Above & Beyond Talent Acquisition, Inc.’s Post

Wow! What an incredible week of recognition, relationship building, and celebration in Monaco at the 2024 EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. I was safely flown back to New York yesterday (not quite ready to depart), but I awoke this morning feeling more inspired and motivated than ever.   First and foremost, congratulations to this year's WEOY winner, India’s Vellayan Subbiah Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited, and the 51 finalists from around the globe. Thank you to EY for your unwavering support of entrepreneurs over the decades. As a proud member of the EY EAN cohort, I can personally attest to the transformative power and impact of this program. It has been life-changing.   This past week, I had the privilege of networking and building relationships with members of Winning Women, EOY, fellow EANers, and EY Leadership. The support from these programs has enabled many of us to build businesses beyond our wildest dreams and to further make meaningfully positive changes in the world.   The week was filled with incredible experiences, including fine dining, driving a vintage Morgan on the Monaco Formula One race circuit, sailing excursions, tours, and countless celebrations. However, it was clear to everyone there that this week was about more than just celebrating; it was about networking, communicating, and collaborating to help all of us scale our businesses to the next level and beyond. It was about the importance of paying it forward and helping others. The atmosphere was electric, and the energy was overwhelmingly positive. The common attributes I observed in the entrepreneurs were perseverance, positive attitude, selflessness, and belief in oneself. All took the risk to start their journeys, overcome constant adversity, and share a deep-seated desire to help others along their paths. The stories of accomplishment were never about "me," but always about "we." This was a truly special event in a remarkable place, filled with extraordinary people. I am humbled and blessed to be a part of this ecosystem.   I cannot close without expressing a very heartfelt THANK YOU to Cynithea (Nit) Reeder, Kristina de los Angeles Hunter, Cheryl Grise, Sam Johnson, Lee Henderson, Stasia Mitchell, Andrew (AJ) Jordan, Kath Carter, and the entire EY team! Blanche Brown, Robert Brand, Olivia Braddick, Jason Hyman In frame: Ethel Torres, Marcus Lewis, Vanessa Best 8(a), HUBZone, MWBE, Charles Weems III, Jamila Stanford, Jorge ("George") Madrigal, Karla Trotman, MBA, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour, Avis Yates Rivers, Alex Moore, MBA, Ryan Burkett, Yadira Enriquez

When Tara Binstein Sammartino reached out about Bryan Peña, CCWP inspiring #DefiantOriginStory, I immediately said yes! I'm grateful to Tara for the nomination and to Bryan, for launching this initiative.   Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the power of resilience and the incredible people who have influenced my path. My story is deeply intertwined with the values I learned from my father, ERNEST HARPER. My dad grew up in the deep South in Mississippi, working the farm at dawn, attending a one-room schoolhouse, and enduring Jim Crow segregation laws. Through all of this, he persevered and raised me and my siblings with a relentless work ethic. His legacy as a high school principal for decades, guiding thousands of students, has been a constant source of inspiration.   Although born in Philadelphia, my journey began in Cape May, NJ. There, my father taught me the value of hard work through demanding daily tasks. These experiences, combined with the discipline and resilience I gained as a US Army ROTC Cadet, shaped my pursuit of excellence. I earned my undergraduate degree at Hampton University and later a Master’s from Columbia University. Facing initial job search challenges, I worked as a door-to-door salesman in Southern Virginia, honing my work ethic. Transitioning into the business world, I started as an IT Recruiter and moved into staffing sales, discovering a passion for helping people secure their dream jobs. This passion led to the founding Above & Beyond Talent Acquisition, Inc. with a mission to close the diversity gap in leadership. A few years ago, I met two gentlemen at a BBQ in NY. We bonded over our love for golf, and I was invited to visit them in South Africa. Little did I know what impact that chance meeting would have on my career. These men, Bulelani Ngcuka and Saki Macozoma, were instrumental figures in the fight against Apartheid. Their stories of survival and triumph deeply moved me and reinforced my commitment to creating opportunities for others. During our recent trip to South Africa, I had the profound experience of celebrating their milestone birthdays and listening to their stories. It was particularly special as I brought my father along, fulfilling one of his bucket list dreams. This trip reminded me of the power of mentorship, the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals, and the joy of sharing memorable experiences with loved ones. I am grateful for the lessons learned from these remarkable men. They have fueled my drive to lead A&B Talent with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and excellence. While on your own journey, remember that resilience, passion, and support from incredible people can help you overcome any challenge. As I reflect on my story, I am inspired to continue pushing boundaries and helping others achieve their dreams. I nominate Carlos Beltre and Joseph Butler to share their #DefiantOriginStory. Let’s keep inspiring each other and celebrating our unique journeys.