[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”]
[vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”center”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”0.1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_html css=”.vc_custom_1657130063000{border-radius: 5px !important;}”]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default” animate=”yes” delay=”50″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”none” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default” animate=”yes” delay=”50″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Join us to explore the topic of Project Management and why having a skilled person managing the details of projects is critical. Hear how Curtis manages his stress, his favorite leadership books, and how he arrived at being a Hero Project Manager.
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”7%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” class=”custom-p” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][toggles style=”default”][toggle color=”Default” title=”Episode Transcription”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]
HIDDEN HUMAN: Being A Hero Project Manager with Curtis L. Jackson
SPEAKERS
Kelly Meerbott & Curtis L. Jenkins
Kelly Meerbott 08:59:36
Welcome to the space where we reveal our personal humanity to reconnect with our shared humanity. Let’s begin our conversation with author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker and project management executive Curtis Jenkins, whom I’m really excited for all of you to meet.
Curtis, welcome to Hidden Human. Tell me, what drew you to the work that you’re doing as a project manager at your organization? It’s so fascinating. What was it in your soul or in your heart that said, this is what I should do with my life?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:00:08
Yeah, so thank you. Thank you, first of all, for having me, Kelly. I would say, you know, at one point, I was working as an IT technologist, and I love programming, right? I love creating and designing. But I came to a crossroads in my career. And that was, do I stay technical or do I move into project management, as suggested by a leader that I worked with? What they saw in me was that I was able to understand how things get done. And then do they do it? Well, so I started reflecting on what I wanted to be when I grew up. And I kept thinking, How do I run a company? How can I go on Wall Street? And, and what was happening was, I looked at what money I could make, but I wasn’t looking at being in my authentic self.
So one day, I had a conversation with myself. And that was, Hey, you are a project manager. It’s in you because I started looking at how I behave, right? So first of all, I had to learn that I’m a giver. Right? If you tell me something, if you tell me a problem, I’m in my head, trying to figure out how I’m going to fix it for you. Right, and so I realized how much I enjoy the project management space, because I’m actually giving somebody something; they have a dream, I can make it happen. The other thing is being an extrovert, I love people. And with project management, most of them are temporary endeavors.
But you get to meet cool people around the world, different cultures. And each one is different. And I am also kind of aggressive, or I would like to say crazy. So what I love about project management is you’re either a hero or zero. And I’m always going to take those odds. So with all of that, you know, I started looking back, all the way back in my history. So what did I used to do? I used to get up early in my neighborhood, North Philly, and I would read the kids now, but neighbors love that, right? I learned and understood early when you do certain things, you get things. And I was doing it for milk and cookies. And so then you know, I would get up and I would shovel snow, or do whatever I could, run store errands because those nickel and that penny candies came in handy.
So just early on, you know, would you say? Oh my goodness, I would say I was probably around 10 years older or younger. Right. My earliest recollection was around five years old. But I know that I had the great fortune of having a neighborhood that was all in on me and the other kids, right. And so if you’ve ever seen the movie Akeelah & The Bee, yes. I love that movie. Yes. So I had that kind of background and support.
Because I could read, my grandfather taught me reading with Reader’s Digest early on. So because I could read people were fascinated that I could read at such an early age, and I gravitated towards older people. It was the freedom that they had, that they displayed. And so I was always getting this support from older people, and I became sort of a pleaser. And from that, that’s when I learned that as a project manager I’m giving, right I’m giving all the time. So in 2012 I created the art and science of vision to reality. Now I trademarked it. And it’s because what I do from art and science, I love bringing it from vision, someone’s vision to reality, right? And so, you know, that’s what drove me into being a Project Management Professional.
Now take it further when I had that epiphany that I am a project manager. I was like no project managers actually come up through companies and become the CEO. Interesting, right? Typically, you have to have a finance background or an operations background. But I’ve never met anyone that did that. Hmm. But it occurred to me, I can create my own company. Yes, I can be a CEO. I can run it learning what I know about running companies, and the things that I’ve learned throughout my career. So I would like to say you gave a lot of titles, one of the titles I like to use, I don’t always write it down. But I say I’m a Project printer.
Kelly Meerbott 09:05:06
Oh, I love that. I love Akeelah & The Bee. So let me slow you down for a second, because I’m sure that everybody’s operating from the same context. So if I was a six year old child, and you were going to explain to me in a way I can understand what a project manager is, yeah, what it is. So that we all know, and we can move along the journey with you.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:05:26
Yeah, absolutely. So one of the things I like to use is a house or a building, right? So when you see a building, that’s a finished product, right? That is reality, that was somebody’s vision. But before it was reality, somebody had to think about what that building was going to look like in every detail in it. And so with the project with project management, you have to think about, okay, someone said, I want to build a building, right here, that, you know, just pick any building that you see. Someone had to develop plans for it. Right?
So someone had to have money, right? They had to pay people to do things and buy materials. And then each one of those people had to work in order for everything to come together. So for example, you cannot build a house if you don’t have a foundation, right? So somebody has to build that foundation first. You also can’t put in electricity after all the walls have been installed. So there’s so many different steps, and you have to orchestrate those steps as a project manager.
Okay, now, one of the things that you face is risk. So you’re building something outside, and if there’s bad weather, there’s no building. So you have to manage through risk as well. And, and so that I would say, That’s my most simplistic example of what a project manager does. It brings all of those things together.
Kelly Meerbott 09:07:03
I love that. Thank you for that explanation. And what I’m wondering is, because I love this story. I mean, it’s not a great story that your family lost your grandfather’s store, but I’m wondering, did that experience and did that somehow influence who you are today? How and how could it not? Right, because your DNA and your blood literally flows from your great grandfather? And what was his name? Out of curiosity?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:07:32
Yeah, so one of the things and stories I heard about my great grandfather is, he had no fear. Right. You know, I mean, back in that time, he had a store, but he also ran numbers, he carried a sidearm. And, you know, in Curtis, his name was Clayton, Clayton Johnson, okay. And, you know, I unfortunately didn’t get the chance to meet him because he died from a massive heart attack. But so I was hearing the stories from my grandmother, her dad and, and his wife, my great grandmother, right. And one of the things that I saw with my family is that there’s always fear, and especially fear of the unknown, you know, so my grandfather did not want the business. My grandfather wanted to actually be a mortician.
But my grandmother, because of her fears, that I don’t want you working around, you know, dead people. So, all this fear, fear, fear. I grew up, you know, and I grew up in an era where you feared a lot of things outside your neighborhood, right? Yeah. So I was a kid that always explored, I jumped on my bike, I went places, if my mother knew where I was, at that time, I would have gotten in big trouble. And so as I analyzed my, my great grandfather, and and I would say that a couple generations after him, everything was rooted in fear. Yeah. And so because of that, I now run to the fire, right?
Because someone else did that. And you, you talked about building on a legacy because wealth compounds, education compounds, everything compounds if you just do a little bit at a time and keep it going. So I kept imagining what my life would look like had, say, my generations above me had kept that store and kept going. And also there was land that we had that we lost. So all these great opportunities were lost. And I said, I’m gonna start this thing again and keep it going.
Kelly Meerbott 09:09:39
So you literally just prove the acronym for fear—false evidence appearing real.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:09:45
Yes, absolutely.
Kelly Meerbott 09:09:46
And one of my coaches and trainers always says that, you know, fear and worry is a misuse of the imagination. And again, like you, you, you’ve proved that. And imagine what would have happened if your grandfather did become a mortician. I mean, that’s a recession-proof business. Talk about exactly no risk. Right? Exactly.
Unfortunately, you’re always gonna have clientele. But you know, what resonated with me about you is, first of all, the giver piece, because I’m a giver, too. And I also grew up in a multi generational household, and, you know, you give to get right, like, Okay, if I, if I don’t know, chop the garlic, you get the gravy at the end of the (Yes, yes) you know, pop will slip you a 10. You know, because you’re, you’re coming to visit and so I would kind of strategically go to visit my grandfather, because of the $10. ill, how do you think that, because I’ve noticed in my own life, and I always pull as an executive coach, and I just a little bit about me, you know, I, I advise the military and Department of Homeland Security and stuff like that. So I always pull from my own life as examples. And I’ve noticed how people-pleasing can be detrimental in business. How do you see that manifesting? First of all, in your own life, and then in your clients lives? Is it a detriment the way I’ve envisioned it? And it’s come up for me? I mean, I’m just curious.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:11:18
Yes, it can be a detriment. And it’s a battle. Yeah. So, you know, when I hear a story, I want to fix it, or when I always fix it, yeah. And so one of the things that I don’t do well, is I don’t always charge for my time. Right?
Kelly Meerbott 09:11:41
And we wouldn’t be happening, sir. What’s that? If you were my client, I would not let you let that happen.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:11:48
Exactly. So. But what I see sometimes that other people don’t see is that if you allow me to get in first, I’m going to show you the value, and then you’ll be ready to charge for the time. So I have to actually work with others, like you said, if I’m your client, to help me through that process, right to make sure that I’m charging because, you know, I could be sitting anywhere and somebody talks about a problem. And I just want to go right into problem solving mode. Hey, have you looked at this? Have you done that?
You know, you see the whiteboard behind me, I’m well, I’m well known for, hey, come to this whiteboard, let’s, let’s just do this. Let’s figure this out. So I’m a lot better. And I because I learned that people value more for what they pay for. Right? And so I’m having a conversation last night with my nephew, and he was asking me for some advice. He’s out in California. And one of the things I just was bold with him and I said, you know, you are a taker, and an “Askhole.”
He was like, yeah, that’s about it. Right? And he’s like, What do you mean? I said, because as many times we might advise you, you go off on your own, you don’t do what I told you to do. And you know, so you don’t value the information. And you’re wasting my time. Yeah, it took me a while to, you know, as I got older, I would say in my late 40s, before I understood where to put boundaries in place, yes.
Kelly Meerbott 09:13:14
And to do that, Curtis, well, it just…
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:13:17
You know, you get burned so many times, you just have to do it. And so I just started doing it, I just started, hey, if you want to spend some time with me, this is what my hourly rate is good. And it started separating the wheat from the chef, right? It was like people that really wanted to spend time with me, I found that they actually did what I said and they had success. And those that I just wasted my time while they kept churning in what they do.
So I’m better even at figuring out, are you looking to grow and you’re looking to learn or are you looking to do, are you looking to provide the tuition, your time and, and and money to get where you need to go? Are you just talking? Right? And I’m well known in my family for, “don’t even have the conversation if you’re not ready to move on it.”
Kelly Meerbott 09:14:06
So I’ve recently learned that because just like your nephew, I mean, I’m one of those people that my entire family comes to me for advice and like then they’ll go off and not take it and I’m like Sorry, you’re going through now it’s I’m sorry, you’re going through that. What are you gonna do about it? Because I’m not going to pull from my mental real estate and I think, as service providers, that’s, you know, I have a global cohort of coaches.
There’s about 40 of them and most of them are women, most of them remember the marginalized communities. And one of the conversations I have with all of them because they frequently lowball, is you have to price the mental real estate, right, which includes the education, the experience, all that. And as soon as I say that they’re like, Oh, got it. Because all of that has value. And I think you know, everything you’re saying is exactly right. I mean, for me, as a coach, I think the hardest thing for me is to not jump in, and give them the answer, because that’s not my job.
My job is to guide them to the answers inside themselves, right? You’re a manager, you’re like, Here, let’s roadmap this. That’s right. The hardest struggle I have is like, Oh, my God, if you just did that, yeah, I can’t do that. I gotta wait until they awake. They awaken to it. And normally they do. But so talk to me about first of all, the UN, the UN values, because i Those are mine as well, but I don’t publicize them as beautifully as you do on your website. And the goal is to help 1000 small businesses every year, first of all, have you hit that number? And how did the UN values guide into that? How do they point to that?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:15:46
Sure. So the UN values, the sustainability goals, I believe they’re about 17. Yes. And so I picked a couple. And the two that I picked resonate with what I do, right, and it’s about economic equality. Yes. And so being a minority and coming from, you know, an area where it’s very important that the community has economic viability. You know, I felt like that’s something that I could relate to, right, I lived it, I can help out a lot with it. So, and equality for jobs. Right.
So I wrote my first book called “The Only Job Search Book You’ll Ever Need.” Yeah. And the idea was, I wrote the book, because I wanted to help more people. Right. So you and I are talking one on one, I could help you if you came to me. But I want the ability to expand on that help. Yeah. And so I wrote a book, and then talking about this with the same thing with my next book, coming to reality, start working, start living.
This was me helping my friends with their companies. And then taking what I learned in the companies that I worked in all that experience, and I say, Well, how can I help more? How can I help 1000 because as a project manager, and as a visionary, I have to put out there what what my target is. And then I just break it down. And the only way I felt like I could reach this number of people is I have to write a book. I have to create content. And right now in production with a masterclass that I’m creating.
So that’s the only way I’m going to be able to do it. Right. I can’t physically be there, right. But if I create content, then it goes global. And I can help with 1000 small businesses.
Kelly Meerbott 09:17:41
I love that and anything I can do to help that mission, please let me know like absolutely, definitely love to hear about the masterclass. When do you expect that to drop and be launched?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:17:52
Yeah. So it’s gonna drop this month. Okay, yeah. So this month is big for me. Right? So, vision to reality week is June 22, to July 1. And that just happened to be something that I learned, right. Working with my marketing team. My book signing is going to be June 24, in Philadelphia at the Pyramid Club.
Kelly Meerbott 09:18:19
Oh, my gosh, I hope I get an invite to that.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:18:20
Absolutely. You certainly will. Good. June 28, is when the book actually comes out. So pre orders are available at bookstores, everywhere. But that’s when the book actually releases now. Originally, the book from what the publisher said, was supposed to be released in June, June 22, which is why I had the book-signing on June 24th. However, I didn’t want to move the book-signing because then you start moving into the July 4 holiday so I’m just gonna keep everything together. But it’s the content. That’s how I’m going to reach all these people, you know, and help.
Kelly Meerbott 09:19:02
I love that. I mean, it’s just, you’re such a soul centered being and that jumps out and really, I mean, it’s it feels like the essence of who you are when I was reading your bio and all of that I was at name and I was excited because our mutual colleague Nicole Anderson connected us but when I started really kind of digging into you know, you wanting to help people find a job and to help children and to help you know your neighborhood. I mean, I really do believe financial literacy and financial freedom is the key to everything.
That’s right as I’m listening to you. And I’m a big believer in the law of attraction. And they’re constantly talking about thoughts becoming things. And I think you’re a living breathing example of that. So when fears do come up, because the way I understand the law of attraction as you think about something, and it launches a rocket of desire into the universe, right? Yeah. And then you need to, you know, find the cooperative components to make it become a reality, right?
When fear is introduced to the equation, that’s when it shoots the rockets out of the sky. Right? So what would you say to an entrepreneur or business owner who is starting to have fear? Like I’ll give you an example from my own life when I got laid off from corporate in 2009. And I decided I wanted to become an executive coach, everybody, including my family was like, Are you crazy, right? Why would you do that? And by the way, it’s the worst recession you’ve ever experienced. And now I laugh because the worst recession, a pandemic couldn’t kill us. No. So we’re here, right? We’re here.
But what advice would you give to an entrepreneur? That’s, that’s getting that kind of feedback from the world around them? And how would you tell them to move forward from that moment?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:20:48
Yeah, that that’s, you deal with that all the time? yourself? Right. Yeah. The first thing you have to understand if you really want success, it’s lonely. Yeah, it is. It’s lonely, because, you know, people will put their fears upon you. You know, I remember when I went to buy my first house. And I announced it to my family. And they said two things.
The first one is that we don’t have any money. See, in their mind, they thought I was asking, I wasn’t telling, right. The second was, you got to be careful, people will take your money. Because they never bought a house. Right? My great grandfather and grandmother’s house was purchased. It was purchased by my great grandfather on my grandfather’s side. And I was like, you know, and I remember when my dad, my granddad died, I had to teach my grandmother how to write a check.
So the point is that people get inside their own heads with their own fears. Right. And they project that on you. Yes. And if you don’t fight that, you’ll become just like the fear crowd. Yeah. And so remember, when I told you that I sought older people, I sought out older people, I’m attracted to other crazy people like me.
Kelly Meerbott 09:22:22
So my world because I’m crazy, too.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:22:25
Exactly. So what I would tell people is two things. The first one is: find like-minded people, because then your conversations change, right? Yes. When I did a speech for the Wright, the Wright University in 2012, I believe their commencement speech, basically, the theme was, you are who you hang with? Yes. Right.
So if you hear those fears, then get with people that think how they can? Not why they can’t.
Kelly Meerbott 09:22:53
Yeah, yeah. And it’s, you know, to your point about it being lonely every, and I don’t know if you found this, but as I level up, there’s certain people that peel off. Yes, exactly. Because I mean, and sometimes it’s painful to let go of them. But you, you have to open your hand in order to receive right, you can’t claim to that old paradigm.
So I really love everything you’re saying. And, you know, every time you say I’m crazy, I’m I keep thinking about the 1986 Apple commercial, you know, here’s to the ones, they’re the ones that are going to change the world in. Exactly. You know, and you You’re right. I mean, a lot of what we’re talking about is programming. You know, if you spend your days around people who gossip and tearing other people down, and then you wonder why all you’re miserable, and you’re tearing other people down.
Look at the truth. Right. And I always say that, to my clients that diet, or consumption is not just here, it’s here. It’s here. That’s right. And 80% of the information that’s in goes into our brain, it’s processed through our eyes. Yes. You know, one of the things I did after Uvalde, Texas was I shut all my social media down because I just couldn’t, it was just too heavy. And I couldn’t it’s not like I’m burying my head in the sand.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:24:11
No, I know what you’re saying. You’re protecting yourself.
Kelly Meerbott 09:24:14
That’s exactly it. And I think that that between the two of us, I think that’s really what we’re conveying to the world is protect that mental state and what comes into it because, you know, your mind projects, the reality does, you know, so be careful on what you’re putting in there and who you’re listening to. And thank you Oh, God, I didn’t listen to the naysayers because here I am 14 years later working with the Department of Homeland Security. I didn’t plan that. But here we are. And I get to talk to amazing people like you, who are world changers. So thank you for being in my company. And I’m just glad to know you, sir. And I just want to support anything that you, you do coming out. So I would love to close our conversation right now.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:25:02
Because I know I add one more thing or Absolutely. Remember I said it was two things. Yes. Second thing is: try it for at least one year? Oh, yes. Because we have too many biases, right? In our head, especially confirmation bias. You try something for a week or a month and you go see, I told you, it’s not going to work. But if you commit to at least one year, and start looking at things quarter by quarter towards your goals, it’s like walking, you turn around and look and you will see how far you came.
Kelly Meerbott 09:25:34
I love that, Curtis, because my whole philosophy is when somebody works with me for true transformation, I always say it takes 12 months, minimum 12 months, exactly. And they always say 12 months, that’s a really long time. And I’m like, how, how young are you? Oh, I’m 55, right? You’ve had that programming and that behavior for 55 years, I can flip a switch and go, Okay, you’re gonna be an enlightened leader in 90 days. Exactly.
So the first 90 days is really setting a baseline and us kind of getting to know each other and get a true connection. Second quarter is when results will start to kind of manifest and then we just keep building on that. But, you know, my approach I think is very similar to yours. Yeah. Which is, you know, about Kaizen, they do. Yeah, so it’s always small, incremental steps over time. I always say my clients baby steps, great forward momentum.
So you’re baby-stepping 365 days a year, you’re gonna turn around and you’ve run an ultra marathon. That’s right. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. I love that. And thank you for sharing that. I’m sorry, I missed that second.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:26:41
Oh, that’s okay. That’d be all exciting.
Kelly Meerbott 09:26:44
I’m excited. You’re like, I’m charged up. I want to get to that whiteboard with you and see what you and I can co create together because I feel like there’s some magic between us. I don’t know. Okay, so I’m gonna give you some rapid fire questions. And then sure you could share with us how we can get in touch with the incredible project manager that you are. Okay, so what is your favorite comfort food?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:27:09
Oh, man, my favorite comfort foods. You say? Well, immediately I went to fried chicken because of memories of my grandmother cooking at home in North Philadelphia. So it’s got to be fried chicken.
Kelly Meerbott 09:27:22
Now, did she use a cast iron skillet? Of course she did. So I can hear it crackling in my ear.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:27:27
That’s right. That’s right.
Kelly Meerbott 09:27:30
Yeah, okay. And did she share her recipe with you before she transitioned?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:27:35
No, I wasn’t interested in the recipe. I was interested in the outcomes
Kelly Meerbott 09:27:42
I don’t want the steps, I don’t want the roadmap. Okay, so is there a place in Philly that comes? I know there’s never going to be anything like grandma’s cooking, just like my Grammy, her Italian gravy. There’s nobody I can find. But is there anybody that comes close restaurant wise in Philly that can Oh, man.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:28:01
That’s a good question. Restaurant wise and Philly I would say Booker’s Okay. In southwest Philly.
Kelly Meerbott 09:28:08
All right. Well, I guess I’m gonna have Booker’s on my list. Yeah. So okay, what books are on your nightstand?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:28:15
So I got several. The first one is: lions don’t need to roar. And I read that book early on in life. And that helps me with presents, right? So you understand a lion without having to roar. Especially a male lion. That’s majestic. Right?
It represents, you know, royalty. So that’s why it’s funny that I don’t have a suit on but I’m always dressed in a suit because that’s part of that branding. That’s a lion. Right? And so when I walk into a room, I’m always trying to have a presence.
Kelly Meerbott 09:28:51
I love that and you know what it reminds me of and this is I watched a documentary called The Lion in your living room. And yeah, cats because we have this one cat one and only I’ve never had a cat before in my life. We’ve had him for seven years. His name is Pablo Escobar. And when he walks in a room he’s a stray cat from West Philly Yeah, when we were living there when he walks in a room it’s like a strip tease.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:29:13
Yeah. So
Kelly Meerbott 09:29:15
Are there any books that you think are must reads?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:29:21
Oh man, look, I can turn around and look and I’ll tell you I got all the classics like Highly Effective People. But you know, two books come to mind, The Alchemist. I love The Alchemist. And the thing that I love is that the universe conspires to help you reach your goals. So when people talk about how they want to hold their goals to themselves? I’m like, No, tell the world. Yes. Right. Exactly. So.
So I’ve put it out there. And I was just asked yesterday, I had the good fortune of being now part of the Forbes coaching Council. And my first article is going to be coming out soon.
Kelly Meerbott 09:30:04
Congratulations. I was part of it. But it just didn’t fit with us. Right.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:30:07
Yeah, gotcha. Gotcha. So you know, what goes into it? Yeah. And they have this exact offering, where, you know, you can go to these cool places at discounts, right. And the question that was asked of me is, what is your, you know, the one destination you want to go to?
So I just said, I want to go to Africa. Because one of my top 10 things to do before I die is to visit. And I got three continents that I haven’t been to, but I want to go to Africa first. And, you know, I also there’s a person out there that I want to meet Vusi, Fendrick Wayo who I think is a great speaker, right?
So and look so and I also want to fly in a private jet. And so and I have this image, so you know, I do imagery. And so I’m imagining myself in the plains of Africa, kissing my woman. So when they said, What do you want to say, hey, I’m gonna fly in a private jet with my woman to Africa, kiss her on the plains, and then go to dinner with Lucy the Humpback whale. Let me do that all together. Right?
Kelly Meerbott 09:31:16
It will be done. So be it.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:31:18
I put it out there. Yeah.
Kelly Meerbott 09:31:21
That is so powerful. Because Einstein said everything is energy. Right? He even said, If you stick your hand under a microscope, and you look at your body, on a microscopic level, you’re gonna see cells, but the cells aren’t stagnant. They vibrate, right? Vibrate. Yes, yes. And to your point, I’ve been saying to everybody, and since you shared yours, I’ll share mine.
But I want to be the first truly self made female billionaire that not only pays her taxes, but solves one of the world’s major problems. And I’m leaning towards hunger, because I’ve always had issues with food. And I think that if we can feed people that will take away one of the major stressors, and they’ll be able to live their lives in a way that, you know, is in alignment with who they want to be, you know, that trumps goose bumps?
Well, hopefully, I’ll be with my husband, and I’ll be on that plane with you to Africa, because we’ve never been and well actually, excuse me. My husband was in the Navy for 20 years. And he actually was in Africa. Okay, deployment. And one of my favorite stories about him is when they pulled into the Horn of Africa. And there were a bunch of little kids right outside the Navy base that were playing soccer with what Brian describes is not a ball. It was almost like a rock.
Yeah, he and a bunch of his colleagues went to the Naval exchange and bought them a nice soccer ball and changed them. Yes. So sometimes it’s that simple. You know, talk about presence being present enough. Yes. Yeah. A simple solution to a problem that can make somebody really, really happy if you solve that. Yeah.
So I love that, speaking into existence, because at the end of the day, sound vibration, right?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:33:10
That’s right. That’s right.
Kelly Meerbott 09:33:12
Love that. Okay. All right. So, um, what songs are on your playlist?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:33:19
What songs are on my playlist?
Kelly Meerbott 09:33:23
Okay, so let me let me rephrase that because dovetail off of something you said. A lion never roars. What song makes you feel like that lion?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:33:35
What song makes me feel like that lion. I got a number of trap songs.
Kelly Meerbott 09:33:47
For me, a song that makes me feel like the lion. Yeah. Oh, hello. Yeah, gotcha. You know, I’m a boss. You’re a worker. Yeah. That’s not about putting people down. But it’s as if people are trying to pull you at you. Yeah. And you know, you got to remember who you are. Yeah.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:34:07
And I think you just triggered something. So I was working out with my trainer. And he played Rick Ross. I’m a boss. Oh, and I love that song. And I remember maybe, I think it was a week ago. I just put it on in the background. Because I was, you know how you go through ups and downs. I had to bring myself back. And I had put that song on to help me. You know, with exactly that.
Kelly Meerbott 09:34:39
Well, I’m gonna say this to you: put my number on speed-dial if you ever need to get yourself back on track, I’d be happy to be that person for you. Absolutely. I just read something about Rick Ross and I’m hoping I get it right. That apparently in 2024 He’s scaling the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Yeah, I did. Like, okay, recross. Okay. That’s some serious, like, boss energy. That’s right. That’s right on that peak. Okay, sir. What are you most grateful for in this moment, right now, in this moment?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:35:11
Well, first of all, I gotta say, meeting you. And having this conversation, right. I’m very grateful for that. And as we were talking, you know, I got goosebumps. And again, you were talking about being the first female billionaire. And the reference thing was, how do I help? You know, talk about that. And, and I really enjoy how you? Well, the name of your podcast is Hidden Human. Right.
Yeah, the stories behind the business and, and, and so, like, so relaxed having this conversation, I will tell you earlier, I had been looking at buying a house and moving to Florida. And so Florida represents for me, the ability to golf more, right, the ability to have more of a leisure life with warmer weather. And you know how high housing prices have gone crazy.
So, instead of moving to Florida, I built a pavilion in the back that reminded me of a structure that I saw in Florida, right? That’s that vision to reality? Yes, there you go. And every morning, I go out, and I have an attitude of gratitude, where I’m having my coffee, and I’m just reflecting on everything that I’m grateful for. And that’s what I call it, an attitude of gratitude. And I first talked to my mom, you know, and we had a good conversation. Then when I finished talking to her.
I just sit there and have my coffee before I start anything strenuous or my workday.
Kelly Meerbott 09:36:45
I love that. And so you’ve got no way of knowing this. But I grew up an hour north of Miami, South Florida. And my dad is a former professional golfer on the PGA Tour. Really? Yeah. So it’s just kind of funny, like I love these are like what I like to call little God wings like, I got you.
Yeah, I mean, when they bring amazing people into my life, like, like you. So I love that you did that, again, thoughts becoming things. And of course, now I want to know where you live, because I want to come over and use that golf familiar and have coffee with you in the morning.
So but that’s, that’s amazing. And one last question. It sounds to me like you do something very similar to what I do, which is designing your day. Meaning like for me, the first thing I do is I get up, I rise, pee, meditate. So I go to the bathroom, get back in bed, put my headphones on, meditate, and then I get up. I eat depending on the day, I usually go to SoulCycle do a spin class and then go work out with my trainer. And then I come home shower, eat, have breakfast, and then get on Zoom calls all over the world. So it sounds like you’re doing something very similar with your gratitude and all of that. So you’re designing your day really?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:38:03
And absolutely.
Kelly Meerbott 09:38:06
Time for us to close, and a farewell send off for right now until we get you back. Hopefully we get you back again. What would you say to what is the power that’s in taking control and designing your day? How does that set you up for success?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:38:23
I think it teaches you how to manage and deal with stress. Yeah. Stress is a killer. Yeah, it is. And it’s painful to have. I mean, I don’t know about you, but my body talks to me when there’s stress.
Kelly Meerbott 09:38:35
Yeah, like how does it manifest for you? I can tell you how it manifests.
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:38:38
You know, I start filling in my arm. I get headaches. Yeah. And you know, or there’s a body part that just, it’s like, what is wrong with me? I feel tight. Yeah. And so, and then I have to question, well, why am I feeling tired? Right?
What is this thing that’s stressing me and I think taking time to just relax before you deal with anything just gives you an opportunity to know that there’s nothing that you can overcome that you can’t deal with. And most of it is stress that you can create yourself. And so I think it’s good to listen to good motivational speeches and things like that.
I mean, right now, I’m listening and I think the man is a genius and how he just did the simplicity of living life and so I just think I Do that. And I find that actually more productive because on the flip side of it, I’m thinking about what’s the one or two things that are the most important things that I need to spend my time on today? Yeah, where everything else doesn’t even matter, you know, you have this long to do list. But if I do this one or two things, this is going to make the difference. And that’s what I do.
Kelly Meerbott 09:39:58
Yeah. And you’re so right, because mine projects on the body. I mean, I just went to my first somatic therapy session yesterday. And she really talks about, because I’m a three-time sexual assault survivor.
So I’ve held trauma and my body for a really, really long time. And usually, it shows up in my neck and shoulders lately, it’s been showing up as a sore jaw, you know, and I was like, I gotta do something to figure out how to release this. But, you know, one of my favorite quotes from one of my teachers, Byron, Katie, is reality is kind of in the imagination. Yeah, 99% of the things that we stress about are never going to happen, right? 99% of the bad things that do happen in our world are self generated, right?
So I think what you and I are doing, or at least forgive me for making that assumption. But what you and I are doing is really combating that and taking control of what we can control because we can’t control everything, but we can control ourselves. So yeah. All right, my friend. Hopefully, I can call you that now. Absolutely. How does somebody get in touch with you?
Curtis L. Jenkins 09:41:04
Sure. I think the easiest way is through my website, cljassoc.com. And that’ll get you everywhere. But if you want to connect with me professionally, just find me Curtis l Jenkins on LinkedIn as well.
Kelly Meerbott 09:41:27
Okay, great. And please all do that via his books. And this is a treasure that you know, this is an asset that you would have for your business and get you closer to success. So reach out for him. And thank you to our audience for listening.
It’s our intention on Hidden Human to inspire you to go out and have authentic conversations to deepen the connections in your lives. Thank you so much, Curtis and everybody. Make it a great day. My pleasure.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/toggle][/toggles][/vc_column][/vc_row]
