We recently connected with DJ Nixon and have shared our conversation below.

DJ , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in community leadership and activism, I witnessed the dedication of my grandmother, mother, and father, all serving as pillars within various community organizations. Despite their efforts, I saw the persistent challenges our communities faced, rooted in systemic barriers to resources and representation.

This sparked my journey into entrepreneurship, guided by a philosophy to ‘make more to give more.’ However, over time, I realized that while I was making a difference, my individual impact was not even close to the impact I envisioned.

Witnessing fellow multicultural entrepreneurs and executives grappling with burnout and well-being challenges while juggling family and community responsibilities inspired a pivotal shift in my strategy.

With the founding of Apogee Influence™ and co-founding Profitable Empires™, I focused on positioning leaders and businesses to drive authority, profitability, and well-being. It became clear that amplifying impact required a more collective approach.

Intercultural Voices™ was born from this realization. It’s not just a media platform to amplify voices that go unheard in mainstream media; it’s also a membership community designed to leverage the power of collaboration to scale authority, profitability, and impact. We’re uniting underrepresented businesses and leaders not just to share stories but to forge a movement toward sustainable, inclusive growth. Unique to our platform is the emphasis on not only elevating voices but actively facilitating investments and initiatives that propel communities forward, turning dialogue into actionable change.Our mission is meaningful because it’s rooted in the belief that diversity is not just a metric to be achieved but that by fostering intercultural communities, it’s a force for innovation, impact and generational well-being.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m DJ Nixon, known as the Apogee Influencer™, an Intercultural Connector and Strategic Advisor. My journey into entrepreneurship spans over two decades, rooted in a deep-seated passion for empowering individuals and communities to overcome barriers to success and achieve their highest potential. My tumultuous upbringing and global experiences, including a career as a published food critic, have equipped me with priceless insights into diverse cultures and the challenges of underrepresented communities. These experiences shaped my understanding of success, not just in financial terms but as a holistic achievement encompassing personal well-being and community impact

At Profitable Empires™ and Apogee Influence™, we assist high-achieving entrepreneurs, executives, and Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWI) in establishing authoritative brands, enhancing profitability, and, importantly, conquering the non-financial challenges that accompany success. Our services range from executive branding and high-performance leadership to profitability consulting and workplace well-being. What sets us apart is our commitment to addressing the often-overlooked aspect of success: the non-financial hurdles that can impede true fulfillment and impact.

Intercultural Voices™ serves as a global media and membership community aimed at amplifying diverse voices, promoting representation, and facilitating access and impact for underrepresented groups. Through this platform, we’re not just sharing stories; we’re catalyzing actionable change, fostering a movement toward sustainable, inclusive growth.

Privier™ is our conscious wellness and lifestyle brand, reflecting my belief in the importance of holistic well-being and its role in achieving one’s apogee. Through our digital and print publications, Plant Balanced® directory, products, and resources, our goal is to make well-being convenient and more accessible.

What I’m most proud of is the tangible impact our work has on individuals and communities. From generating multimillion-dollar results for our clients to empowering voices that have long been marginalized, our mission revolves around People, Perspective, and Profit. We’re passionate about representation, access, and impact, which form the core of everything we do.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that our work is about more than just business growth or personal success; it’s about building a legacy of leadership, empowerment, and community impact. Our initiatives, especially through Apogee Inspire™, are designed to not only elevate performance but also to inspire a commitment to give back and foster a more equitable society. It’s a testament to our dedication to promoting leadership, investment, and generational well-being among underserved and underrepresented communities.

In essence, my brand and work are dedicated to helping others reach their true apogee in life and business, while also making a meaningful contribution to the world. We’re here to support you in navigating the complexities of success, ensuring that your journey is as rewarding personally as it is professionally and financially.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

In reflecting on what has helped build my reputation within the market, I believe it boils down to my Signature S.M.A.C.K. Framework, which stands for Success, Mindset, Apogee Lifestyle, Culture, and Knowledge. From the onset of my career as an entrepreneur, these principles have not only guided my business ventures but also shaped my personal mission.

My reputation as the Apogee Influencer™ and an Intercultural Connector was forged through consistent efforts to amplify underrepresented voices and bridge the gap between diverse communities and the resources they need to thrive. By founding Intercultural Voices™, I aimed to create a platform that not only elevates diverse perspectives but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among those often sidelined in mainstream discourse.

Moreover, my work through Profitable Empires™ and Apogee Influence™ has been about more than just advising on profitability and brand authority; it’s been about addressing the non-financial challenges that high-achieving individuals face, a niche that was largely overlooked in our industry. This unique focus on the holistic aspects of success has resonated deeply with our clientele, distinguishing our brand in a crowded market.

Ultimately, it’s the genuine impact of our work—whether through leading by example, investing in community-driven initiatives, or empowering others to reach their apogee—that has cemented our reputation. It’s about the lives we’ve touched, the businesses we’ve transformed, and the communities we’ve uplifted that truly define our success in the market.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Absolutely, a pivotal moment in my career—and indeed, my life—came when I personally faced burnout. Despite achieving what many would consider ‘success,’ I realized that my definition of success was narrowly focused on financial achievements, neglecting other crucial aspects of well-being and fulfillment. This period of burnout was not just a challenge; it was an awakening. It prompted me to reevaluate not only my goals but also the frameworks I applied both in my life and in advising others.

This introspection led to the reengineering of the S.M.A.C.K. framework, a conceptual model I had been using subconsciously. The framework comprises Success, Mindset, Apogee Lifestyle, Culture, and Knowledge. However, its realignment encompasses a more holistic approach to success—one that integrates financial prosperity with mental, emotional, and physical well-being, alongside cultural and intellectual enrichment.

Success: Outline what success truly means, extending beyond financial gains to include personal fulfillment and impact.

Mindset: Focus on cultivating a mindset resilient to the pressures of high achievement, emphasizing balance and well-being.

Apogee Lifestyle: Embody not just the peak of professional success but also the highest point of personal well-being and satisfaction.

Culture: Intentionally foster environments that nurture creativity, diversity, and inclusive success.

Knowledge: Advocate for continuous learning that spans beyond traditional business acumen to include emotional intelligence and wellness.

This pivot was more than a business strategy; it was a personal transformation that allowed me to support other executives and entrepreneurs more effectively. By aligning the S.M.A.C.K. framework with a comprehensive approach to success, I became able to help others navigate their paths to success without sacrificing their well-being.

This journey taught me that true success is multi-dimensional and that achieving it requires a balance of financial prosperity, personal health, and intellectual growth. It’s a lesson I’m passionate about sharing through my work, helping others to redefine success on their terms and achieve their true apogee in both life and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://djnixonglobal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djnixonglobal/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djnixonglobal/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJNIXONGLOBAL
• Other: https://profitableempires.com