I was born in Barbados. I have a brother and sister. My mum and dad left for England to find their fame and fortune. I was raised by my grandma and the elders in the village. My grandma was my spiritual and business teacher.

The elders were like a family of mothers, who had the authority and respect of grandma. I got to see life from many different perspectives. For example, my grandma digs ground provisions like potatoes from the ground.

It was hard work. She left early in the morning and returned late at night. In her absence, the elders were there to support me. On occasions, an elder would take me aside and teach me how to speak to each elder and not disrespect them. If I did, I would get a spanking. And if I complained to my grandma, she would give me another spanking.

I went to church at St. Leonard’s Church (Anglican) 3 times on Sunday. 9am service, 3 O’clock Sunday school, and 7 O’clock night service. It was fun because my parents sent us clothes and shoes. So, I went to church looking fine. Also, I played soccer for the Sunday school team which was coached by my godfather.

I later became an altar boy because I figured I would get the girls’ attention.

I did, and it made going to church very exciting. My girlfriend also went to the same school St. Léonard’s. Boys and girls were in separate buildings at the same location.

At school, I was an exceptional runner in the 100-yard dash. As my friend, Allan Jones would remind me,

“You’re not pretty, you’re not smart, but you got the prettiest woman in the school.” This was because of my outstanding ability as a runner.

My mom reminded me that I was born a blue baby (I was born dead). So unlike others, it is necessary to make every moment count. Apart from being a gifted runner, I also apply my mom’s reminder to everything I do

Back to grandma.

She went to church at Bethel Methodist. My grandma had a shop where she sold potatoes, yams, and all ground provisions she dug from the land.

On Saturdays, she sold “black pudding and Souse” a Barbadian delicacy. The preparation starts around 7am to 12 noon. I was responsible for grating potatoes, cucumbers, mar, and cutting up seasons. This was all done manually. So, I never finish until after noon.

I like to play a game called cricket. Cricket was usually played on Saturday mornings. By the time I finish helping, cricket would have been over. Grandma made it clear, that I was her business partner and that I had a responsibility to make the business a success.

I accepted that until I finish my part as a partner. I was not able to play cricket. When we were finished, Grandma would with a big smile let me know, it was ok to go play cricket now that I had finished my chores.

I was pissed. Nevertheless, grandma had to be listened to.

Grandma taught me that I could do anything I wanted. But first, I need to make up my mind about what I wanted to do. Then go for it.

She told me I could fail or get knocked down, but be sure I learn from the situation. This was so that I DO NOT keep repeating the same mistake. Respect was given. You need to respect everyone. And most importantly yourself. When I was sixteen years old, I had to be home by 6pm. The elders got together and told grandma, she needed to allow me to stay out later.

Grandma agreed.

She asked me to take her down to a men’s clothing store. When we got there, she asked for the expensive pants. She bought me a pair of plaid pants with different shades of green. Grandma said: “The elders think you’re a man. Then dress like one.”

My parents wrote letters twice a month. My mom would come back on holidays to visit. One visit, she came back to Barbados with the intention of taking us all to Canada.

The plan was, my dad would move from England to Canada, buy a home and the rest of the family would emigrate to Canada.

I asked my mom what I would do in Canada. She had done her homework, she smiled and said: “You had expressed an interest in business. This is your opportunity.” I was elated. (Talk about overcoming objections). That was the good news. The bad news was leaving grandma and the village. It was heart-wrenching, sad, and guilt-tripping.

After coming to Canada, I attended Ryerson University and took a 4-year course in business management. Sitting in the cafeteria during my first semester, I was enrolled as a marketing major. My fellow buddies were accounting majors. They were laughing behind my back because I was trying to make a go of it as a salesman.

They said to me one day: “We are in accounting and we will be working in an office. You’re in marketing and you’ll be out selling. Can you sell as a black person in Toronto?”

I was reminded of my grandma’s advice. “Don’t run away from a challenge. Find a way to face it. It may turn out to be an opportunity.”

I took on the challenge.

I got a job in sales selling men’s clothing. I actually ended up working permanent part-time for 4 years. Thursday – Saturday. I was also president of the business student society in my final year. I remembered; it was warm Tuesday afternoon, at about 2.30 pm.

I was in my favourite blue jeans. The Dean of business and the president of Ryerson sat me down for a chat. They told me they were very pleased with the job I did facilitating and orientating new students making their job so much easier.

Then they asked me this question:

“What do you want to do after you graduate?”

My reply:” I am going full time in selling”

Two white men look at me like I’d grown another head.

In unison they said:

“But you’re black. You don’t stand a chance in the corporate world. You’ll be used, underpaid, and tossed away like a dirty rag.”

I stormed out of the room yelling, “You just watch me.”

Inside, I was terrified. ‘What if they were right? What if I didn’t sell? How would I pay my way?’ I felt useless, helpless, and powerless. I crumble like a sandcastle that just had been hit by a wrecking ball. All I remember were the words of the Dean and President of Ryerson. “But you’re Black.”

I also recalled that I have been selling men’s clothing for 4 years permanent part-time to Presidents, Vice Presidents, and influential people in the corporate world. They told me I was great at my job and only worked on commission.

Also, I did so well, that I paid my tuition, bought my books, and had little savings. Just then, I heard my grandma’s voice.” You can overcome any challenge”.

I got my first gig selling computers in corporate Toronto. The sales team got a new sales manager. In his first meeting, he asked us how much money we made.

I was the last to answer. I was making way less and later tossed away like a dirty rag. The idea came to me to find a program that would allow me to develop relationships with many companies needing salespeople.

This will make companies chase me. The program cost $1,800. My wife had to attend my first meeting. I got a loan from the bank and got started.

As a result, that investment resulted in low six figures for over 12 years. My university education led me to believe that I should ignore the values my grandma taught me in Barbados and focus only on making money.