Sherman Kizart is the managing director of Kizart Media Partners. Here, Kizart shares his views on business, culture and the importance of lifelong learning.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
The opportunity to make a bottom-line difference in my clients’ business and the ability to make a broader difference in the world of minority-owned and targeted media platforms.
How did you determine your career path?
My career path was determined and shaped by a combination of my individual drive and commitment to succeed and having a terrific family and business support base.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Strategic marketing, politics both local and national, and all retail- and consumer-driven industries.
How do you improve your skill set?
I consume as much industry trade information, industry intelligence, and networking as I can daily.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
Ms. Cathy Hughes, chairwoman of Radio One and TV One; and Don Thompson, CEO, McDonald’s
Names three books that changed how you saw life.
Coming of Age in Mississippi, The Autobiography of Quincy Jones, and The Soundtrack of My Life, Clive Davis’ autobiography
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you.
When you stop learning, you stop growing. When you stop learning, you’ve stopped listening. Listening is the one of the most important business and personal skills that exist.
What role do music and culture play in your self-identity?
Music and music-related cultural events are the foundation of my career in the urban radio industry for the past 25 years. Urban radio’s entrenchment in the African American community today and in the future begins with music and music-related cultural events.
Describe your favorite vacation spot. French and Dutch St. Martin and St.Maarten. I traveled to the island every year for 10 years. Terrific people, wonderful cultural institutions, outstanding beaches, and amazing local food.
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
Getting the world to understand that as members of the human race that we have more in common than what makes us different. We can’t allow our differences to destroy us through war and conflict.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Learning how to strike the proper balance in my life. My struggle is centered around not being able to have a better balance between my business life and my personal life. Knowing that ability to strike that balance gives me hope that I can achieve it.
