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Thank you to the 1,400 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions!
I hope reading
helps you in your leadership.
Cheers,
Jonno White
7 Questions with Roy Scott
7 Questions with Roy Scott
Name: Roy Scott
Current title: CEO
Current organisation: Healthy Hip Hop, Inc.
Roy Scott is CEO of Healthy Hip Hop Inc., transforming a generation through hip-hop culture, education and cutting-edge technology. After spending over a decade in the music industry and corporate communications, Roy knows what truly moves people, creating engaging products and content that resonates with the culture. Experiencing first-hand how influential hip-hop music was on himself as a child, Roy was inspired to create a positive alternative that focuses on uplifting the youth through promoting mental and physical health, educational achievement and personal empowerment.
Roy is a battle tested and driven entrepreneur who has a wide range of experience from pitching on Shark Tank to securing over 200K in non-dilutive grants to build a tech company from scratch. Healthy Hip Hop has been highlighted in business journals across the country and most recently selected for the Arch Grants 2019 Cohort in Saint Louis, MO and the TechStars 20’ Social Impact Accelerator in Atlanta, GA. Roy is dedicated to his craft, yet more importantly self-improvement, faith and family.
1. What have you found most challenging as a leader of a small or medium enterprise?
Securing quality team members.
2. How did you become a leader of an SME? Can you please briefly tell the story?
I was heavily influenced by hip-hop music and culture as a kid and decided to be a rap artist after high school. Everything changed years later when I noticed my son repeating my lyrics that promoted drugs, violence and misogyny. That was my light bulb moment, I knew I couldn't be this kind of influence on my son and it inspired me to create Healthy Hip Hop. Infusing hip-hop culture with innovative technology, education and positive attributes to help transform a generation.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
I start my day with mediation, journaling and prioritizing action items. I take meetings throughout the day and help my kids with schoolwork. I like to go to the gym most days, at least four times a week. Try my best to eat clean and get at least 7 hours of sleep.
4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?
How to keep balance in all things. To be content, yet still hungry. To lead effectively, yet still know how to follow. To be excited about the destination, yet enjoy the journey.
5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?
The Bible, GOD'S Word has laid the unbreakable foundation in my mind and heart. Understanding GOD'S love has kept me at peace and allowed me to grow to be the best leader I could possibly be. With a focus on love, integrity, perseverance and truth.
6. How do you build leadership capacity in an SME?
I build leadership capacity by helping to create and facilitate other leaders. Share freely and openly, give generously.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader of an SME so far?
Our company pitched on season 7 of Shark Tank and successfully closed a deal with Kevin O’Leary aka Mr. Wonderful. Only to have our episode blocked from airing and the deal halted due to Hollywood politics. This was a big blow for our company, even lost a co-founder and friend in the process. My faith and conviction wouldn’t allow me to stop, we made the pivot to a tech company and raised over $500K to launch our new online and mobile product. Getting accepted into TechStars, Google For Startups and now preparing to air on a new show similar to Shark Tank, Meet The Drapers.