Over 300 high school students heard from successful entrepreneurs at the Future Entrepreneurs Conference recently held at West Los Angeles College.
Speakers included Steve Soboroff who pulled volunteers on stage to demonstrate how to effectively present your business card, shake hands and make eye contact. The little things can be critical, he explained. Soboroff was Chairman and CEO of Playa Vista, a former LA Mayoral candidate, and a Los Angeles Police Commissioner for 10 years.
The event emcee and a fellow millionaire was David Shands. Shands told the youth, “I need you all to make a goal. Whoever takes care of you all, you are in debt,” explaining that children owe a debt to those who teach, clothe and feed them into adulthood. He admitted it took him a while to realize that in his own life. “I thought I had time,” said Shands, who as the conference emcee for a third year, traveled from Atlanta to share the secrets of his success. “It took me a little while to really give her the lifestyle that she deserved.” Shands is CEO of David Shands LLC, a business training and coaching firm that specializes in helping people become the best versions of themselves.
Other speakers included the owner of Happy Ice, Lemeir Mitchell, whose food truck distributed water ice treats; TEDx speaker Kiki Ayers, who told the audience not to ignore the signs of a promising future; and music industry figure Gold Toes.
The youth received gift cards, hats and books, as well as opportunities to connect with representatives from local tech companies.
“Your number one goal is to create options for your future,” said speaker Donni Wiggins, a self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur” who went from a booming career in real estate to a crashing foreclosure during the 2008 recession and is now a business development coach with a thriving social media pressence. Business owners are the new celebrities, Wiggins believes. “Study those who inspire you. Duplicate their activity and start where they started!”
Michelle Long-Coffee
Photo – David Shands, event emcee and CEO of David Shands LLC
