We recently connected with Denzel Allen and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Denzel with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values instilled by my hardworking parents. They were raised in the Deep South (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) and as first-generation college grads, they achieved success in both corporate America and entrepreneurship. Their dedication to being disciplined in the areas that were of importance to them taught me the importance of hard work and to appreciate every moment of life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey is a blend of professional ambition and personal fulfillment, shaped by the unwavering support of my loving family and my passion for health and community engagement.
In my day job, I’m an executive director for a Fortune 100 company where I manage a global team within the financial services industry. Some of the most valuable lessons I have learned include the importance of building strong relationships and the trust of colleagues, as well as being open to feedback and leveraging the expertise of those around me. I’ve strived to embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with leadership.
Also, balancing this role with being a husband and a dad to energetic twin toddlers keeps me grounded and reminds me daily of the importance of time management and prioritization. Beyond my day job, I’ve found joy in community involvement through several avenues, including volunteerism, mentoring, and founding a run club, Generations In Motion.
My run club, Generations In Motion, inspires new and seasoned runners to further develop their love for running in a space that is supportive and avails the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from all walks of life.
Running has always been more than just exercise for me—it’s a way to connect with others, promote physical well-being, and push my own limits. Whether it’s competing in triathlons, marathons, or simply hitting the pavement with friends and family, every step is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the rewards of living an active lifestyle.
Volunteering has availed me the opportunity to give back in so many meaningful ways, from serving on regional boards that advocate for early-career professionals to advocating for colleagues with disabilities, to 1:1 mentorship and coaching others as they journey down their own paths to success
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey is dispelling stereotypes and proving that success knows no boundaries. Whether it’s in the boardroom or on the racecourse, I strive to show others that you don’t have to fit a certain mold to achieve your goals or pursue your passions.
Ultimately, my story is about embracing every moment, finding joy in the journey, and inspiring others to do the same.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Build and invest in meaningful relationships – Building strong relationships and earning the trust and respect of others is essential for both personal and career growth. Develop interpersonal skills, take the time to listen/learn from others, and cultivate a network of support that will help you navigate your journey and overcome obstacles.
2. Be authentic and true to yourself – leading with integrity, transparency, and vulnerability.Embrace your true self instead of conforming to stereotypes has allowed me to connect more deeply with my family and colleagues.
3. Embrace challenges – View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning rather than obstacles to success.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Book: Outliers By Malcolm Gladwell
Outliers was a major impact on my development. The author does a phenomenal job discussing how larger-than-life figures were able to accomplish success through effort and opportunity. The book provides so many valuable lessons on the influence of external factors on individual achievement, the nature of success, and the importance of perseverance. It helped me cultivate a mindset of embracing challenges, and understanding that success is not solely determined based on an innate talent but by consistent effort and practice over time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @atlzel (Personal); @generation.in.motion (run club)
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denzelallen/
Image Credits
Jerayle Franklin
