Story & Lesson Highlights with Ivan Cloyd of Washington, D.C.

Ivan Cloyd shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Ivan , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
It is a difficult business, not just financially, but mentally. Most people never have to think in nine-figure timelines or fight through the patience required to close capital that big. When you’re raising $100M+, you’re not building a moment… you’re building a movement, and movements don’t happen overnight.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ivan Cloyd, and I am a real estate developer, media entrepreneur, and owner of Quadrant TV, a developing independent television platform. My work sits at the intersection of community development, storytelling, and forward-thinking innovation.

As a developer, I’m focused on creating projects that bring long-term value to the neighborhoods they serve. From mixed-use housing to commercial revitalization, my approach is rooted in purpose-driven development—building spaces that uplift communities and create opportunity.

Most recently I’ve been asked by to consult a casino deal by Chatman Holdings. The proposal is to build a convention center, amphitheater, grocery store and yes a Casino at Reservation 13. This site sits adjacent to RFK stadium, new development. The new opportunity would be a great addition to our Real Estate portfolio.

On the media side, I launched Quadrant TV to give creators, entrepreneurs, and underserved voices a platform to be seen and heard. What makes my brand unique is that both sides of my work—real estate and media—feed into a larger mission: to build spaces, both physical and digital, where people can grow, collaborate, and tell their stories authentically.

My journey started from humble beginnings and has grown into a career committed to impact, representation, and bold, strategic ideas. Right now, I’m developing new real estate projects that blend modern design with community needs, while simultaneously expanding Quadrant TV into a full-scale creative hub and production network.

At the end of the day, my story is about vision, resilience, and using creativity to build a better future one project, one platform, and one story at a time.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was around the age of 18. I was invited to speak to a group of high school students, and I decided to share my story—where I came from, what I had been through, and what I was working toward.

The moment that changed everything for me was watching their eyes light up as I spoke. You could feel the energy shift in the room. When we opened the floor for Q&A, the level of engagement—their questions, their curiosity, their respect—showed me that my experiences carried weight. That I could influence how people saw themselves and what they believed was possible.
It was the first time I fully realized the power of my voice and my story. And that feeling has stayed with me ever since.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
One of the biggest things I changed my mind about after failing hard happened when I was around 24 or 25. At that time, I felt on top of the world, working in TV, building visibility, and moving fast. But even with all the momentum, I realized my career was being controlled by too many people who had access to my opportunities and influence over my direction. I didn’t like that feeling at all.
I made the decision to go independent, thinking I could rebuild everything on my own terms. And I failed hard. Doors closed, relationships shifted, and the transition was tougher than I expected.

But that failure ended up being the greatest pivot of my life. It taught me ownership, discipline, and the value of having full control over my path. It changed how I saw success not as something handed to me, but something I could build from the ground up. That shift in mindset is exactly what shaped the developer, creator, and entrepreneur I am today

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. I’ve always had a strong presence, and sometimes people interpret that as arrogance or ego, but it’s really just pure confidence. I’ve learned that I have to show up as my true self to operate at the level of confidence and clarity my work requires.

That said, I think people who meet me in person often get an even better understanding of who I am. There’s a warmth, authenticity, and grounded energy that doesn’t always translate through a screen. So while what you see publicly is real, the in-person version of me brings even more depth, humility, and connection

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely and honestly, that’s been my superpower. I’ve learned to give my all without expecting applause. Success doesn’t always come with claps; sometimes it comes with envy, jealousy, resentment, and silence.

So I had to build myself to perform even when no one is cheering. I lead in everything I do knowing the crowd is always quicker to boo than to celebrate you. Business is a sport, and I treat it like one when I’m in my arena, I dominate. And when I’m not, I don’t take the criticism or the noise personally.

My drive doesn’t come from the audience. It comes from the standard I hold myself to.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Ivan Jose Cloyd

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Life, Lessons, & Legacies

Shari Mocheit Put God first and trust the process. See God in everyone and everything.

Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Del Kary Definitely what I was born to do. Since I can remember, movies have

Increasing Your Capacity for Risk-Taking

The capacity to take risk is one of the biggest enablers of reaching your full