2018. (Sam Leal/DD)
From a young age, Gerry Watkins was aware of his surroundings.
On Friday, the business owner and self-proclaimed “leadership developer” drew upon his experiences during a discussion at Phoenix City Hall to highlight the wisdom that had influenced his personal and professional development.
“Even at 12 you figure it out,” Watkins said. “When you’re growing up in the hood, there’s certain things you don’t get.”
Hosted by the National Forum for Black Public Administrators Central Arizona Chapter (NFBPA), an organization dedicated to educating and empowering aspiring businessmen and women from all walks of life, Watkins’ speech touched on the formative moments of his career and how they could be applied to the benefit of those in the audience.
Watkins also noted that his current standing was a far cry from the socioeconomic situation he found himself in as a young man going to “bootleg hair salons.”
“It doesn’t matter where you begin in life,” he said. “The biggest difference between where you are and where you want to go is who you are.”
The Dayton, Ohio, native currently owns and operates a string of Toni & Guy hairdressing salons throughout the valley, with locations in Tempe, Scottsdale and Gilbert. Since 2000, Watkins has also been a business coach and leadership speaker with Leadership Edge, a company that sells and promotes learning materials focused on mindset development.
Watkins credited the time he’s spent at Leadership Edge as the reason he identifies as an “information junkie.”
“I understand that (information) is the way to the top,” he said. “If you read a book, you will discover some issues. Not only will you discover your issues, but the next chapter will probably have your solutions.”
As part of his speech, the hairdresser-turned-business owner also provided those in attendance with a list of books he cited as having helped his entrepreneurial growth, while also sharing his estimation of the potential there is to be found in reading.
“If you read ten pages a day, you will read fourteen new books a year,” he said. “If you were reading fourteen books a year, can you imagine the change that would expose you to?”
Charmion Hayes, a human resources worker with Phoenix City Administration, said Watkins’ advocacy of a willingness to help others was “the most impactful” part of his presentation.
“That’s a core belief of mine,” she said. “To help somebody else get somewhere just for the sake of helping them, I think that’s something that’s very valuable.”
Hayes also added that she admired Watkins’ success in professional endeavors, saying that it gave his work in personal and professional development “credibility.”
“I’m very much into self-help and motivational speaking, so I think it was very positive,” she said. “Whether it’s personal development, school or success in your career, I think ongoing personal development is always a good thing for someone.”
Travis Cutright, president of the NFBPA’s Central Arizona Chapter, echoed Hayes’s opinion, saying Watkins’ successful background in business made him a top prospect in their search for someone to speak at the event.
“We look for dynamic speakers that have experience in leadership and professional development,” he said. “(Watkins) is a business owner, entrepreneur and we felt that he was somebody who would have something significant for our attendees.”
Cutright also said the themes discussed by Watkins were very much a reflection of the approach the NFBPA takes in their community involvement.
“The reason I’m involved with the organization and the reason we do the events we do is to develop professionals and get them ready to take the next step in their career,” he said.
“Everybody needs some tools, and we like to provide tools to put in that box.”
Emmett Boyd, NFBPA board member and event co-organizer, shared Cutright’s thoughts:
“Leadership is important,” he said. “One of the cornerstones of our organization is reaching back and helping others aspire to a better level of leadership and management.”
The NFBPA looks to host a similar event in November, and will announce details as they are arranged.
Contact the reporter at Samuel.Leal@asu.edu.
