business funding, and lastly crafting sales automation processes to scale your business. We have a 501 c6 non profit Black Economic Mobility Coalition. Our mission there is to remove the barriers to prosperity for small minority business owners to ensure they have an adequate opportunity. There are other interests I have that I hold an equitable stake in the company. Our latest project, a new restaurant concept Euphoria Kitchen + Cocktail Room is currently under construction set to open the spring of 2024.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think a few of the qualities and skills needed to become successful from my experience is:
1. Strong Sense of Self: there will be a lot of obstacles along the journey to the destination you set out for. You must really know yourself and have a high level of confidence in yourself to block out the noise from the naysayers. Anything “self” should be a focus and should be studied. Self Esteem. Self Confidence. Self Discipline.
2. Resilient: there is no such thing is a “loss”. there is only lessons. The only time you actually don’t have a chance is when you quit. The size of what you will be able to manifest will be directly connected to what you show you can manage.
3. Adaptability: Nothing will go as planned. That’s not to say a plan isn’t important cause it definitely is, but things will go off script. When it does, you need to be able to go with the flow. Don’t get distracted and keep your mind open for the opportunities. Be like water my friend.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We have some phenomenal opportunities to collaborate with what we are doing! We are in hot pursuit of passionate leaders willing to step up and lead in their community as we take each of these companies across the country and ultimately the world. If you would like more information and/or need any of our services, I can be reached through my Linktree: linktr.ee/tolbertconsults
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tolbertconsultinggroup.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tolbertconsults
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tolbertconsults
