Name: Armand Carr
Age: 36
Profession: Radio Personality, Host of The Quiet Storm on 102.9 KBLX
Social Media: Twitter: @qswitharmand | Instagram: @thequietstormwitharmand
One Word That Describes You: Passionate
What is your “Extraordinary Impact?”
As a radio personality, I’m afforded the opportunity to create a footprint that extends typical boundaries. This platform has positioned me as a trusted voice in the community. Therefore, I make a concerted effort to build on that climate of trust by recognizing and rewarding contributors in the community by way of air time. A portion of my programming is dedicated to discussions and the sharing of unique perspectives. My only requirement is that you have to be connected to a nonprofit or giving back in some form. This incentive for sharing has resulted in intangible benefits. I don’t motivate young men. Instead, I remind young men to get out of their own way because hesitation is due to lack of confidence.
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
It is an incredible privilege and personal honor to be recognized out of millions of black men in the country for my contributions in the community and as a father. This recognition serves as a tribute to men around the world who continue to improve the lives of others through advocacy, self-responsibility, community outreach, and vision. Above all, it validates how we are shaking up the status quo.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
Behind every success story is a failed first attempt. In other words, success is a product of perseverance and a willingness to fall and get up again and again. For this reason, without struggle success is impossible.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
The most important quality I look for in relationships with others is loyalty. I’ve always believed that absence of loyalty is the cause of failure in various areas of life. Therefore, when you love something or someone, you will be loyal.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I’m currently working on two projects: All Tied Up, a nonprofit that prepares young men between ages 13-21 for success through workshops structured around the significance of a necktie and a program aimed at teaching youth the business of radio.
What is the best advice you ever received?
“Never take constructive criticism from someone who has never constructed anything.”
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
My advice to men who want to make a difference is to pass on your passion. Knowledge hoarding impedes growth.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
I prep for most events two weeks in advance by researching the company or organization and studying key players. The day of the event I am able to comfortably articulate information as if I’m part of their organization. As a result, this strategy projects a confident and self-assured vibe that puts people at ease, creating a higher level of trust.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation? Share a story about your best vacation.
Coincidentally, the night I received this honor was the first night of my Jamaican vacation. There’s something very special about water. I immediately receive an overwhelming sense of mental tranquility. The openness and depth of the ocean reminds me that anything is possible.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why
Armand is a French name which means “man of the world,” so if I could travel anywhere in the world, I would definitely choose France.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @BEModernMan and join the conversation using #BEModernMan.
Come celebrate the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction at the first-ever Black Men XCEL Summit, Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.