Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aramondo (MONDO) Davison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Aramondo (MONDO), thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
For nearly a decade I was recognized as The Black Tech Guy.
I surrendered IT ALL…
3 years ago as a startup founder I paid myself a salary just under $200K. After 5+ years of EdTech R&D we were finally interested in exploring venture capital. At the time, I was renting a two-story apartment in the middle of downtown St. Paul. I traveled freely, went out to eat frequently, and drank top shelf bourbon 4-5 days a week. As a fully present father I also served as a personal chauffeur to my teenage daughter (LOL). My life as a parent was full of pure love.
As a startup founder, I had unwavering confidence our team would eventually build a unicorn company and sell for billion$. No exaggeration! I was absolutetly certain that outcome was inevitable. 1000% No Doubt! However, I eventually felt underwhelmed by the plot. The hustle, grit, and grind startup story had already been told hundreds of times on repeat.
In retrospect, I was also the furthest from fit in my entire life. I suffered from high blood pressure. And I truly believed The Creator had more to offer than the path I was walking. I was missing “Awe & Wonder” so I asked GOD to reveal a better story. I literally asked GOD to show me magic.
And in July of 2022, sitting solo and sober in a hotel room, it just happened!
HE revealed himself to me in the most staggaringly stunning, mind-boggling, and wonderful way. Words can only begin to capture the boundless nature of this divine spark. But I simply knew I was in the presence of GOD.
Interestingly enough, what followed, was a choice to surrendered IT ALL. Releasing my apartment, car, clothes, business, and bank accounts was the only way to gain access to the essential essence I was seeking. MORE, could only be discovered through LESS.
And over the next 2-years, I blindly walked with faith throught the darkness of the unknown. It was the most challenging, confusing, rigorous and rewarding season of my entire life. Through it all I was blessed to magic in motion that triggered tears of joy dozens of times. I like saying Jesus and I got close enough that I got comfortable enough to call him Big Bro.
I completely transformed my mind, body, and spirit in a way that brought balance to my beingness.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Feel free to call me Mondo. And I absolutely love STORY.
In particular, I’m inspired by the ideas of Joseph Campbell and “The Hero’s Journey.” As humans, I believe each individual is a hero in their own story and we all share a common mission to develop our character.
In other words, what type of hero are you choosing to be?
Day after day we walk through life like hero’s in training, forced to make life decisions that shape our morals, values, ethics and beliefs. However, most people avoid facing their deepest fear and stay locked into a never ending story of self-doubt, disbelief, and hopelessness.
But few faithfully go ALL-IN, embrace the final stretch, and explore the darkness until they sumble upon a bridge where they’re asked to shed their historical traumas, assumptions, and agreements to recieve their Jesus Peace. I truly believe it is accessible by any and everyone. All you need to do is ask for it, follow your heart, and be ready to release the vices keeping you captive
This path will lead you to what I call “The Second Saga”
I am proud to say I UNlearned enough knowledge to walk through The Second Saga with the required openess to embrace a universal wisdom. As I continue to be a magnet for that wisdom, I serve as “A Trusted Voice” for a limited number of humans. But I want to be clear, my walk is not your walk. Your most difficult challenges hidden in the dark may be tied to deep secrets, family, friends, race, or religion. We won’t know until you chose to turn on your light and seek it.
With that said, I get the most joy serving humans who are ready.
If your gut is saying “That’s Me?” reach out.
IYKYK
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The fame, fortune, or freedom you’re chasing is simply the carrot.
The carrot is valuable because it forces you to stretch just beyond your reach.
That constant stretch serves as an exercise that crystalizes your unique character.
That crystalized character eventually becomes the model carrot others strive to reach.
In other words, it was never about the carrot.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
First you have a choice to make…
Are you “The Leader” or “The Operator”?
The Leader: Produces Meaningful Change
The Operator: Manages the Complexity of that Change.
Both roles are equally valuable.
Foundational Books:
#1 Starter Book for Leader: The 4 Agreements (by Don Miguel Ruiz)
#1 Starter Book for Operator: How to be Second (by Nathan Young)
Contact Info:
- Website: patreon.com/dreamchamp
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ara_mondo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aramondo/
- Other: My short 5 episode series showcasing the start of my Christ Conciousness blind walk of Faith. https://www.patreon.com/collection/85631
Image Credits
Multiple Photos by: Dante’s Craft