We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Floyd Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Floyd, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome was not an overnight shift for me; it was more of a gradual unfolding, where I had to come to terms with who I truly am and where I belong. As a classically trained musician, I’ve always been comfortable with the idea that mastery takes time. But when I first started engaging in spaces that weren’t designed for someone like me – spaces that were often predominantly white, predominantly wealthy, and often exclusive – I began to feel like I was an outsider. I felt like I didn’t belong.
I remember the first time I encountered true racism, it hit me in a way that made me question my place in the world. I became hyper-aware of my difference, and that awareness, unfortunately, made me feel small. I wondered if I had earned the right to be in certain rooms, if my voice truly mattered, or if I was just taking up space that wasn’t meant for me. That’s when imposter syndrome first crept in – this voice that told me I wasn’t enough.
But over time, I realized something profound: those feelings of being an imposter were rooted in not being able to fully embrace the power of my own identity. I had spent so much time trying to prove myself in spaces where I felt like I didn’t belong, that I wasn’t giving myself the grace to recognize the unique value I brought to the table.
It was through the process of reconnecting with my roots, my family’s history in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where freed slaves found their home, that I began to understand that belonging isn’t something external. It’s something internal. I had to find home within myself before I could fully show up in the world.
This shift in perspective allowed me to push through imposter syndrome. I stopped focusing on whether or not I belonged in those rooms. Instead, I focused on creating spaces where others who felt the same way could come together and thrive. That’s what led me to create BackBlack – an initiative to elevate Black-led organizations and highlight the brilliance in our communities.
Today, I don’t view imposter syndrome as something to defeat, but as something to acknowledge and move past. I’ve learned that the more I lean into who I am, the less power those feelings have over me. My journey has been about finding the courage to step into my own brilliance, and once I did that, I found that the world was ready to meet me exactly where I am.
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?
What I do is rooted in one core belief: that community and connection are the true catalysts for change. I’m the founder of BackBlack, an initiative that champions Black innovation by directing resources, raising awareness, and providing support to Black-led organizations. Our work has been powerful, raising over $2 million and helping more than 1,500 Black-led organizations thrive.
What excites me most about BackBlack—and what I believe is special about it—is how we bring people together with purpose. We don’t just fundraise. We build community, we cultivate relationships, and we amplify voices that too often go unheard. I’ve seen firsthand how the right kind of support, the kind that’s both strategic and heartfelt, can unlock doors and elevate movements. It’s not just about money—it’s about creating sustainable growth, fostering belonging, and empowering people to feel seen. When you invest in a community, the return is immeasurable.
But I’m not just about raising money or providing grants. I’m also about telling stories—stories of resilience, brilliance, and innovation. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create spaces where people can come together, learn from each other, and grow together. I’ve had the privilege of speaking at over 100 conferences, traveling across the country, and speaking about the power of community, philanthropy, and the importance of representation. Every conversation I have, every connection I make, reminds me why this work is so necessary.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding BackBlack’s impact and ensuring that we continue to mobilize resources for Black-led organizations at the grassroots level. We are also looking at new ways to bring more people into the conversation—not just as donors, but as changemakers who want to be part of something larger than themselves. It’s about fostering a collective mindset that Black innovation is not just valuable—it’s essential.
Looking ahead, I’m also diving deeper into my personal work as a coach and facilitator. I want to continue helping individuals find their sense of belonging, build authentic communities, and realize their potential. I see so many incredible creators, leaders, and advocates out there who are trying to make an impact, and I want to support them in every way I can.
If you take anything away from my journey, let it be this: We’re all in this together. Whether it’s through BackBlack or through my work as a speaker and strategist, I’m committed to empowering people to lean into their authenticity and to help build the world we want to see. Together, we can create real, lasting change.
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?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities that have been absolutely pivotal in helping me get to where I am today: resilience, the ability to build community, and a deep sense of purpose. Each of these has shaped my approach to the work I do, and each continues to drive me forward.
First, **resilience**. Life is full of setbacks, and you can’t avoid them. There have been moments where the path seemed unclear or even impossible, but I’ve always had the ability to bounce back. Resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges; it’s about learning from them, adjusting your course, and pressing forward with even more determination. For anyone starting out, my advice is this: embrace failure as part of the journey. It’s not something to avoid—it’s something to learn from. Resilience is built in those moments when you’re knocked down but choose to rise again, stronger and wiser than before.
Second, **building community** has been a cornerstone of my work. Whether through BackBlack, my public speaking, or the relationships I’ve built over the years, community is everything. There’s a tremendous power in the collective. When you surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your vision or who challenge you to think differently, you open doors to new opportunities, new perspectives, and a new sense of purpose. Early on, I made it a priority to listen to the stories of others, to understand their struggles, and to help lift them up. Building a supportive, engaged network is not just about what you can get out of it, but about what you can contribute to it. If you’re starting out, focus on connection over competition. Invest in relationships, even before you think you’re ready, and trust that they’ll pay off in the long run.
Finally, **a sense of purpose** has been the North Star guiding all my work. I’ve always known that the work I do isn’t just about me; it’s about something much bigger. I didn’t create BackBlack just to make money or build a brand—I created it because I believe in the power of Black-led organizations and the transformative impact they can have on the world. Your sense of purpose will carry you through tough times and will give your work real meaning. For anyone starting out, take the time to reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing. What’s driving you? What change do you want to see? Find that deeper purpose, and let it be the foundation of everything you build.
To anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: don’t rush the process. These qualities—resilience, community-building, and purpose—take time to cultivate. Stay curious, stay committed, and most importantly, stay true to your own journey. The right qualities will emerge in the right moments. And when they do, you’ll have the tools you need to navigate whatever comes your way.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, absolutely! I’m always looking for people to partner and collaborate with, especially those who share a deep commitment to community-building, social impact, and amplifying voices that often go unheard. The work I do with BackBlack, my speaking engagements, and my overall mission is all about creating space for people to connect, grow, and thrive together. I’m particularly excited about collaborating with individuals and organizations that are committed to making a tangible difference in the world, whether through nonprofits, grassroots initiatives, or innovative business models.
I’m looking to partner with changemakers, those who are deeply invested in the well-being of marginalized communities, those who are building something meaningful, and those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a creator, a strategist, or someone passionate about equity, representation, and empowerment, I believe there’s great power in collaboration. There’s so much we can achieve when we come together with shared values and complementary skills.
Specifically, I’m looking to collaborate with:
1. Community leaders and organizations who want to amplify their impact and are looking for strategic ways to build sustainable, engaged communities.
2. Investors, brands, or sponsors who want to fund and elevate Black-led organizations and social enterprises, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and cultural preservation.
3. Creators and storytellers who want to highlight the brilliance and innovation within Black communities, share those stories in new ways, and spark dialogue that leads to change.
4. Individuals and companies who are seeking to implement impactful, long-term growth strategies for their initiatives and want to partner on meaningful projects.
The best way to connect is through my website (www.floydjones.co), where you can reach out directly. You can also find me on LinkedIn or Instagram (@thefloydjones).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.floydjones.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloydjones/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefloydjones
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefloydjones-/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefloydjones
Image Credits
Photo with Awards – @AnthemAwards
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