David Manuel launched the I Am a Father 5K with the goal of strengthening families one mile at a time. Now in its third year, the race will take place in Atlanta on June 17 and in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 3. Read on to find out more about what inspires Manuel.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
I get the opportunity to get it right again. The opportunity to make a stronger impact in the lives of others.
How did you determine your career path?
My career interest started when I was in the seventh grade. My teacher, Mrs. Woodruff, had a small group (five boys) — we were known as the art boys and we would draw and create the background scenery for the school shows.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
For me, there is no formula or method that I apply to my business and personal life other than writing down a plan and praying over it.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success?
When it comes to goals, I always ask: Who am I targeting? Will this inspire? Will it educate? Will it change lives for the better?
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you.
Lifelong learning is essential because you have the opportunity to share with a younger generation and provide the lived data.
What are the three most important factors of being a successful man?
Being able to lead, Being dependable, and being like Joshua in the Bible and saying “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
Technology is the vehicle that I use to get the message out to the masses. It is a must that I use on a daily basis.
What social media or digital tool has made the biggest difference in your life and why?
Facebook has made the largest impact in my life both professional and personally. It connected me with like-minded people to have strong discussions about life and purpose.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Make us one unique color so that we can focus on our content instead of our color.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would erase all the limits and fears that I had as a child growing up without a father. I would have taken more risks at an early age without regrets.
Who or what motivates you and why?
I am pretty self-motivated … but I am so thankful for the sacrifice, the blood and the stripes that I get up every day with joy in my heart.
What are the dos and dont’s for young men in business?
For young men in business — be transparent in the workplace. Your integrity should be the most important factor and don’t go alone to get alone — make a path that is a respectable approach to success.
How do you successfully grow from business failure?
Never look at it as a failure, only as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Name three successful male role models and explain why you admire them.
This is impossible for me because I know presidents and CEOs of companies and I know strong, dedicated and devoted fathers [who] handle their affairs to the best of their abilities. I think the best quality to have is to strive to not be successful but to be significant.
To register for the I Am a Father 5K, visit www.iamafather5k.org.
