When I go in to see people - and I sell an occasional ad now - I never say, 'Help me because I am black' or 'Help me because I am a minority.' I always talk about what we can do for them.
Interpretation
Focus on mutual benefits rather than on personal identity.
This quote emphasizes the importance of presenting oneself based on the value that can be offered to others, rather than seeking help based on racial or minority status. By concentrating on how one's contributions can serve or uplift others, it fosters collaboration and respect, leading to success both personally and professionally.
In practice
This quote could be used in a mentorship program to inspire young professionals.
I would tell young people to start where they are with what they have and that the secret of a big success is starting with a small success and dreaming bigger and bigger dreams, I would tell them also that a young Black woman or a young Black man can't dream too much today or dare too much if he or she works hard, perseveres and dedicates themselves to excellence.
The winning of a pawn among good players of even strength often means the winning of the game.
I expected to be a pretty good NBA point guard and hopefully win a championship. But MVP and all this stuff? Not really.
I think my greatest victory was every time I walked out there, I gave it everything I had. I left everything out there. That's what I'm most proud of. I can't go win Wimbledon anymore, so if what I've done in the past is not good enough, let it go. Because I'm certainly not sitting around thinking about it.
Everybody told me I was making a mistake by going into this business, but I know how to grow hair as well as I know how to grow cotton.
It's not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.
My big goal in life was always to figure out how I can make a lot of money so I can go off and make films irrespective of the opinion of the three or four critics who seem to rule the roost.
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