Keion Henderson: Finding New Life in Uncertain Places
Finding New Life in Uncertain Places: World Leader Keion Henderson
Growing up in the church can be a good experience, but this was a tug of war with Keion Henderson. He had a turbulent period during his formative years and never knew that the presiding pastor was actually his father, who in turn never acknowledged him. Today, many of our entrepreneurs have family baggage that has kept them stuck. Not minding his background, Keion trusted God and his pain was turned into a divine mandate. He went from being an entrepreneur to a Pastor. Once again, he was at a crossroad when the church authorities where he was serving promised to promote him, but in a twist of fate, he was fired. Several years later, Keion Henderson now has one of the largest churches; The Lighthouse Church.
You stated you feel your highest moment of promotion felt like taking a low turn … Why?
My lowest moment came with the promise of my highest promotion. I was asked to move to Houston, Texas to succeed an outgoing Pastor. To my surprise, three months before the transition, I was fired on the spot and in public. I had no idea that God had smuggled a deliverance into that dilemma. The Lighthouse Church was birthed out of that proverbial abortion of destiny and here we are now with opportunities to minister around the world when just nine years ago we couldn’t even speak in a local congregation.
The moment prior to things changing for us dates back to a one bedroom apartment that my wife and I lived in. The problem was at the time, we had two daughters and they were sleeping on the couch with no bedroom. I remember looking at my daughters sweating on that leather couch and deciding that I had to do better for my family. Something snapped in me that day and motivated me to get my children off of the couch and into comfort.
How did you stay faith-based and motivated in the midst of rejection?
I believe that staying motivated is an inside job. I believe that most people lack consistent motivation because they look for it to come from a source that is outside of them. The problem with depending on an outside source is it has to be available when you need to be motivated. The blessing of being motivated intrinsically is that you can reach for it whenever you need it. I believe having a great deal of knowledge also keeps you motivated; so you have to be well read. Lastly, I think surrounding yourself with people who are light years ahead of you is important. This is dangerous because it can be both motivating and depressing. But if you manage the distance properly, it can definitely pull you into destiny.
I often tell people I’m not just a preacher, although I am that. I am an entrepreneur who got called to preach. Business is in my blood. It’s what I graduated from college in, and it is the way we (my wife and I) construct all of our ministries.
Nobody handles being fired well, but how did you handle being fired on the spot, especially when trying to follow God’s purpose?
The story of how I was fired is one of those situations that you would have had to see to believe. After resigning from a local church that I had built and organized in Fort Wayne, Indiana, I received the call to come to Houston, Texas to succeed a retiring pastor at a pretty substantial size church. I have to be honest; I had my doubts. I grew up in Gary, Indiana and moving to a big city like Houston was frightening. To add insult to injury, the day I was scheduled to move to Houston was the same day that one of the most massive hurricanes in Houston’s history (Hurricane Ike) would hit the city. I thought the storm was a sign that I should just stay where I was. I now know that all storms are not bad.
Everything was going according to plan. Until that fateful Sunday morning when the Pastor stood up in front of the congregation and announced that he would no longer be retiring and I would no longer be succeeding him. As you can imagine, shock-waves went through my system with a force, unlike any earthquake that has ever shaken the earth. What I didn’t know is that being fired on the spot was God’s way of getting me to the spot He had already planned for me.
How do you manage the thin line between keeping God's Vision as a pastor and what you learned about business in college?
There is no line to manage. That’s what I had to learn. If there is a line, it is man-made. God found Peter with a fishing business when He called him. God knew I was an entrepreneur at heart when He called me. He knew I had a business degree when He assigned me. Therefore, I believe He intended for me to use and merge all of my interests and gifts for His glory. I don’t manage lines, I manage time.
We read that time ago you also went through not being publicly accepted by your father who was also a pastor. These life traumas can create stagnancy or fear of disappointment. How do you internally address those issues in order to transform your life?
I didn’t have to transform my life. No doubt I did experience a great deal of pain, but I didn’t have to transform my life because I didn’t allow His absence to translate my story for me. I basically decided to make something of myself with or without his help. Sure, I would have loved to have his presence in my life. I pursued his approval. But my arrival and your arrival at destiny should never be predicated on who was absent or present. Growth is an inside job and you’re the only one qualified for the position. I used the trauma as fuel and fire.
Theresa Siaw: Mourning to New Day Starting Again
Theresa Siaw lost her partner in life & son’s father about a decade ago, and it changed her career and life path forever. In his honor, Theresa decided she wanted to honor his legacy as a medical clinic doctor and philanthropist. Through the pain of her loss, she vowed to help keep his clinics, OMNI Healthcare, open and continue to serve the disenfranchised communities they are located in. She became the Director of Business Development and helped expand the clinic and its mission to multiple new locations and hospitals. Through OMNI she went on to open the OMNI Medical Student Training Program, which helps international medical students prepare and secure residency programs in the states. Throughout this journey, Theresa faced multitudes of backlash for being a black female entrepreneur despite her efforts to help the community. She never let any of it stand in her way to pursue and reach her goals.
One of the ways Theresa stays positive is knowing that her goals are to help people and no amount of negative backlash was going to prevent her from providing a much-needed service to the members of her community.
Surrounding herself with a strong support system and committed team of employees has also helped her stay positive in the face of personal and business adversity.
Struggling with the decision of whether to give up or keep pushing forward, things changed and resulted in tangible results her community and former clinic patients rallied around her and uplifted her to remember why she was doing this in the first place. The support of the people she was trying to help and seeing how much her mission mattered to them gave her the final push to stay committed and execute her mission.
Currently, OMNI Healthcare operates nine clinics and is in close to a dozen different hospitals. They are much more than a health clinic but offer a safe haven to those in need and provide help with a multitude of task such as filling out forms, paying bills and helping find housing at no cost to those in the community that need assistance due to elder age, lack of speaking the language or any other reason. OMNI Student Medical Training Program has placed over 100 students in residency positions.
How long after your husband death did you decide that you must continue the legacy?
There was a grieving period, but I knew almost immediately that I wanted to carry on his legacy. I saw how much the community meant to him, and him to them. I wanted to carry that on. It was important to me to make sure that his kind-hearted nature never left the community just because he is no longer with us.
Were you already in the medical field?
My degree is in marketing, but I had worked in one facet or another for OMNI Healthcare for many years before I became the Director of Business Development and went on to create the OMNI Medical Student Training Program.
Was it hard internally to pick up where he left off? Or were you already aware of how
things were running business wise?
It was hard to pick up where he left off in the sense that he was such a big presence, he was a man who could not be replaced. Luckily, on the business side, I was already pretty well versed and knowledgeable on the run of the show in the office. The hardest part to pick up where he left off was his community service. He did so much for the community, it was a lot to figure out where to even begin, being half as helpful and charitable as he was. I was determined to do so.
What was the process of balancing grief internally while making business progress
externally?
Trying to process grief is hard enough on its own, let alone trying to get back into the swing of things with work, especially when taking on a bigger role to help fill the gaps.
While there is grief going on, businesses don’t stop because of it. The most important part of finding a balance is…
Theresa Siaw is a social entrepreneur currently directing Omni Healthcare, a multi-location health clinic for the underserved. She also runs Omni Medical Student Training, which helps students who have trained at foreign medical schools prepare for residencies in the United States. It is her passion for improving not just physical health but also the whole life of the community.
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Instagram: @theresasiaw
Twitter: @TheresaSiaw
https://www.theresasiaw.com
Kenneth Watson: The Road to Transformation- Attorney to Lifestyle Disruption
Drawn in by well designed "Dine" events, dynamic food pairings and visuals that would send an appetite into overdrive. Esquire Meals caught the attention of our lifestyle editor beyond his exquisite presentation, although undeniable. Lead by an entrepreneur who has a moral compass to create meals that cater to our taste buds, yet fueling our nutritional needs.
Founder Kenneth Watson Jr. went from a driven attorney to a social impact leader changing our taste buds and nutritional awareness.
Sitting down with Kenneth he explained his direction into law as a journey that felt like it was "suppose" to happen. All the while Esquire meals had begun without him even knowing it. While in law school Kenneth used the idea of meal prep to stay in line with a student budget as we all would. However, he ensured he had meals which gave him the energy a driven law student would need. This lead to other students purchasing from him as well.
Still focused on being a lawyer he saw Esquire meals as a way to fund his original goal by all means necessary. Creating an Instagram page to see if others would be interested. To his surprise, they were! Esquire meals was born as a consistent form of supplemental income.
Kenneth didn't originally see the full potential Esquire meals had due to tunnel vision to become an attorney. Without a tunnel vision, it would be impossible for anyone to accomplish such a professional dream as an attorney. With major focus, Kenneth passed the bar exam and was on his way to the journey he designed.
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina with two parents who are career professionals, he was given a great example of hard work and the outcomes of work over entitlement. Along his journey, unsure if law was his purpose he moved to live with his godparents initially for summer; for what would be life-changing growth.
While living with his godparents he was reintroduced to an entirely new way of living. His godparents also entrepreneurs, added a to major piece to his growth as a man that he didn't even know was missing. Showing him ways to eat not only healthy but to eat with purpose preventing health risks before they arise. Leading by example on how to manage a company, employees and quality. Growing up loving Soul food you can see how Kenneth infuses both upbringings in his business. Nutritional food that feeds the soul.
After many twists and turns as an attorney, his inner compass was pulling him out of the dream he created. Inspired by his ability to seek purpose over self-design. He accomplished his goal, became an attorney. Most would think their journey is finished. After making a decision to leave a law firm which showed him the ugly side of law, as well as the benefits of proper business structure.
Kenneth made another life decision in one weekend. "I will not be returning to work on Monday." Unsure as to the next steps but trusting his gut that he could not work anywhere that diminished his integrity. Throwing all of his passion and eclectic skills into Esquire Meals. As we can see today he made a decision that will positively affect generations ongoing.
When you look at your life and future legacy, describe what you feel your Purpose is?
My purpose is to do good and be good while feeling good. My greatest asset to my life and my future legacy is being unapologetically me. I dream big and jump fearlessly because I know no matter what happens in life, my purpose will make any dream a reality.
What is Esquire Meals?
Esquire Meals is a gourmet health-conscious meal prep company based on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland. Whatever goes into your body should have a purpose and Kenneth believes that food can be a catalyst to good health, quick recovery and in extension, success.
Cooking, delivering and of course, eating the food the same day it was prepared is a perfect way to remain consistent with your nutritional goals. With a personal belief that life should be experienced and enjoyed, Kenneth adds culinary excitement for food enthusiasts who would not just want to stuff their guts but equally enjoy every bit of the dinning.
“Dine dinner series” as a nice way to connect innovators as well as strengthen community bonds through private themed dinner events.
What is the relationship between food, good health, and success?
What we eat either fuels us or begins to tear down our own bodies. Many in our community are taught to not pay attention to what we eat and then pay for it later with prescription medicines. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other issues that are even apart of generational illness. By taking small steps we can prepare for our future health, in turn, this allows us to be as healthy as can be to take care of our families, home and career.
For one to go from being an attorney to a Social Impact founder would certainly be described as the height of passion for a niche. Kenneth Watson helps in no small measure by ensuring that disenfranchised communities and entrepreneurs are able to eat healthily.
A man with a big personality, contagious smile, and a mind that is always on the go. We have many many entrepreneurs but Kenneth stands out with his humble passion to truly be the person he speaks of. Personal conviction to deliver quality and standards that allows us to trust that "Esquire Meals" is here to disrupt meal preparation and events as we know it. Be sure to look out for upcoming collaborations and contact him to share your thoughts.
Esquire Meals
Founder: Kenneth Watson Jr
www.esquiremeals.com
info@esquiremeals.com
203.927.0099
Lauryn Williams: Olympic Star to Financial Leader
Many have the impression that they can’t perform excellently in areas beyond what they are used to, and therefore would rather remain in their comfort zone than venturing out. However, Lauryn took an exception to that norm. Not only was she an Olympic track and field Medalist but equally went on to become a bobsled Olympian. She pushed past certain barriers before she was able to excel in the field of finance. In doing so, she was able to assist other athletes and fellow students on how to manage their debt.
Lauryn is a good example of how one should trust their instincts.
Lauryn Williams an Olympic Medalist, but also Founder of Worth Winning Financial. Highly experienced in discussing the effects of student loans. We can’t forget to mention her five-star rated podcast "Worth Listening". Lauryn empowers people in need to plan for financial success.
How did your own life experience transition you from being an Olympic star to becoming a financial expert?
I saw gaps in the information I was looking for as an athlete and the information I actually needed. I wasn't sure what a financial adviser did and I also didn't know there were different types of financial advisers. I was busy and wanted to make good decisions but with the help of an expert. I asked friends what they were doing to be responsible with their money and seldom got a clear answer. These were the gaps I wanted to fill and what led me to financial planning as a career.
Before anyone publicly knows our new route of passion and purpose feel it internally. Did you have any apprehension when letting others know publicly about your transition?
I did not have apprehension but I was met with a sort of shock and even subtle disappointment by many who only saw me as an athlete. I got to follow up questions like "what aren't you coaching?" This led to me feeling a little less confident because I saw that people were doubting me before I even got going.
How did you begin the process?
I went to a conference for young financial planners that specifically aim to help young professionals. There is a conference for just about everything nowadays and getting to be in the same space with like-minded people and to have the opportunity to do some fact-finding about best ways to proceed is very important when beginning a new venture.
When thinking about moments that standout, what was your greatest moment when starting and your lowest moment?
My greatest would probably be getting my first client to say yes without questioning my fees. Rejection is apart of the process when starting something new however it is incredibly painful in the beginning because….
Digital Advertising Consulting: "Making sure your Business is Never Lost in the Digital Shuffle"
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Contact: https://digitaladvertisingconsulting.net/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-voice-consulting/about/
kevin@digitaladvertisingconsulting.net
(240) 242-7043