February is Black History Month. To celebrate, we are airing a weekly four-episode series featuring exceptional African American leaders. I hope you will be inspired by these amazing leaders, just as I was, and share their stories with those you love and admire.   In light of everything that went on in 2020 — from the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor that sparked the Black Lives Matter Movement, to the emergence of the new, powerful voices like National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman — I want to urge all of us to consciously lift ourselves up, and others, by focusing on all that we can be, and all we can become.   In our first episode of the series, we are joined by Jabari Hearn, an amazing marketing executive. He is the SVP of Marketing and Entertainment at Westbrook Media and the co-founder of an incredible organization that is focused on accelerating the advancement and impact of marketers of color, called Monday Night Mentorship. Previously, Jabari was a VP of Brand at Lyft, a Global Marketing Director at Google (where he launched many award-winning campaigns such as the Google Pixel 2 and 3), and a Sr. Brand Director at Nike.   In our conversation together today, Jabari speaks about his journey as a black leader in the marketing industry, the key lessons he has learned, and the wisdom he has for other leaders of color. He also shares about the exciting ventures he is currently a part of, how he has overcome struggles throughout his life and career, and his thoughts on what we can all do to propel the Black Lives Matter Movement forward and create more diversity as leaders.   Key Takeaways: [:09] About this month’s special four-episode series and today’s episode with Jabari Hearn. [1:24] Welcoming Jabari to the podcast! [2:26] Jabari shares about his career background, how he first became acquainted with the world of marketing, and how he has integrated the many passions of his life into what he is doing now. [6:18] Jabari is deeply committed to youth and understanding youth culture. He shares how this shows up in other aspects of his life today. [7:49] Jabari shares about the company he co-founded, Monday Night Mentorship, that is focused on accelerating the advancement and impact of marketers of color. [11:14] Jabari gives a shout out to his board of mentors at MNM. [11:45] Jabari speaks about the exciting opportunity he is now a part of with Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. [14:20] About Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s new multimedia venture, Westbrook Media, and Jabari’s involvement. [18:42] Jabari shares his philosophy in life. [20:19] Sharing a principle that I believe in (that I also have tattooed on my body!) [21:14] Jabari shares about a conversation he recently had with a young candidate that felt limited by her credentials. [21:46] When did Jabari discover that he was a leader? [22:55] The two most important defining characteristics that are absolutely necessary for an impactful leader. [24:15] Can empathy be learned or is it innate? [25:18] Has Jabari ever struggled with fears or limiting beliefs throughout his career? What has he done to overcome these challenges and find support? [28:45] Where does Jabari see us going in light of the Black Lives Matter Movement? And what can we do through our communities and as leaders to continue to propel this movement forward? [31:52] What can we do at an organizational level to improve diversity and propel the BLM movement forward? What would that look like and how would that feel? [36:29] One of the five dimensions of leadership is ‘inspiring love.’ Jabari shares what inspiring love means to him. [37:57] Jabari shares some parting words of wisdom for leaders and his hopes for the future. [40:44] Thanking Jabari for joining us in this episode and taking the time to share his vision, excitement, skills, perspective!   Mentioned in this Episode: Jabari Hearn’s LinkedIn Jabari Hearn’s Twitter @MrJabariHearn Monday Night Mentorship (MNM) Westbrook Media   About Fifth