We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mr. Daniel Dickey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mr. Daniel below.
Mr. Daniel, 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 heart, the place that God inspires and ignites the blessings that flow to me and through me to so many others. My generosity was nurtured by growing up in a family full of givers, I watched my grandfather Reverend Dr. WK Raynor grow food in his garden and give food to the whole neighborhood. I would also in turn see those same people bring our family all sorts of dishes, cakes and pies. Seeing givers give from their hearts and receiving from all over town was very inspiring of my generosity. Also, one of my life’s greatest friends and mentors Kenny House was very instrumental to helping me understand what I as a 12 year old had to give, I could give my time, I could give my talents, I could give things that I no longer found value in and when I realized how grateful people where for those things, it made me want to give everything I had away and I still do. My heart for others has led me into being a minimalist for the passed 20 years, I live simply, I traditionally opt out of consumerism and live off of about 30-40% of my income, pay my staff and give the rest away to charitable efforts. Most of my belongings are only of real value to me but I’m traditionally ready to give almost anything I own away within reason. It also doesn’t hurt to have brands frequently sponsoring my clothes and shoes though, shout out to the sponsors! There is a scripture that says, “to whom much is given, much is required”, the gift of life itself is the much that was given, our generosity is how we pay God back for such a beautiful gift. In my current life, perfect strangers approach me randomly and want to give me things, I know that’s me reaping what I sew and that my karma loop is popping!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Mr. Daniel Dickey and I’m authentically a “Renaissance Man”, and it’s been said that I’m one of the most diversely accomplished black men in the world. I am the Founder & Lead Strategist at The Resource Guild, an award winning 360 Degree Brand Management & Strategy Consulting Agency representing clients in the worlds of film, lifestyle, sports, entertainment, business and event execution as well. We have extensive experience working with A-list celebrities, major brands and small businesses as well. Our core competencies include branding, advertising, public relations, consumer engagement, content management, experiential marketing, celebrity procurement, sponsorship procurement, HR and legal consulting.
I have an extensive background in Banking, Lifestyle Marketing, Public Relations, Branding and Consumer Engagement. I’ve worked with major brands like: Ferrari, Maserati, Lincoln, Moet Hennessy, MillerCoors, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Strength of Nature Global, Emory University, Xbox, Disney, ONE Musicfest, Vibe Ride, The Garner Circle & more. I’ve also worked with notable figures like: Miguel, Mary Mary, Tamela Mann, The Braxton’s, Stacey Abrams, Swin Cash, Dr. Nicole Garner Scott, Steve Canal, Kevin Hart, Lebron James, Hill Harper, Daymond John, Marlon Wayans, TI, Young Jeezy, 2 Chainz, Current Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Former Atlanta Mayors: Keshia Lance Bottoms & Kasim Reed & many more notable figures. I’ve been a part of change organizations like the Christian Community Development Association and the Leadership Foundations of America since the age of 17. I’m currently on the Young Professional Influencer Advisory Board for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, an organization founded in 1971 by civil rights icon Rev. Hosea Williams. I’m also in leadership with a program called Big Brothers Anonymous, a initiative to positively impact young black men from the ages of 12-24 yrs old in conjunction with the Barack Obama Foundation, My Brothers Keeper Alliance and the Fulton County Youth Commission. I’m also a former National Brand Advocate for Cricket Wireless, a distinction I shared with Queen Latifah, X-Games/Street Skate Champion Paul Rodriguez Jr and more. My brand ambassador endeavors also include several black owned clothing brands including We Society, the OOOG Brand, Positive Outlooks Clothing, The Maven Brand and many more. I have been seen on major television networks including: ABC, CBS, FOX, BET, TV One, TBN, TNT, Bravo, Bounce & More. Unbeknownst to some, I’m also an accomplished vocalist who attended college on vocal scholarship singing with a nationally touring college choir. Primarily as a solo artist, I’ve gone on to share stages with extraordinary artists like John Legend, Ryan Leslie, Robert Glasper, Carl Thomas, Jagged Edge, 112, Camron and Dipset, Lloyd, Donnie McClurkin, Donald Lawrence and many more.
I’m still an avid tennis player and basketball player, I play in celebrity basketball games and at the 411 Private Run at Overtime Elite with my OG John Thomas and some of the most influential men and women in the culture and in the City of Atlanta. On the other side of that coin, I’m also an experienced kickboxer, I’m licensed to carry firearms and I’m threat neutralization trained as well which surprises most people…what can I say, I watched A LOT of secret agent movies growing up!
Lately, my focus has begin to shift more to my own personal brand endeavors, I have an album in the works, a book in the works and looking forward to innovation in the world of public speaking as what I’m calling a “Directional Speaker”, the wide array of my life experience plus my spiritual gifts make me an extraordinary guide to others. I see myself uniquely qualified to be a significantly amplified black leader and black voice that speaks very relevantly about culture, commerce, capitalism, racism and how to close the gaps between us as a humanity activist. I love God and I love people of all races and creeds and live a life in a bright light large enough to encompass them all.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities or skills that have definitely been impactful on my journey….
1. Being mentored and learning about what it means to be a servant leader, all of the most significant leaders I’ve ever known were servant leaders, a leadership philosophy built on the belief that the most effective leaders strive to serve others, rather than accrue power or take control. The aforementioned others can include customers, partners, fellow employees and the community at large. I have had some truly extraordinary mentors including family members, Kenny SG House, Mark Drummond, Loren Raynor, Brian Dickey, Ray Dickey, Rosalia Clegg, Andres McKoy, Kim Kopka Ratcliff, Eric Tomosunas, Linda Rawley Thompson, Dr. Nicole Garner Scott, BJ Evans, Les Brown, Reverend Dr. John Perkins & many more. Having mentors created an opportunity for me to see beyond what was right in front of me and now as a brand manager, I help brands and people do the same, coupled with my supernatural abilities to discern and have a great feel for people, passion and purpose.
2. My ability to connect with people from all walks of life and from all races and creeds, from trailer parks and the projects all the way over to penthouses and The White House. I live on a joyous frequency thanks to my mantra #TheKIMPrinciple, it’s my believe that if you’re able to find a way to (K)eep (i)t (M)oving forward, positively and productively NO MATTER WHAT comes your way in life, good things will always be on their way to you. I’m fluent in the universal languages of love, light and friendliness…a bright smile, a pure heart and a warm/magnetic spirit. Because of my philanthropic work, I’ve been on the frontlines of service to the less fortunate including those experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, developmental disabilities, senior citizens and my personality seems to organically connect to each of them.
3. My ability to keep my emotions in tact and wits about me even in times of turmoil and chaos. When you produce brand activations, music festivals, the Black Media Mixer ATL & more, it comes with every aspect of Murphy’s Law, flat tires, logistical challenges, partner/sponsors backing out for whatever reason, venue challenges, etc,etc I find most people are so focused on the problem that their mind doesn’t naturally gravitate towards solutions. So for me, #TheKIMPrinciple and a phone full of people who do anything and everything under the sun keeps my mind focused on solving the problems that arise and not spiraling into the unproductive realms of doubt, blame, moping around etc that plague people when life gives you those lemons. Cool heads prevail, fools rush in but a calm, positive and productive mindset is a real hack when it comes to overcoming life’s inevitable challenges.
So seeking and being willing to at times volunteer and work unpaid internships like I did made a world of difference in my career and journey because I was able to be mentored by individuals at the top of their game/industry. I understood that exposure, however I could get it was gonna be extremely impactful to my trajectory, “People will only be what they can see”. I’m also the type of person that believes that my enemies will at some point be made clear to me in the spirit or in the physical so all others have an opportunity to be my collaborators, associates, employees, colleagues and life long friends/allies. This makes me very cordial in social settings as people are naturally drawn to me and I’m naturally a bridge builder through all walks of life so don’t be afraid to be the first person to say hello, it will unlock doors you never thought would actually open for YOU. Lastly, effective mental health strategies include being able to be present in the current moments of your life, so being able to keep your emotions under your control through all things will either make other people trust you greatly or have little faith in you and either way it will be a difference maker for your journey. Focus on the things you can do, always expand your network to address the things you can’t do, be honest with people even if it hurts and trust the tides will forever blow in your favor. As a native of Wilmington NC, I know that those tides can be created by hurricanes at times but if we’re willing to endure the storms, traditionally the rainbows and beautifully bright skies are always on the other side of them.
We are ALL BORN WINNERS and if you give yourself and others some patience, forgiveness & grace, things will usually and inevitably go your way!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed I do quite a few things, these things are also a part of my routine/regimen as I live a very demanding and fast paced life.
1. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking or worrying about things I can control.
2. I say what I need to say directly to the person I need to say it to, this brings me far less regret in my life in general.
3. I can always find something to be grateful for, it keeps me in an almost ever-present state of gratitude which is the arch-nemesis of depression.
4. I will go outside and get some sun, some air, take deep breaths, I will let my feet touch the Earth while meditating or smoking some mary jane.
5. Dancing is a real life hack in general, it’s a mood booster and cure for depression, it helps you make new friends and is healthy for you in every single way, it can even keep you from experiencing dementia, I dance, usually with somebody’s daughter as frequently as possible.
6. I hire and collaborate with people who are remedies to my known weaknesses and I’m honest with myself about what those are. You don’t have to do everything, you just have to make sure that you and the pieces around you are equipped to get the things done!
7. I still make time to play tennis, play soccer, play basketball and I still watch cartoons to keep my inner-child as close to me as possible.
8. I speak to the brilliance and beauty that I see in others, nowadays people have become exceptional at telling you what’s wrong and those same people are frequently tongue-tied when it comes to giving affirming words to anyone, including themselves. If you like someone’s shirt, tell them…if you like the work someone has done, tell them…if you think someone is beautiful or handsome, why not tell them…This world is full of negativity but you don’t actually have to contribute to that, you can be the exact opposite of the negativity and darkness, we were born into the light!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theresourceguild.com
- Instagram: @MrDanielDickey & @ResourceGuild
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdanieldickey
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdanieldickey/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MrDanielDickey & https://www.youtube.com/@theresourceguild4525
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mrdanieldickey
