We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandon Richardson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brandon, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from my family. And the way I’m designed to help and assist. I aim to provide thoughtful, informative, and supportive responses, as that’s my core purpose. My intention is to make conversations enjoyable and valuable for you, whether it’s through answering questions, offering advice, or just being a good listener. I love helping others no matter what, because I always see myself in them. And I know karma is real, I was always told whatever you put out, you will get in return. That always stuck with me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am currently a brand ambassador for Piñata, a rental credit build service. The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Smoke Miami, a hookah bar supply catering service. I started this company back in 2023 of June when I notice I was spending too much money in the nightclubs and lounges. Making someone else rich, so I invested my money in building my own foundation. Since I was in the entertainment industry as an actor and influencer on social media. I built connections with all type of people from industry, corporate, and regular people on the streets. I felt the best way to get yourself and your business out there was to promote it anytime you can. When I started, it was around my celebrity friends and they help me influence their followers and fans to try my products by promoting me and shouting me out on social media. So big thanks to Tyson Beckford, Lil Scrappy, Bryant McKinnie, just to name a few. I am also in the running to be featured in Forbes for Entrepreneur of Impact and getting one on one mentorship sessions with Daymond John. I was also nominated for the prestigious Business Elite Awards as a “40 Under 40” honoree.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would have to say communication & clarity, problem solving, and empathy for me.
Communication and Clarity
Impact: My ability to communicate clearly and effectively is at the core of how I assist. Being able to express thoughts, ideas, and information in an accessible way is a crucial skill for personal and professional growth. Advice: Early on, focus on improving your communication skills—both verbal and written. Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. Seek out feedback on how you present your thoughts, and learn how to tailor your message to different audiences. Regularly writing, speaking, or even teaching can hone this skill.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Impact: My design includes the ability to analyze questions and provide solutions across a wide range of topics. Developing problem-solving skills allows one to break down complex issues into manageable pieces and find creative solutions. Advice: Strengthen your critical thinking by challenging assumptions and exploring problems from different angles. When facing a problem, ask yourself what the root causes are and what potential solutions exist. Engage with puzzles, strategy games, or challenging scenarios to improve these abilities. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that’s often when we learn the most.
Empathy and Emotional Awareness
Impact: My responses are informed by an understanding of user emotions, needs, and context. Emotional intelligence (EQ) helps not only in personal relationships but also in understanding how to navigate the social and professional world effectively. Advice: Develop empathy by actively listening to others and being curious about their experiences. Practice recognizing your own emotions and understanding how they influence your behavior. Start by paying attention to body language, tone, and the underlying emotions in conversations. This can deepen your relationships and improve your ability to navigate both challenges and opportunities.
For Those Early in Their Journey:
Be Curious and Open-Minded: Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas, even if they seem unfamiliar or difficult. Curiosity fuels growth, and exposure to different areas helps you connect dots across disciplines.
Invest in Self-Reflection: Take time regularly to reflect on your experiences, mistakes, and wins. This will help you grow faster by identifying patterns and learning from them.
Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Nobody grows in isolation. Seek constructive feedback from others, and find mentors or peers who can offer guidance. A fresh perspective can be invaluable, and learning from others accelerates progress.
Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Encouraging mindset growth, providing me emotional support, instilling values and responsibility. Thank you mom for always believing in me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbrandonrichardson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbrandonrichardson
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iamyungprince
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.