Name: Steve Brown
Age: 36
Profession: Tech Founder/ Media Executive
Social Media: Twitter: @stemstarscode & @stevebtech
One Word That Describes You: Creator
What is your “Extraordinary Impact?”
I look at myself as a digital pioneer. We are used to seeing other cultures make strides in science & tech but we aren’t used to seeing us in these fields yet. I want to make it cool to be into tech. I am a music producer and video director so I have that hip cool side; combined with my science knowledge, I make tech relatable. I live and breathe technology. I am a CES judge and I select the top tech products in the world. Technology is improving every area of our lives and I know things every day that will change the world and make it a better place.
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
It means a lot. I read Black Enterprise all of the time and it truly is the benchmark of African American entrepreneurship. I’ve worked to be an entrepreneur most of my life, and to be listed as a BE Modern Man is an incredible honor.
What are you doing as a BEMM to help support black male achievement now or in the future?
I am a tech entrepreneur, and one of my companies (http://stemstars.org) teaches young black men how to code, build, launch, and manage technology projects like real companies. At STEM STARS our focus is to create the next generation of science & tech entrepreneurs. I want to inspire young black men to be the next Bill Gates, the next Steve Jobs, and truly prepare them for the 21st century economy which will be heavily reliant on science & technology.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
Einstein said he appreciated everyone that told him no because he learned to do it himself. Even though I have people working for me now, in the beginning, I had to do everything myself from designing my companies websites and writing code, to visual marketing, and driving business. I had to struggle to do the work of 10 people, but it forced me to learn every aspect of my businesses from the technical side to being a CEO. It was worth it.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
When dealing with other people, I look for true passion and dedication. I am drawn to people who don’t want to just accept the world as it is, but who are focused on making things better no matter what industry they are in.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I am the Founder of the SB Media group of eight companies and we’re opening up a 30,000-square-foot television, media and digital studio complex in Atlanta that will house all of my projects. We will be bringing world-class digital content across various mediums and demographics 24/7. Get ready!
What is the best advice you ever received?
Perseverance and work ethic are far more important than talent.
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Never wait for anyone else to motivate you; be focused and motivate yourself every day. No one is ever going to work harder than you on your business (not even people you hire). You have to be the driving force on every level.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
If I am doing a big presentation for a VC, or speaking in front of a large audience, I tell myself 100 times beforehand that “I deserve this and I am worthy.” Then I imagine other people saying it to me as if we are in a conversation. Our brains are wired to process these kinds of suggestions and, before you know it, your mind will start to go on auto-pilot when the pressure is on.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation?
I love Spain and Italy, been there twice. The food is amazing. I’m going to South Africa for New Years, then probably Australia.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Dubai is doing some amazing things in tech. They have flying taxis now. I want to be there to experience it.
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