BE Modern Man is an integrative program that honors the essence, image, and accomplishments of today’s man of color. With features of today’s leaders, executives, creatives, students, politicians, entrepreneurs, professionals, and agents of change—these men share the common thread of creating a new normal while setting the bar in tech, art, philanthropy, business, and beyond. The BE Modern Man is making a positive impact, his way, and has a story to tell.
BE MODERN MAN REGINALD FOREMAN
Name: Reginald Foreman
Age: 41
Profession: Entrepreneur- Author/Speaker/Designer/Inventor
One Word that Describes you: Determined
Social Media handles: Instagram: @reginald_foreman @Reggie_thelion Twitter: @_Reggieforeman Facebook: Reginald Foreman (God Made)
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
Being one of the BE Modern Men means purpose to me. Because of all the pain and dysfunction of my past, I’ve overcome a lot to get to where I am in life. This is an honor and another platform to show people in the struggle—especially ex-offenders like me—that change is possible.
What are some examples of how you have turned struggle into success?
Being illegally sentenced to 18-1/2 years in prison, then set free for three years to only be re-arrested and told I was set free by mistake. This is one of my greatest struggles I had to overcome. Despite these circumstances, I obeyed the call from God over my life through this journey, instead of becoming bitter I became better as a person. I used my pain to push me to start my own fashion line, write a book, become an empowerment speaker, Inventor, mentor, and life coach. I used my pain as my push to fuel my purpose!
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
An important quality for me in any relationship is honesty. We all have struggles and weaknesses, but just keep it real with me, is all I ask.
What are some of the immediate projects you are working on?
I’m currently working on ‘Reggie the Lion’ a positive affirmation character: he speaks positive affirmations to children when squeezed. The purpose of Reggie the Lion is to help our youth believe in themselves, their dreams, and God. This project is composed of a plush doll, cartoon, fashion line, book, an app, and film.
What is the best advice you ever received?
I believe the best advice I’ve received is to “learn to be patient.” When you’re impatient you make bad decisions, you panic, you move before the prepared timing.
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
My advice for men who want to make a difference is to first believe in the gift or talent that you possess inside. Too many people don’t really believe in their own God-given capabilities but try to imitate other successful people. I’ve learned people will listen and trust you when you’re being authentic and true. Be you!
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
The way I prep for all meetings and speaking engagements is prayer and positive meditation. I watch empowerment videos and spiritual teachings.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation? Share a story about your best vacation.
I unwind on vacation by sightseeing, I love to travel and see new things. Partly because I did 8-1/2 years in prison, but I also just love beauty; studying things excites me.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Right now my passion is L.A., I feel like I really want to move to L.A. one day soon. I think because it’s a beautiful city and the success it offers. Me being involved in fashion, film, and a toy line I feel L.A. could push me to another level.
What is your “Extraordinary Impact”?.
I’m making an “Extraordinary impact” by sharing my story of purpose in pain. I have a very deep past life of gangs, abuse, poverty, prison, a mother on drugs and prostitution, suicide attempts, and more. I’ve been booked continuously to help and teach people how to turn their pain into purpose. I speak to large groups and I mentor one-on-one. I also use my social media platforms daily; speaking to the world. I have several people come up to me after events in tears. I’ve been told my story and teachings have kept people from committing suicide. I’ve been inboxed on social media many times by people thanking me over and over for what I post and say. My Extraordinary Impact is I really do care for people. I want them to overcome the hard pain and walk into their God-given greatness!