Asante Bradford always wanted to be tall, 6-foot-6 to be exact, and meet the likes of Kobe Bryant eye-to-eye. Since his height isn’t something he had the power to change, he focused on those things that he could. Aspiring companies and creatives who want their businesses to grow and thrive in Georgia’s gaming and digital entertainment industry must know Asante Bradford, who works for Georgia Department of Economic Development, which specializes in strategic partnerships, branded entertainment and project management and more.
Here, he talks career, best books to read and setting goals.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
Getting to represent the state of Georgia for entertainment endeavors and helping start-ups get connected.
How did you determine your career path?
Always wanted to be in entertainment so everything I did pointed me in that direction.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Mostly entertainment, media and technology
Describe the future skill sets that are essential to future business leader and innovators?
Science and technology, especially STEM skills will translate very well in the future for jobs
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
Mostly using old-fashioned business and sales skills as well as treating people the way I want to be treated
Describe how you set goals.
I use John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success to determine if I am following the right path towards the top tier which is Competitive Greatness.
Who do you consider your peers in your field?
Very interesting question as I was the first person in the U.S. doing what I am doing. Now many other states are doing the same. I look at some of the best practices that the other states are doing and try to do it better. It’s very competitive.
Which information and increased skill methods do you use?
Reading the trades, blogs, attending conferences – whatever I can do to stay on top of the trends
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
Big fan of what Master P did for music. He set a new model for music distribution that the music labels still haven’t figured out. Direct to consumer sales.
For film — Tyler Perry. He changed the model for film and television. Own your own masters!
Names three books that changed how you saw life.
48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Explain why lifelong learning is important to you.
Because one can never gather enough knowledge to feel they are at the top of the pyramid. There is always something new coming. I like being ready as much as possible for what’s coming down the pike.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
DNA – Voices from my ancestors are always calling out to me. I can feel and hear their voices pushing me to do the right thing as well as pushing myself towards my goals and dreams
Community success means what to you?
Making Georgia the top destination for entertainment
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
I’m a techie so I get off on what’s next, what’s new and what’s coming. Technology will always be pushing the edge
What software or technology apps have made the biggest difference in your life?
I was a developer/programmer so the Internet made the biggest difference in my life. Creating animation is my passion so Adobe Flash is a big part of my life
What roles do music and culture play in your self-identity?
Music gives my life rhythm. I am driven by the beats. The drum is a direct connection to my soul. Hence, I am a big jazz & hip hop fan.
Define your personal culture.
Always strive to be the best. My decisions will determine everything in my life
Describe your favorite vacation spot.
Brazil. Beach, nightlife, culture and food.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
No poverty
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Always wanted to be 6-foot-6.
