MADE Magazine Issue 8 | Page 21

MADEFEATURES XXXX studio system , and when the success came , I said , “ This is a moment that if I don ’ t step out on faith and start my own company and really lean into the expertise that I ’ ve learned since I ’ ve been in the studio system , then it ’ s gonna cost me way more than it ’ s gonna benefit me .” I knew that , that was the point in my career graph that I had to jump into a new opportunity . But I didn ’ t do it without thinking about it . It was a strategic move . I had the relationships . I had paid my dues . I had success that I could point to . I had support . So I needed all of those things in order to be able to step into my own situation , but that came after ten years of preparation , putting in the work , putting in the hours , putting in the time .
MADE : You ’ ve spoken about relationships being our true currency , and having so many great relationships in the industry and building those overtime . How did you maintain those key relationships after quitting your job to be your own boss ?
DF : Yeah , you know it ’ s funny . Entrepreneurship is inspirational . So , when you have a conviction about something , and you have the faith to go after it , you ’ d be surprised how much that inspires and also enhances your relationships . So , me stepping outside of Sony and starting my own company , it actually made the relationships
stronger because a lot of my mentors really were like “ Yes , DeVon , we ’ ve always believed in you . We ’ ve always believed you could do great things , and now that you have taken the step , and you have taken the risk to do your thing , we ’ re going to help you .”
And so , part of the way that I ’ ve been able to maximize and keep relationships ( and enhance relationships ) is one humility , and seeking their counsel , and saying “ Hey , can you help me understand how to do this , and I ’ m not sure how to do that , and I ’ m worried about this .” Be honest . Sometimes in entrepreneurship there ’ s an ego . Where it ’ s like “ You know , I don ’ t want anybody to know what I don ’ t know .” I don ’ t want anybody to know that I ’ m not sure .” But what I ’ ve learned is that the most successful people ask the most questions . The most successful people look for the most help . And so , by me stepping out , and asking for help and seeking guidance , and seeking counsel , it ’ s actually enhanced many of my relationships and made my network that much stronger .
MADE : To back up a little bit in terms of building and cultivating those relationships prior to becoming an entrepreneur . How do you ' stay in the room ' once you ' ve received opportunities to ' get you in the room '?

God is an ambitious God . So if He ’ s ambitious and we ’ re made in His image , then we should be ambitious too about the things He ’ s called us to do and who He ’ s called us to be .”

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