Cedric and Kojo are back at it again. Kojo interviews Cedric and does a masterful job of highlighting key milestones and character traits Cedric exhibited along the way. Cedric embodies the true character of a journeyman and took “The Road Less Travelled.”
Cedric will talk about being the “Golden Child” and the “Golden Privilege” he received in the first 14 years of his life. Cedric’s grandmother Johnny Clark was instrumental during this time of his life. You will also hear about Cedric’s mother Sylvia Donovan coming to get him after she was married and how the first attempt did not go according to plan. The “Golden Child” was not being taken away that easy and someone (who Cedric will not disclose) made it know that they had a gun and Cedric’s mom would not be leaving with him and his brother Chris.
Cedric’s desire was to be a Division 1 Basketball player, but after his tryout with the Men’s Basketball Team, he was relegated to being a practice player for the Women’s Basketball team. He built a bond with former NBA basketball player Michael Dickerson. Cedric worked out with Michael every day and got a front row seat to the pedigree of the team that later that year became the 1997 NCAA Basketball National Champions.
The persistence Cedric had when he arrived at Washington State University is unheralded. Cedric articulates how grateful he was for Coach Kevin Eastman and Coach Paul Graham and the opportunity they each provided. It is clear that Cedric was not going to take “No” for an answer, but Cedric was also willing to do what others would not do as well as cultivate an undeniable value proposition.
You will also hear about Cedric’s accent from Hourly associate making $7.50 to an Officer within two Fortune 500 Organizations. Cedric continues to show gratitude to leaders that took time to mentor and sponsor him along the journey. No surprises here, but Cedric activates the same level of persistence in the corporate setting and he articulates clear character traits that translate in any competitive setting.
Finally, there is much needed topic surrounding the validity of Webster’s Definitions of Racism and Servitude. Kojo delivers a compelling argument that you will not want to miss! “What would you do?”
