We recently connected with Demetrius Washington and have shared our conversation below.

Demetrius, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents made a profound impact in my life and career. They excelled in instilling a strong work ethic in me from a very young age. I distinctly recall my mother’s words echoing in my mind: ‘Don’t half do anything!’ Whether it was a task we were assigned or a personal pursuit, they consistently urged us to strive for excellence.

Moreover, they served as my mentors in resilience and perseverance. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, they remained steadfast in pursuing their dreams and aspirations. Their unwavering commitment to overcoming adversity has been a guiding beacon throughout my career.

My parents’ teachings on empathy and community engagement profoundly influenced my dedication to social impact and racial equity. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and exposed me to diverse ethnic cultures early in life while emphasizing the importance of embracing our own heritage. Despite our modest means, they instilled in me the value of giving back and supporting those less fortunate. This created in me a deep sense of gratitude for my blessings and motivated me to champion initiatives for financial inclusion while mentoring young Black individuals towards prosperous careers.

In essence, my parents’ unwavering dedication to hard work, resilience, empathy, and community involvement laid the foundation for my success and my enduring commitment to making a positive impact on society. Even today, I believe my father may not fully grasp the profound influence his work had on me. He was a hero to many Black youth in our neighborhood, and I aspired to follow in his footsteps. The stories of my parents’ triumphs against all odds continue to serve as an eternal wellspring of inspiration on my journey.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

When I had the opportunity to attend college, I was unsure of my path. Before my first fall semester, I participated in a summer bridge program at Marquette University, where my advisor introduced me to sociology. It was a moment of revelation as I saw a way to merge my formal education with my passion for community. I promptly declared sociology as my major. However, a surprising passion for banking and business emerged when I worked as a bank teller to support my education. This experience eventually led me to the world of financial technology. As an operations leader, I’ve been able to combine my enthusiasm for developing other leaders with making substantial contributions to the business.

In December, I completed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging certificate program through the Kapor Center, known for its efforts to diversify the tech industry. This year, I’ve engaged in more speaking opportunities and consulting roles. I’m now eagerly anticipating the next chapter in my journey, aiming to expand my own business while continuing to excel in my corporate career.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

As a lifelong learner, I’m constantly immersed in a sea of knowledge. I devour books and articles, tune in to diverse podcasts, and keep up with various newsletters. I find value in platforms like LinkedIn Learning, YouTube, and even TikTok, where I can access a wealth of valuable information. My thirst for knowledge knows no bounds, and my aim is to absorb as much useful information as possible, tailoring it to what works best for me.

I’m a staunch advocate for the power of mentorship, both as a mentee and mentor. I firmly believe that growth occurs when iron sharpens iron, so I actively seek connections with like-minded individuals and those who bring diverse perspectives to the table.

For the past 15 years, I’ve been an active member of the National Black MBA Association. This association has not only equipped me with the tools to excel in the corporate world but has also ignited my drive to explore wealth-building opportunities for myself and my family. In my role as chapter president, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating directly with esteemed national leaders, including our Interim CEO and CFO, Shawn Graham, and our Interim President and Vice President of Strategic Programming Initiatives, Paula Fontana. These phenomenal women have exemplified a spirit of collaboration and operational excellence that has left a profound and lasting impact on me. Additionally, I feel deeply honored to engage regularly with fellow chapter presidents from across the country. This interaction allows us to collectively work towards our shared goals and objectives, fostering a vibrant and dynamic network that enriches our experiences and expands our horizons

Recently, I was honored to be named a ForbesBLK Local Leader Advisory Council Member for Dallas, a role that continues to open doors to new leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities. These experiences are invaluable as I expand my consulting practice.

I wholeheartedly encourage others to discover their own communities and leverage the vast resources available to them.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

My grandparents, both maternal and paternal, had remarkable careers that granted them pensions, ensuring financial stability in retirement while they explored various entrepreneurial endeavors. I was brought up with the traditional mindset of obtaining an education, securing a stable job, and staying with that job for three decades to ensure a comfortable retirement. However, the corporate landscape shifted significantly before I entered my professional career, and pensions became a rarity. Job security, with indefinite employment, also became less common.

More than a decade ago, during a previous job, the company underwent a merger, and my mentor, the head of HR, faced job loss. Initially, I took personal offense, but she imparted a valuable lesson: ‘This is business.’ She emphasized that I, too, am a business entity, and I should manage my career accordingly. Less than a year later, after the merger was finalized, my role was phased out, and I was pushed into a position that didn’t align with my career goals.

Fortunately, I had learned to unshackle myself from the notion of blind loyalty instilled by my grandparents. I redefined loyalty through the lens of my mentor’s wisdom. This allowed me to make a courageous career move, which, in hindsight, was the right decision. If I had clung to comfort and not embraced the risk, I doubt I would be as content and successful in my career as I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/demetrius-washington/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/washdt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dtwashington/