Wednesday, July 15, 2015

ESSENCE Network: Jessica O. Matthews, An Inventor Who Created the Career She Wanted

Name: Jessica O. Matthews

Age: 26

Title: Uncharted Play CEO and creator of SOCCKET soccer ball

Location: New York, NY

Hometown: Wappingers Falls, NY

Twitter: @Jess_O_Matt

LinkedIn: jessicaomatthews

The gig: I am an inventor and I run a tech company that provides creations for the good of our society. I am best known for inventing the SOCCKET, a soccer ball that harnesses kinetic energy from playing. The energy can then be used for everyday purposes, which is especially handy in countries where electricity is scarce. For every 30 minutes of playing with the ball, up to 3 hours of LED wattage is generated.

The journey:  I grew up wanting to be an inventor, but was pushed to other industries in high school that had more structure. When I first invented the SOCCKET for a class, I was reminded about how much I loved making things—creating what wasn't into what is. Once I saw people's lives change because of something I created, I was hooked.

Her career highlight: Being named to Forbes' "30 Under 30" was a great accomplishment for me last year. Also, having a global brand like Toyota recognize the SOCCKET as an innovative invention that inspires social change was a major milestone. I was honored as a 2012 Toyota Mother of Invention and received a grant that gave me the much-needed capital to grow my business.
Confessions of a Black woman in technology: In the tech industry, there's already a bias that benefits men. A lot of firms expect to see men and it takes them a while to understand and believe what you're saying. Add in that you're a Black woman and no one knows where you're coming from and each conversation is an uphill battle. I have to have an extra shield to go into battle to beat all these stereotypes at once. The benefit is that when I do well, people do take notice because I am so different from others in the game.

Success 101: Stay humble and stay hungry.

Her networking tip: The best method for me is to build meaningful relationships with a tight-knit group of colleagues. Someone, or even several people, in your close circle will always be more connected or more of a networker and always be there to look out for you and be there for you to reach out to when you need help.

Her best time-saving tip: I like making lists. When you know what you need to get done you're better able to manage what you can do in one day.

In her downtime: I like to dance, mostly hip hop styles and lyrical. I also watch TV.

Her tech must-haves: Netflix is pretty clutch. I love Spotify as well for jamming out but I don't need my phone more than anyone else.

In her beauty bag: I love Make Up Forever Duo Matte foundation.

Her go-to power accessory: You can go a long way with some solid studs and a statement bracelet.

Her secret superpower: When I wake up, I'm instantly on. There is no groggy hour of trying to come to consciousness, I can jump out of bed and start problem solving right away.

Her theme song: “Flawless” by BeyoncĂ©.

Company Website: http://unchartedplay.com/\

Source: http://www.essence.com/2014/08/17/essence-network-jessica-o-matthews-inventor-who-created-career-she-wanted/

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Joe L. Dudley Sr.

Joe Louis Dudley, Sr., Co-Founder of the DudleyQ+ brand, is one of the world's most sought after entrepreneurial masterminds.

Born May 9, 1937, he is the fifth of 11 children born to Gilmer L. and Clara Yeates Dudley. Joe grew up in a three-room farm house in the rural community of Aurora, in eastern North Carolina.

Labeled Mentally Retarded Early
Joe was retained in the first grade, labeled mentally retarded, and suffered a speech impediment. Throughout it all one very influential person, his mother, never stopped believing in him and is responsible for his overcoming these obstacles and becoming a role model for many.

Introduced to Fuller Success Program at 20
This journey to success began in 1957 when he invested $10.00 in a sales kit and began selling Fuller Products door-to-door while still a student at North Carolina A & T State University (Greensboro, NC). One of Mr. Fuller's goals, and one that Joe Dudley actively pursues today, is to help people to maximize their potential and achieve success.

Achieved National and International Success
From 1967 through 2008, Joe L. Dudley, Sr. & Eunice Dudley led Dudley Products Company to a significant level of sales. The company has been listed in the top 50 in Black Enterprise Magazine's Top 100 Black Owned Businesses. Throughout his tenure, Dudley Cosmetology University in Kernersville, NC and 4 strategically located schools in the Dudley Beauty School System (DBSS) were created. Through dedication, hard work and persistence, Joe L. Dudley, Sr. has indeed become the role model his mother always knew he could be. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. is much more than just a successful entrepreneur. He is known nationally and internationally as an inspirational speaker and humanitarian who spends much of his time identifying needs and giving back to the community and mankind. In 2009, Joe L. Dudley, Sr. & Eunice Dudley were featured in a national movie, Good Hair, a Chris Rock documentary about the hair care industry.

Transition to Second Generation Leadership
Over the past 40 years through dedication, hard work and persistence, she has helped take the DudleyQ+ Brand from very humble beginnings to a respected and world reknowned position in the Beauty Industry.

In June 2008, Joe & Eunice Dudley restructured the Dudley conglomerate and turned over all day to day responsibilities over to their daughter, Ursula Dudley Oglesby who began Dudley Beauty Corp, LLC.

Recipient of Numerous Awards
He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the following:

President George Bush's 467th Point of Light Award for Dudley Fellows and Ladies Program
The Direct Selling Association (DSA) Vision For Tomorrow Award (Dudley Fellows & Ladies Program)
Maya Angelou Tribute To Achievement Award
Inc. Magazine's North Carolina Master Entrepreneur Award
2005 Trumpet Award Winner
Inducted into The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame (Business/Industry)
Elected to The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
Inducted into the DSA Hall of Fame
Author of Walking By Faith, I AM, I CAN, & I WILL
Joe Dudley, Sr. discusses his successful principle-centered and highly effective entrepreneurial recipe. It features 10 basic principles. A few of these principles are listed below.

  • Change Your Attitude to Change Your Life
  • Accept Challenge in Faith
  • Don’t Add Loss to Loss
  • Make a Difference in the World

His philosophy, actions, beliefs, successes and failures are presented to reveal his secrets to success. In straightforward, easily understood prose, Dudley uses his own life story to show you how to walk by faith and make your dreams come true.

To purchase Walking By Faith, I AM, I CAN, & I WILL, click on the link below.

Source: http://www.dudleyq.com/joedudley.html