We recently had the chance to connect with Troy Gathers and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Troy, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
In today’s world, many people struggle with the reality of what it takes to prosper in life. I believe everyone has God-given talent, I wholeheartedly believe this, but faith without work is dead. Far too many people want the lifestyle, access and attention they see others enjoying without putting in the work. The World is yours but you have to put in your reps. Get to working on yourself and your dreams. There’s joy on the otherside of whatever is holding you back.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for having me back to follow up on my journey. I truly appreciate the collaboration. I will give your readers my unapologetic thoughts in our follow-up.
My titles are meaningless without the man above, so I would like to give God all the praise before I begin.
Troy Gathers: Entrepreneur and Author, Atlanta, Georgia. Recently, I received recognition for publishing 10 books during my PhD studies. Alongside my writing projects, I also run multiple businesses in the Atlanta area.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I never took on stereotypes or opinons of others about myself. I’ve been a scholar my entire life and an independent thinker. When peers did try to define me, my response and work ethic has always confirmed my true identity. While I have consistently set goals, I was uncertain about how my academic prowess would yield tangible benefits in the future. Although I was always focused, I understood outside noise can hinder your goals, if you let it. I reject the notion that extreme confidence is a flaw, as this perspective often stems from insecurity. I have preserved my innate confidence and enthusiasm, enabling me to relish my business journey. The World told me I had to be great to be seen or heard.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Clarity. The rocky road taught me how to think clearly. Growing up, it was fairly hard. The environments I grew up in, could make you or break you. I was blessed to have two Grandparents that identified both roads that were options for me. While peer pressure was always present, so were the conversations with Grandma about the Lord. Mike Tyson said it best, “When you’re favored by God, you’re also favored by the devil. He’s coming for you too… You stay with who brought you here. You go home with the guy who brought you to the dance.”
In times of success, it’s easy to get brain fog and forget who brought us this far. My advice: Don’t let the lights blind you. On your journey, you’ll meet so many people that want to attach themselves to you for various reasons. Different people bring different experiences that serve your life in various areas. These connections may even elevate your life more than you’ve ever expected but never forget why they see the glow on your life. Keep God first.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I protect the values of morals, integrity and having respect at all costs. Growing up, I was taught by my Great-Grandmother and Grandmother that you must respect people both young and old. Always address your elders with “sir and ma’am.” This will always bring out the southerner in me. I’m very big on having respect for others. The person you are when no one is looking, is the secret to your success. In business and life, people can feel your energy and intentions over time, if not instantly. I pride myself in genuinely supporting others and collaborating without hidden agendas. Although I loved people for free, it has definitely cost me. I don’t want to paint a perfect picture or anything, because being the person with integrity comes with alot of lessons. If you’re coming from the heart, it will all work out for you though.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Great question. I’m going to be long-winded on this one. People will most misunderstand my confidence. Honestly, I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what I’ve been called to do. 10 books and a PhD may be overwhelming to some but I have another book project, 2 movies and a cartoon I plan on releasing shortly after. All throughout my life, I’ve received confirmations and spoke highly on my path but I truly believe, I haven’t seen anything yet. Of course I appreciate my journey and celebrate the moment but I know it’s more to come. People will misunderstand this about me. I’m very fortunate and I dont waste talents that I’ve been blessed with. God is simply qualifying me at the moment. I don’t see myself as accomplished. My Grandmother always told me, I could be anything I put my mind to. I believed her and I’m striving to be all I could possibly be. One way I ensured my path was clear, was by practicing selflessness. I don’t just walk through doors, I open them for others. In the beginning, I didn’t feel appreciated, really, but those blessings have returned 10 fold once I found fertile ground. Overall, my goal is to provide value, not avoid being misunderstood. Some people may never fully comprehend my mission, but that’s not of my concern. If I continue adding value and supporting others, my legacy will endure. Every book I’ve ever published, there’s a deceased family member I dedicated it to. Everyting I do, I give all glory to God. My PhD, will be dedicated to my entire family. The fight was never to glorify myself it was to change the scope of what we could accomplish if we just believed in one another, support each other. People will only misunderstand me until they do their research. My entire journey is documented. In closing, I want to say Rest in Peace to my cousin Angel Terse Capers who was taken from our family far too soon. Angel, you will be missed. If there’s one thing I want people to understand about me is, it’s never all about me. It’s about God using me. – Future Dr. Troy Gathers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.troygathers.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtroygathers
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