Let me begin by telling you a little bit about myself. I am the youngest of four children born to Opal Smith and Cherry Geo. Smith, II. We are a family full of talent; i.e. musicians, singers, writers, entrepreneurs, creative designers and speakers. We literally have spent our lives as a family providing inspiration, direction and encouragement to families, friends, churches, businesses and institutions all over the world. My family has provided the foundation from which my gifts have been allowed to flourish. I am in the truest sense, a “Renaissance Man”. Here are just a few of my unique skills and accomplishments:
As a Community Leader: I founded a community organization called “Community of Believers, Inc. (COB)”. COB is a non-profit corporation which assists others in becoming successful leaders and entrepreneurs. This "one-afternoon idea", would soon grow to have over 15 employees and hundreds of volunteers. As CEO, I was successful in raising over $2.5 million to support its many community and family enhancement efforts. In July of 2000, I received a Mayoral Commendation from Inglewood California’s Mayor, Roosevelt Dorn; and in November of 2005, I was acknowledged for my outstanding community leadership from the 51st District’s Assemblyman Jerome Horton.
As a Business Motivator and Leadership Trainer: I have been afforded the opportunity to travel and speak to thousands of youth, adults and professionals. My speaking experiences are known to be a “radiant conveyance of passion”; and have been known to captivate audiences with alluring candor, transparent passion and personal charm. I am presently contracted with Monster Worldwide Inc. as one of their National speakers. With Monster and other contracted organizations, I get the opportunity to secure an honorable legacy by offering my many years of experience in business, community and legal arenas to like minded innovative and creative business leaders. I view my efforts of giving back as simply, “Returning the Favor”.
As an Entrepreneur: I have founded four small businesses: AGPO Publishing, EJAT Designs, CG3 Productions and CGS Consulting Agency. These ventures are my passions of life. Here is where I get the privilege of earning extra income to do the things I simply love to do. Through these vehicles I can share my thoughts, ideas and try to contribute to making our world a better place. Hopefully, my efforts will assist our Nation in empolyment recovery and small business burgeoning.
As Clergy: I was trained at Talbot Graduate School of Theology with an emphasis on Pastoral Leadership and Counseling. I began my ministry mentoring youth and young adults, and later founded and was Senior Pastor of a church plant in Inglewood, CA called The “Grace” Place. This ministry grew to well over 500 members and serviced thousands in the community. To this day, I still hear life changing stories of how my decision to respond to this calling has given new hope and life to those who simply needed a little guidance and support.
As an Author: In 2007, due to my serious commitment to building others, I was inspired to write and self-publish a fictional novella entitled Howie, (How I Escaped). Howie is a story of one man’s escape from personal entrapment; interwoven with humor, poetic silhouettes and inspirations that reflect the true meaning of life. For a first book, the reviews and comments were very affirming. From this venture I discovered that so many people are aspiring authors, but are so afraid to take on the project. I began AGPO Publishing to help beginning writers hone their skills and assist them on their journey of completing their first book. This is so rewarding!
As a Musician and Singer: My second love to my first of speaking, is composing, playing, arranging and producing music. The art of such expression through chemistry of music theory and personal creativity is mind boggling. In 2007, I produced my first Christian CD entitled His Presence. It is a compilation of 12 songs that share a little insight into my time of worship with God. I have also been fortunate to experience up close and personal, the musical expertise of some of the world’s greatest composers, producers and musicians (i.e. Cheryl Lynn, Luther Vandross, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Ray Parker Jr., Whitney Houston, The Whispers and many more).
Although these few accomplishments may seem notable, they are only outward signs of the inner man. I didn’t truly begin to live, until I met LIFE. Life stands for Loss, Insecurity, Failure and Emptiness. These four elements of life caused me to discover my most important relationship ever, my relationship with God. He taught me the purpose of my gifts and began to reveal to me the reason for my existence. I have come to understand that the greatest asset of man is to know God intimately and to fulfill the purpose He has designed for his life. What an honor it is to leave this world completely emptied out, knowing that others have been filled because of it!
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