We were lucky to catch up with Richard Hurt recently and have shared our conversation below.
Richard, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I am no stranger to being the only one in the room that looks like me. While earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California Baptist University, I was the only Black male in accounting courses. As I entered the accounting profession, I was usually the only Black person in the accounting department. In 2020, I was elected to Aliso Viejo City Council, and I am the first Black councilmember to run and win a seat on the city council.
In each situation, past or present, I remind myself that I am there to be effective and not merely survive. I have a deep belief in myself to be great, but what does that look like?
First, Dr. Cornel West wrote it best, “humility is the fruit of inner security and wise maturity”. I am not one of those who speaks just because I like to hear myself talk or because I think that I know everything, like most elected officials do in the political arena from which I have operated over the last few years. My platform requires me to be thoughtful, well researched, and empathetic to people. If I am always talking, then I am losing part of what I need to be successful, which is being empathetic to people. With the crisis in leadership we are experiencing in society today, more elected officials need to exercise humility, silence, and enhance their learning abilities. Simultaneously, those who work to secure their elected position in the future while being mediocre in the present, is all around ineffective. It does not matter if they are local officials or those in higher office, mediocrity at any level is a threat to the common citizen. As someone who has operated in the political environment, mediocrity is often disguised as elected officials posting nonstop on social media or creating flashy talking points, but falling short in innovative policies that solve local, state and federal issues. It still remains true that the loudest in the room is often the weakest so practice humility.
Secondly, discipline has been the key to any success I have achieved. I do not go into positions realizing and accepting the titles because I already accepted that I am a leader and as a leader a few things are required. Not everyone is going to like me, but I keep pushing forward. In a way, the more people that dislike me the better leader I become. Also, I may not be the most knowledgeable in a subject area, but I will get up early to learn and work on my weaknesses. I may not have the best relationships with people, but I will take time to understand and have coffee with anyone who disagrees with me. In everything, I know that change is inevitable, so I keep an open mind to change and stay disciplined in my approach towards short and long-term goals.
Lastly, I stand on the backs of giants. Numerous Black leaders sacrificed so much for me to have the opportunity to be in the position I am in. I do not take that for granted and their history is what I carry forward in this world. Being the only one in the room is my biggest chance to change the mindset of people who rely on stereotypes to define Black people, culture, and tradition. As such, I am responsible for teaching future generations. Ultimately, my time in office will be defined by the young people I inspired and listened to along the way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I often laugh at people who say that I came out of nowhere because everyone has a story. My mother raised me, and I was fortunate enough to have my grandparents aid in my upbringing. My grandfather was drafted into the military and retired in Monterey County only to run for a seat for the local water district in Marina, California. I state this because my first dealings with anyone elected, who cared about local government, was my grandfather. He also owned a business which was also influential to my life.
By trade I am an accountant and the former Mayor of Aliso Viejo, now just a councilmember. Somehow accounting and public policy seemed to follow me throughout my life, but my passion is inspiring young people to get involved in accounting and local government. Accounting is the language of the financial world and for Black people, if we do not understand accounting and the complexities of local government, we will remain behind in society.
My upcoming project is to continue to educate young people on how accounting works and how we arrived at the position we are in currently. Understanding public policy and finance is imperative to grow communities. I embrace the challenge, opposition, and opportunities that will arise from my next project that will launch in a few weeks. Stay tuned.
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?
The three most important qualities that were impactful to my journey is discipline, focus, and love. These three qualities allow all of us to subscribe to something bigger than ourselves. It is not to say that you become perfect or famous using these qualities because I am far from perfect or famous. However, discipline gets you through the days that are tough or when no one is around clapping for you. Focus keeps the distractions below and goals high, so keep your eyes on the prize. Love is incredibly hard, and I always operate knowing that we are all broken in some way. A simple smile and other acts of kindness to people who do not look, act, or learn like you, can go a long way. If you are early on your journey to your stated goals, incorporating these qualities will take you far!
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?
My mom and my grandparents did not have a lot of money. They were not able to buy us the newest toys or clothes as we got older, but they showed up. My mother worked two jobs to take care of us, but never missed any of my basketball games in high school, even if they were in a different city. My grandfather spent time being the “philosopher” to me when I needed advice and direction. My grandmother installed a strict schedule of studying and grandmother hugs when I was having rough times. The amount of love that ran through my family in the face of less resources is immense. I can never repay their love, so I will pass it to those who I come across that need it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://richard-hurt.com
- Instagram: richard4aliso
