Why Grit Is A Muscle Young Entrepreneurs Can Build, Not A Gift

Key Concepts

• AI Boom: The rapid advancement and widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence technologies.
• Opportunity Youth: Young people aged 16-24 who are not in school and not employed.
• Workforce Development: Programs and initiatives aimed at preparing individuals for employment.
• Social Sector: Organizations and initiatives focused on addressing social issues and community well-being.
• Entrepreneurship: The process of starting and running a business, often involving innovation and risk-taking.
• Mutual Aid Networks: Community-based systems where individuals help each other, especially during times of crisis.
• Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals, characterized by resilience and determination.

Black Leaders and the AI Boom

Michael Smith, CEO of Eard Connects and a 2025 Forbes BK50 listee, emphasizes that Black leaders and entrepreneurs must be at the forefront of emerging trends, including the AI boom. He argues against the fear often associated with new technologies, drawing parallels to the initial reactions to the telephone and the internet. Smith stresses the importance of educating Black communities, including children, community leaders, and business leaders, about AI. This education should encompass not only how to use AI but also how to leverage it to enhance businesses and nonprofits. He highlights the potential for AI to create new jobs, foster new companies, and free up time from tedious tasks, advocating for Black communities to be early investors and participants in this new economic landscape, recognizing their role as culture leaders with innovative ideas.

Unique Opportunities for Black Leaders in AI

Smith details how Eard Connects, a large workforce development provider for opportunity youth, is actively training young people on AI. This training focuses on understanding AI's impact on various industries, including hospitality, construction, and pharmacy tech, ensuring that participants are prepared to utilize AI tools in their future careers. Beyond workforce development, Smith sees AI as a powerful solution for addressing critical challenges within the Black community, such as healthcare, crime and violence, education and literacy, and mental health. He believes AI can enable significant advancements in these areas that might not be achievable through traditional means. The conversation also touches upon the growing trend of millennials and Gen Z using AI for accessible and free mental health services, aligning with Smith's vision of AI as a transformative tool.

Entrepreneurship and Underserved Communities

Smith discusses the role of entrepreneurship in strengthening underserved communities, particularly in the current economic climate where job availability may be scarce. He encourages individuals to identify challenges and "white spaces" as opportunities to create their own ventures. He references organizations like the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship and Eard Connects as resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. The COVID-19 pandemic is cited as a prime example of how individuals, confined to their homes, sparked new communities and revenue streams online, demonstrating the potential for innovation and income generation. Smith also notes how young people are increasingly bypassing traditional institutions, starting their own nonprofits or meetups to address community issues, showcasing a new wave of entrepreneurial spirit focused on innovation and creating solutions to long-standing problems. The influence of platforms like TikTok in disseminating quick business tips is also acknowledged.

Advice for Young People in Social Service

Smith offers advice to young people aspiring to enter social service and make a community impact. He draws inspiration from Governor Wes Moore's perspective that Black and Brown individuals in positions of influence are there due to their merit, not tokenism. He references a study from President Obama's "My Brother's Keeper" initiative, which indicated that closing the labor force participation gap for young Black men could increase GDP by 2%. This underscores the broader economic benefit of opening doors of opportunity for these individuals, making America more globally competitive. Smith emphasizes that young people are essential for the nation's success.

Developing Essential Skills: Grit and Perseverance

When discussing the skills needed for success, Smith highlights "grit" – the ability to persevere through challenges. He acknowledges that life will present setbacks, business plans may fail, and competition can be fierce. However, he stresses the importance of continuing to move forward and learning from failures. Smith disagrees with the notion that grit is solely an innate trait, arguing instead that it is a muscle that can be developed through life experiences, mentorship, and finding the right support systems. He shares an anecdote about his aunt and grandmother, who exemplified perseverance and determination during the Great Migration, illustrating how different experiences can foster growth. He believes everyone has the capacity to learn, grow, and persevere.

The Way Forward in Times of Rolled-Back Aid

In the context of diminishing aid for underserved communities, Smith points to the power of "each other" as the primary way forward. He recalls the mutual aid networks and community support that emerged after the George Floyd incident and during the pandemic, where people came together to help one another amidst economic uncertainty and health crises. While acknowledging the importance of demanding systemic change, increased philanthropy, and policy reform, Smith emphasizes that the foundation of support begins within the community itself – with families, neighbors, and individuals taking care of themselves and each other. He shares personal anecdotes of growing up with limited resources but being supported by a strong community, illustrating how those with little often gave their last to ensure the success of others. The speaker echoes this sentiment with a personal story of community fundraising for an educational program. The concept of being "inextricably linked," as articulated by Dr. King, is presented as the driving force behind investing in one another, recognizing that individual success contributes to collective progress.

Sources of Hope

Smith's hope for the future is rooted in his extensive work with young people through initiatives like "My Brother's Keeper" and Eard Connects. He observes young individuals who have faced significant disadvantages, such as underfunded schools and overpoliced communities, yet demonstrate remarkable perseverance, creativity, and a desire to improve not only their own lives but also those of their families and communities. He refutes the idea that this generation is apathetic or entitled, instead seeing a generation that is actively engaged and focused on collective well-being. This dedication to a broader purpose fuels his optimism.