We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kenny Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kenny , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
After experiencing severe personal setbacks, I began a personal journey of transformational work in search of deeper meaning. As a result, I found and accepted my higher-calling and decided to become a small business owner so that I could make a greater contribution to society, create jobs, and use my knowledge, skills, education, and experience to directly benefit people in my community. It is my life’s mission to teach, educate, and inspire people to think differently; In such a way that allows them to break free of mental and emotional strain so that they can realize their God-given potential and manifest their highest desires and vision. Just like I did.
In May 2019, after working for the Federal Government for 12 years, I decided to use my experience as a Certified Public Accountant, Financial Expert, Commissioned Bank Examiner, Class Instructor, MBA Graduate, Athlete, Military Child, and Public Servant in a way that brings honor to God. Although I was successful in the corporate setting, my career lacked intrinsic fulfilment. I began doing pro-bono work as a motivational speaker for non-profit organizations. Shortly afterwards, I formalized a self-mastery process that became the framework for my mindset coaching practice. When COVID-19 took place I made the shift from public speaking to one-on-one coaching using my framework. In 2021, I realized that I needed to scale the company to reach more people in a more efficient way. As a result, I formed Mission Road Faith LLC, p.k.a Vibe Tribe University (VTU), to provide a solution to disparities in student wellness and financial literacy; mental & emotional health in the African-American community; and increased diversity, equity, and inclusion in local schools, universities, municipalities and corporations. Specifically, we offer online and in-person classes related to Emotional Intelligence, Financial Literacy, Mindfulness, and Personal Development. We offer our products and services to students and young adults so that they can secure stable employment; better manage their finances; and excel in life, love, purpose, and relationships.
In 2022, I created our first financial literacy course called “Money Smart”. I teach the course through VTU and at local colleges and universities throughout the southeast USA. The one thing that I’ve learned along my journey is that depending on the type of business, true success is measured by the impact and quality of the solution to a problem or need. For me, impact is first measured by customer satisfaction and the fulfillment of the overall mission and vision statement. After impact comes revenue.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Vibe Tribe University is a learning and education company specializing in personal wellness and workforce development. We provide solutions to disparities in student wellness and financial literacy; mental & emotional health in the African-American community; and increased diversity, equity, and inclusion in local schools, universities, municipalities and corporations. Specifically, we offer online and in-person classes related to Emotional Intelligence, Financial Literacy, Mindfulness, and Personal Development. We offer our products and services to students and young adults so that they can secure stable employment; better manage their finances; and excel in life, love, purpose, and relationships.
We connect with and support our community by hosting events, expos, and seminars each quarter called “Vibe Sessions”. The events are open to the public and used to promote student wellness and literacy; diversity, equity, and inclusion; workforce development; and spiritual growth & development. All while bringing a “Vibe” or positive energy to all in attendance. Our events bridge the gap between culture, community, and competence. We invite notable pillars in the community, host discussion panels, conduct live presentations, and have live performances from local and established artists. During the events we collect donations and donate a portion of event proceeds to local non-profit organizations that align with our mission. Once a month we offer free live workshops to service those that may not have the financial ability to purchase our products and services. We also collaborate with non-profit organizations (Hashtag LunchBag, Pedal Pushers; and Breaking the Chains) throughout the year to serve lunches to the homeless community, promote health & fitness; and mentor teenagers through edutainment presentations. We also make donations to support teenagers in the creative community that have a gift in music, tv & film, and/or audio and video production.
Each person that attends an event, takes a course, or purchases a product is added to our Vibe Tribe Community Group and receive bi-weekly newsletters to promote volunteer opportunities, new course offerings, motivational resources, and access to our team of therapists, coaches, trainers, and mentors.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?
Since day-1 I have funded all business operations using my personal funds and reinvested profits. When I started the company, I had a vision that reminded me of Stephen Covey’s business model, course framework, and book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. My vision was to create a company that provides individuals and organizations the resources and network necessary to achieve better mental and emotional health, financial awareness, and spiritual development. So far, we have laid the foundation to bring that vision to life. Although I started as one-man on a mission, the company has since grown to a level that allows people to see my vision, efforts, and progress. That has helped me bring in more volunteers with a similar passion and specific expertise to push the initiative forward.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Over my professional career as a Financial Institution Examiner for the Federal Government, I have gained experience teaching, coaching, leading, and presenting specialized topics and information to various audiences. My success in a corporate setting has set the foundation for me to own and operate my own company and execute our own initiatives. I consistently invest in mentorship, coaching, and training & development opportunities across my fields of expertise. I also have a business coach to assist in my time of doubt and discouragement.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vibetribeuniversity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibetribeuniversity/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vibetribeuniversity
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennybspeaks/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vibetribeu
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vibetribeuniversity
- TedX Profile: https://www.ted.com/profiles/42356769/about
Image Credits
Photo Cred: @kodakzilla @shotbysmooth