Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Juan Marcel Smith, Jr.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Juan Marcel, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
So, this is a funny thing about me – when asked about certain things I usually can flow freely with my answer, however, now I am sitting and really thinking (possibly overthinking) my response. That is one thing people often say to me “don’t overthink it”. So the simple answer is this, my generosity comes from watching my mom and dad give to others without hesitation. I am the second oldest out of 10 children (7 biological, 3 my dad adopted). I share that to show there was a lot of us running around when I was a kid but my parents never stopped giving. To be generous means “to show a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected” and this describes what I witnessed my parents do my entire childhood. Growing up our home was like the hub for many of my parents friends, siblings and classmates to stay for a short time until they were able to move out on their own. We are originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma so once my parents got settled people started to travel and visit to see about Atlanta. As a kid, it wasn’t odd to see one of my parents taking food to an elderly couple from church, buy and drop Christmas presents to a family in our neighborhood or have one us donate our coat and/or shoes to others in need. So to answer your question I was raised with a conviction that when I have it to give, give it. Beit my time, money, advice, whatever I have to give, I give it without question or conditions. I try my best to live by a couple of quotes or parables, especially this one, “When you get, give. When you learn, teach” (Dr. Maya Angelou).
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?
Recently, when I have been asked “Who is Juan Marcel” my answer has been “a voice crying in the wilderness”. I am a lover of history especially Biblical history. In the Bible in Isaiah 40:3 (Chapter 40, verse 3-5) it paints a picture of an individual who was “a voice” isolated from the status quo of society and culture yet was called to announce to many of the coming of this majestic, powerful King with a message that would inform and rescue many from the oppression of the ruling powers and culture. John the Baptist was the one depicted in this text and he would come to prepare the way so this great movement and message could be received, Jesus. I like to believe that I am a voice speaking up and out for individuals and generations preparing a way or platform from them to come and share their world changing message and expression.
In everything that I commit myself to, especially my brand, I am driven by three core values, for which I call The E3 Approach: educate, equip, and empower. No matter the capacity I work in these morals inform my drive. At church, in my family, with my daughter, at work, in my community my work and impact are centered on educating others, equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed, and empower-ing them through the realization of their God-given abilities and potential. Professionally, I work as a Community and Family Liaison for a charter school network. Personally, I am working on finishing my book(s), building a thriving travel company and team (Boarding Pass Travel Group), creating more content for my Tiktok “Conversations with Juan Marcel”, serving as a member of a global mentorship network, and co-hosting a weekly podcast providing a safe space for men of all generations to openly share their life experiences. I am in phase of my life, where I have agreed to say ‘Yes’ to the right opportunities that come because I spent so much time saying ‘No’ out of fear of too many things. My mantra now is “Do it scared!”
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?
I learned so much from bumping my head so many times. Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful were: I had to learn to forgive (myself and others), learn to love all me (flaws and all), and be coachable. Once I decided to not hold on to grudges I was able to truly heal and grow. I learned that forgiveness is not about the other person but about you. It truly sets you free. It took intentionality and discipline but I started with myself, first. One day one of my mentors said to me, “Juan spend less time trying to prove yourself and work on improving yourself. You have to take hold of you, love you and be ok with you if no one else ever shows up for you in the way you need them to”. During that process is when I got the name for my LLC – MproveU Coaching & Consulting & became a certified master Life Strategies Coach. I had to be coachable before I could expect to coach others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://juansmith.inteletravel.com/booktravel.cfm
- Instagram: thisisjuanmarcel
- Facebook: Juan Marcel Smith
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/juan-marcel-smith-mal-clsc-94a90938
- Twitter: mproveu
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Me, myself, and I – Juan Marcel
