Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ernest Moss. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ernest, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business sprang from a deep-seated passion to empower the youth and guide them toward a successful future. It all started one evening as I was reflecting on my journey and the challenges I faced growing up. I realized that there was a significant gap in resources and guidance available to young people, especially when it came to transitioning into adulthood.
Growing up in a single-parent household as the oldest of four, ends were most of the time not met. I felt a tremendous responsibility to help my mom, but in the 90s, my options seemed limited. All I knew was the world of drugs and crime, so I started selling drugs, believing it was the only way to support my family. This path led me to prison, hurting my mom far more than I did when we had nothing. Her last words to me before I went away were to take care of her boys. This promise to her fueled my determination to find a better way.
Upon my release, I buried my head in Corporate America. I made great money in that 9-5, but it wasn’t fulfilling anymore. The desire to bring about a greater change grew stronger, and I knew I had to act on it. I wanted to create a solution so no teenager would be without guidance or direction, steering them away from the pitfalls I encountered. That’s when the spark for What’s the Formula Mentoring Academy was ignited.
I envisioned a place where young people, aged 14-24, could come to learn essential life skills, develop a success-oriented mindset, and build a strong foundation for their future. The emotions were intense – a mix of excitement, determination, and a deep sense of purpose. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because I was addressing a critical need that many others had overlooked.
I started with my eBook, WTF Adulting, which laid out five essential steps to help teens become independent. The response was overwhelming – parents and young adults alike resonated with the content and craved more. This positive feedback reinforced my belief that I was on the right track. The logic was clear: by providing guidance and mentorship, I could help young people avoid the pitfalls I encountered and set them on a path to success.
What got me most excited was the unique approach we were taking. We weren’t just offering generic advice; we were focusing on mindset and belief systems, empowering youth to change their perspectives and attitudes towards success. It wasn’t just about teaching them what to do but helping them understand why it was important and how to cultivate a success-oriented mindset.
Moreover, the idea of creating a community where young people could support each other, share their struggles, and celebrate their victories was incredibly motivating. It wasn’t just about solving a problem; it was about building a movement that could impact lives on a grand scale. Upon further thought, I realized that this generation was online or virtual, so I made sure our entire curriculum is accessible online with just a couple of clicks. This ensures that no matter where they are, young people can access the guidance and support they need.
While our curriculum is virtual, our headquarters are based in East Saint Louis, Illinois, and the Washington Park area. We’re also in discussions with the city to open a rec center under the WTF banner, where kids can play video games, feel safe, and build their belief systems (BS). This physical space will be a cornerstone of our mission, providing a sanctuary for youth to grow and thrive.
In essence, the journey of creating What’s the Formula Mentoring Academy was born out of personal experience, a deep desire to give back, and the recognition of a significant gap in our society’s approach to youth development. It was about offering a unique, transformative solution that combined practical skills with mindset mastery, ultimately setting the stage for a brighter future for countless young people. Starting this company two years ago was the culmination of years of learning, growth, and a relentless drive to make a lasting impact.
Ernest, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Absolutely, I’d love to share more about myself and what drives my passion for the work I do. My name is Ernest Moss, also known as Coach Big E or Mr. W.T.F. I’m the CEO and Founder of What’s the Formula Mentoring Academy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering the youth, particularly those aged 14-24, to improve their mindsets and belief systems with a strong focus on success. My journey to this point is rooted in my own experiences and the challenges I faced growing up.
I was raised in a single-parent household as the oldest of four siblings. Times were tough, and ends were often not met. I felt a deep responsibility to help my mom, but my options in the 90s seemed limited. All I knew was the world of drugs and crime, so I started selling drugs to support my family. This was a devastating time for me, but it also became a turning point. My mom’s last words to me were to take care of her boys. This promise became my driving force.
I buried myself in Corporate America. I made great money in that 9-5, but it wasn’t fulfilling anymore. The desire to bring about a greater change grew stronger, and I knew I had to act on it. I wanted to create a solution so no teenager would be without guidance or direction, steering them away from the pitfalls I encountered. That’s when the spark for What’s the Formula Mentoring Academy was ignited.
My formal education played a significant role in shaping my path. I obtained a Master’s Degree in Managing Information Technology and taught for five years at ITT Technical Institute. This experience prepared me for what I do now – impacting the lives of this young generation and their parents.
What’s the Formula Mentoring Academy was born out of a desire to provide guidance and direction to young people, ensuring they don’t fall into the same traps I did. Our brand, WTF, stands for Winning Takes Focus. We offer a comprehensive curriculum that is entirely virtual, accessible with just a couple of clicks. Our headquarters are based in East Saint Louis, Illinois, and the Washington Park area. We are also in discussions with the city to open a rec center under the WTF banner, where kids can play video games, feel safe, and build their belief systems (BS).
Our services include mentorship programs, workshops, and interactive activities designed to develop essential life skills and a success-oriented mindset. The content of our programs is derived from my eBook, WTF Adulting, which outlines five crucial steps to help teens become independent. We address critical needs that are often overlooked, such as mindset and belief systems, empowering youth to change their perspectives and attitudes toward success. Additionally, our program is incentive-based, so as participants progress, they are awarded stipends, devices, shoes, and other rewards to encourage and recognize their achievements.
What sets us apart is our unique approach that combines practical advice with mindset mastery. We don’t just teach what to do but also why it’s important and how to develop a winning mindset. We create a community where young people can support each other, share their struggles, and celebrate their victories. This sense of community and the focus on mindset make our program truly transformative.
I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on the lives of young people. Seeing them grow, succeed, and develop a strong belief in their potential is incredibly rewarding. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that our work is driven by a genuine desire to help and make a difference. Our programs are designed to be accessible, engaging, and impactful, ensuring that every young person who joins us has the tools and support they need to succeed.
Our brand stands for empowerment, transformation, and community. We are committed to guiding young people toward a brighter future, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the challenges of adulthood. Whether you’re a parent looking for guidance for your teen, a young person seeking direction, or a supporter of youth development, What’s the Formula Mentoring Academy is here to help you on your journey to success.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Absolutely! My life and business are full of pivots. I call it dancing! One notable pivot was when I had to shift my entire business model.
Initially, I was taught through a coaching program to charge high ticket prices for my mentoring and speaking services. The logic made sense on paper – positioning myself as a premium service provider should, in theory, attract clients willing to pay for high-quality guidance. However, it didn’t sit right in my belly. I realized that expecting parents to pay high ticket prices for their children, especially those who were already close to being in trouble or were juveniles, was unrealistic and against the core of my mission. It just didn’t align with the values and goals I had for my organization.
So, I made a significant pivot. I changed my business model to a not-for-profit organization. This shift allowed me to provide my services without any monetary cost to the families who needed them most. My funding now comes from grants and donations. We also have some fundraisers planned for the future to support our initiatives further.
This pivot was more than just a business decision; it was a transformation in my mindset. I used to “chase the bag,” with my focus primarily on making money. However, I came to realize that money is only a tool. The true reward lies in witnessing the transformations in the young people we serve. Seeing them grow, succeed, and develop a strong belief in their potential is incredibly fulfilling and drives everything we do at What’s the Formula Mentoring Academy.
This experience taught me that sometimes, we need to listen to our gut and realign our actions with our true purpose. By doing so, we not only find greater fulfillment but also create a more significant impact. Pivoting my business model was one of the best decisions I ever made, allowing me to stay true to my mission of empowering the youth and making a real difference in their lives.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely! One book that significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking is **Think and Grow Rich** by Napoleon Hill. It was the first book that truly showed me how powerful our imagination can be. It emphasizes that with practice and daily habits, we can achieve everything our minds can imagine and everything our hearts desire. The book taught me the importance of focus and consistent effort in realizing our dreams.
After reading Think and Grow Rich, I kept asking myself, “What’s the formula?” This question inspired me to create my company, What’s the Formula Mentoring Academy, where we design winning formulas for those who simply desire more or better in life.
As I continued my journey, I delved into other influential books that shaped my philosophy. **Who Not How** by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy taught me the value of collaboration and finding the right people to help achieve your goals. It’s a game-changer in understanding that you don’t have to do everything yourself; you just need to find the right “who” to help with the “how.”
**The Power of Your Subconscious Mind** by Joseph Murphy further reinforced the idea that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality. It delves into the power of the subconscious mind in creating success and overcoming obstacles, emphasizing the importance of positive thinking and mental conditioning.
These resources, among others, have significantly influenced my approach to management and entrepreneurship. They have helped me cultivate a mindset that values imagination, focus, collaboration, and the power of the subconscious mind. These principles are embedded in the foundation of my company, guiding everything we do at What’s the Formula Mentoring Academy. By integrating these insights into our programs, we empower our participants to harness their potential and achieve their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wtfma.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wtfmentoringacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072643249250
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ernest-r-moss-189144251
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wtfmensacademy