Filed under: Professional Profiles, Celebrity News, Personal Finance
My name is Tavis Smiley, and what I attempt to do is to enlighten, encourage, and empower people through a number of broadcast and internet outlets.
What are some of your thoughts on the importance of financial education in the black community?
Put simply, too many of us spend money we don't have, to buy stuff we don't need, to impress folk we don't even like. If we could ever arrest this development, we could get on down the road toward financial prosperity.
What personal philosophy do you follow on money?
The same advise my Grandfather gave me years ago: "Make all you can. Can all you can. Sit on your can." In other words, make it, invest it, and watch it grow.
How do you think the internet and social media has helped or hindered financial education?
The short answer is, there is so much financial information available via the internet that ignorance is no longer an acceptable excuse. I've tried through my internet outlets, namely through a program that we call Road to Wealth, to empower people with financial information that can help them live better lives and leave greater legacies.
Do you have any financial and professional advice for the black community?
Yes, save more and spend less. It's really that simple.
Is it necessary for President Obama to create more economic programs targeted towards the black community?
ABSOLUTELY! This notion promulgated by the White House that "a rising tide will lift all boats," is nonsense. All the boats didn't go down at the same time, and all the boats are not going to come up at the same time. Wall Street and Harlem are on the same island called Manhattan. Wall Street is coming up and Harlem is going down. And besides, if when the tide does comes up, and you're in a yacht and I'm in an inner tube, we've still got a problem! And we haven't even talked about the folk who are in the water! But I digress.
What has been the scariest/funniest/best moment in your career?
All three of the above are yet to come. What I love most about the work that I do is that every day is uniquely different. On any given day I try to do something that scares me; I'm always looking for the funny; and while I don't believe in "best," I'm always striving to get better.
What surprised you the most about the financial side of your industry?
That I could work this hard and make so little. I'm working like a Jamaican!
How has Twitter helped you in building your brand and running business?
On Twitter, I try not to focus on the frivolous, although I ain't mad at others who do. What I attempt to do is to use Twitter to comment on the things that matter most to me. These are serious times, with serious issues that demand a serious discourse. I'm constantly amazed at the power of Twitter to do good. You should follow me, @TavisSmiley!
Do you have any financial and professional advice for aspiring public figures out there?
Sure. We live in the age of truth and transparency. Recognize it and you will prosper. Ignore it at your own peril.
What upcoming projects do you have in store for us?
They're all listed at tavistalks.com. That said, 2011 is my 20th year in broadcasting, and we have a number of events and projects that we're unfolding throughout the year to celebrate the occasion.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our AOL Black Voices audience?
Yes. I love you and there ain't nothing you can do about it!