Alan Ferguson is senior vice president of community development at Invest Atlanta. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and holds advanced degrees from Emory and Georgia State universities. While he has achieved success in his professional career, Ferguson says his most rewarding and satisfying role is as husband to wife Janelle and father to daughter Alayna and son Alan Jr.
He shared his thoughts on fatherhood with rolling out.
How would you describe your fatherhood culture?
I would describe my fatherhood culture as one of respect, responsibility and gratitude. I’ve tried to instill in my children to respect themselves and others, to be responsible for their behavior and using their talents to lead a productive life, and being humble and grateful as no one succeeds alone and everyone can be a blessing to others.
Why is it important to expose children to education and valuable skills?
It is extremely important to expose children to education and valuable skills because knowledge is the currency of today and the future. Everyone has the capacity to learn and when you learn, you set yourself on the path for growth.
Why should you read every day?
It is important to read every day because only so much information can be shared and absorbed in sound bites. Reading allows for deeper understanding.
What advice would you give on being responsible for your own dreams?
Never give up on yourself because you were created with all the tools you need to be successful. Master your tools and the opportunity for success will follow.
What insightful advice would you suggest about building a network?
A strong network starts with building and keeping a strong reputation. People very seldom remember what you’ve said, but they will always remember how you made them feel, so be a person of integrity, positivity and generosity of heart.
Share one of your fondest memories you’ve experienced with your father, grandfather or father figure.
My fondest memories of my father are the ones that I have now because I have a deeper appreciation and understanding of his life’s journey and how it has shaped and influenced the man and father I am today.
