Welcome to the Man Up Club Presents podcast! Hosted by Celena Lena, the youth and program director of the Man Up Club, this podcast is dedicated to supporting young Black males aged 13 to 24. The organization aims to help these young men stay out of the prison pipeline, pursue education or trades after high school, and ultimately graduate. In this episode, Celena is joined by Payton Bowdry, a football and basketball coach, and Emanuel Roberts, the founder of the non-profit organization Anything Helps. Together, they delve into the theme of success and the impact of environment on personal development.

Understanding Success: Personal Stories and Insights

Emanuel Roberts’ Journey
Emanuel shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction and homelessness. Introduced to drugs at a young age, he faced significant trauma, including his father’s incarceration. By 22, he was homeless and struggling with addiction. The birth of his first child and subsequent incarceration became turning points in his life. Emanuel has been sober for eight years and now runs two companies, including Anything Helps, a non-profit focused on community support.

Payton Beaudry’s Path
Payton’s journey is shaped by his family’s struggles with addiction. Determined to break the generational curse, he focused on education and graduated from Northwestern University. Now a coach at South High, Payton is passionate about helping young people find their paths.

The Role of Environment in Shaping Success

The Influence of Upbringing
Both Emanuel and Payton agree that environment plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s experiences and mindset. Emanuel emphasizes that while the environment can push you to succeed or hold you back, personal effort and choices are crucial. Payton adds that about 80% of who we are is influenced by our environment, but how we respond to it is equally important.

Personal Agency and Choices
The speakers highlight the importance of personal agency in overcoming environmental challenges. Emanuel sees himself as the creator of his own universe, while Payton believes that different paths can be taken based on choices and perspectives, even within the same environment.

Essential Components for Achieving Success

Continuous Learning
Emanuel stresses the importance of a willingness to learn. He advises never to be the smartest person in the room and to seek continuous growth and learning.

Community and Support Systems
Payton highlights the significance of having a supportive community. A strong support system of people who motivate and inspire you can make a huge difference in achieving success.

Drive and Grit
Payton also mentions the need for drive and grit. Success often comes with challenges and feelings of hopelessness, and having mentors to guide and support you through these times is essential.

Authenticity and Self-Perception
The speakers discuss the importance of being true to oneself. Emanuel shares his experience of embracing his unique style, despite societal judgments. Payton emphasizes the need to define success on one’s own terms rather than conforming to external expectations.

The Impact of Social Media on Success

A Double-Edged Sword
Social media can be both a tool for connection and a source of distraction. Emanuel acknowledges its power as a marketing tool, while Payton notes its significant influence on society. Celena shares her experience as a content creator, highlighting the pressure to compare oneself to others.

Purpose-Driven Use
Emanuel emphasizes the importance of remembering one’s purpose when using social media. He views his social media presence as an invitation for others to see his work and impact, rather than a platform for self-promotion.

Navigating Societal Expectations and Challenges

The Pressure of Black Excellence
The speakers discuss the pressure to excel and the impact of societal expectations on identity and success. Emanuel expresses frustration with the notion of being labeled as “one of the good ones,” emphasizing that Black excellence should be viewed as a reality within the community.

Overcoming Systemic Barriers
While acknowledging systemic barriers, the speakers believe in the potential for success within the Black community. Emanuel and Payton stress the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Black individuals.

Leadership and Mentorship

The Qualities of Effective Leadership
Celena points out that success involves both following and leading. Emanuel distinguishes between a boss and a leader, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and empathy in leadership roles.

The Role of Mentors
Payton shares the impact of his mentor, Paola Disanto, who provides reassurance and wisdom. Having mentors who can guide and support individuals through their journeys is crucial for success.

Final Thoughts on Success

Surrounding Yourself with Uplifting Individuals
Payton encourages listeners to surround themselves with people who uplift and motivate them.

Embracing Opportunities
Emanuel inspires listeners to take risks and embrace opportunities, even if it means jumping into the unknown.

The Mission of the Man Up Club
Celena wraps up the segment by reminding the audience of the mission of the Man Up Club, which is to teach essential life skills, social skills, academic discipline, and civic responsibility to young Black males. She invites everyone to tune in to the podcast every Thursday night on Holy Culture Radio, emphasizing the importance of community and support in the journey toward success.

Conclusion

This episode of the Man Up Club Presents podcast highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between environment, personal choices, and support systems in achieving success. Emanuel and Payton’s stories exemplify how overcoming challenges and leveraging community can lead to positive outcomes. By focusing on continuous learning, community support, authenticity, and purpose-driven actions, individuals can navigate societal expectations and achieve personal success.

Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.

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