We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emerging Business Leaders. Check out our conversation below.
Emerging Business , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for members of EBL is a balance of leadership development, community engagement, and real-world business experience. Whether they’re participating in our Bossed Up Academy, supporting events, or working on client projects through EBL Productions, every day is about building skills and impact.
Mornings often start with team check-ins or planning sessions—reviewing upcoming shoots, workshops, or youth sessions. Midday might involve on-site work: leading a workshop, running a photoshoot, visiting a community partner, or helping with a small business project. Members split roles depending on their strengths—some handle logistics, others manage communications, media, or curriculum support.
In the evenings, we might record a podcast episode, attend a networking event, or strategize for upcoming initiatives. Throughout the day, EBL members stay active on social media, promote our work, and build their own leadership portfolios.
At its core, a “normal” day in EBL isn’t about routine—it’s about showing up, growing together, and using our skills to serve the community while building the future we want to see.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) is a St. Louis-based nonprofit and creative leadership organization committed to empowering youth, adults, and entrepreneurs through business education, media, and community engagement. Founded by a team of passionate changemakers, EBL was created to bridge the gap between ideas and action — equipping people with the tools, exposure, and support they need to turn potential into purpose.
What makes EBL unique is our ability to combine hands-on leadership training with real-world entrepreneurship and storytelling. Our work lives at the intersection of education, creativity, and economic empowerment.
Our core initiatives include:
Bossed Up Academy – a 12-week entrepreneurship and life skills course for ages 15–25, focused on financial literacy, business development, and career readiness
Biz 4 Boomers – a year-round academy for adults 40+ exploring entrepreneurship, financial independence, and digital literacy
EBL Productions – our in-house media team offering photography, videography, content creation, and branding support for local businesses and nonprofits
Cash Mob STL: Forks Up – a community-powered initiative to highlight and support Black-owned food businesses in the St. Louis region
Talk Yo Biz Podcast – our new platform spotlighting entrepreneurs, grants, STL creatives, and professional tips for all generations of leaders
In addition to our programming, EBL has led from the forefront in tornado relief efforts in St. Louis, with boots on the ground supplying aid, food, and essential relief to affected communities. This work underscores our deep commitment to serving the community in times of both opportunity and crisis.
Our Team:
Trey Scott – Co-Founder
Dominick Tice – Co-Founder
Johnelle Brown – President
Chauntese Williams – Executive Assistant
Rashid Troup – Vice President
Donald James – Lead Videographer and Photographer
Chris Perry – Web Designer
Derricka Wilson – Lead Photographer
Kadiedra Jones – Legal Counsel
Eric Furlow – General Body Member
Shenise Williams – General Member
Lisa Nolan – General Member
Community Partners:
Vivian Cockrell
Muarya Cockrell
Marvin Cockrell
JC Sykes
In the last few months, EBL has partnered with organizations like BMO Bank, 90 Degrees Construction, Side Hustle Alliance, Healing She Got Faith, CCC (Climate Culture Changers), and more to expand our impact. We’re currently building stronger programming, onboarding new interns, and aligning with schools and community centers to reach youth in underserved districts.
At EBL, we believe entrepreneurship is more than business — it’s about identity, opportunity, and generational transformation. Whether through media, mentorship, or mobilizing resources, our goal is to help individuals become leaders in their own lives, and changemakers in their communities.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Throughout my journey, the relationships with mentors like Gus Robinson, Marla Moore, Ernest Bradley, and Adrian Hendricks have been pivotal in shaping how I see myself—not just as a leader, but as a servant to my community.
Each of these mentors brought a unique perspective that challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone and embrace a mindset of responsibility, resilience, and vision.
Gus Robinson taught me the value of perseverance and integrity, showing me that success comes from staying true to your word and working hard, even when no one is watching.
Marla Moore instilled in me the importance of community collaboration and the power of lifting others up to create lasting impact. Her dedication to youth empowerment inspired the core mission of Emerging Business Leaders.
Ernest Bradley demonstrated how leadership is about humility and listening — making space for diverse voices and building consensus toward a shared vision.
Adrian Hendricks challenged me to think bigger, encouraging innovation and strategic thinking as tools for breaking cycles and opening new doors.
Together, their mentorship helped me see myself as more than an individual entrepreneur or organizer. They shaped my identity as a connector, a mentor, and a catalyst for generational change — someone committed to building a legacy that empowers others to lead.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the fear of not being enough—not being skilled enough, not knowledgeable enough, or not ready enough to walk fully into my purpose. It’s a quiet, persistent voice that questions whether I deserve the success I seek or the impact I want to create.
That fear showed up as hesitation and self-doubt, especially in moments when the stakes felt high or when I had to step into unfamiliar territory. But over time, I learned that growth only happens outside of comfort zones. I realized that “enough” isn’t about perfection or having all the answers — it’s about showing up, being authentic, and trusting the process.
Embracing that vulnerability allowed me to push past paralysis and take action, even when I felt uncertain. That mindset shift became a cornerstone for me personally and for Emerging Business Leaders — teaching others that their value is not defined by external validation, but by their willingness to step forward and lead, imperfections and all.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
What you see from Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) is the real us — a family-oriented group that keeps it real and stays deeply committed to helping our community. We don’t put on a show or try to be something we’re not. Every day, we bring authenticity, transparency, and heart to everything we do.
Our public presence reflects our core values: integrity, service, and collaboration. We celebrate wins openly, acknowledge challenges honestly, and always lift each other up. For us, being real means building genuine relationships — whether with youth, partners, or local businesses — and showing up consistently to make a positive impact.
So yes, the public EBL is absolutely the real EBL — grounded, hardworking, and driven by a shared mission to empower and transform lives.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, the first thing I would stop doing immediately is wasting time on distractions and things that don’t align with my core purpose. Life is too short to spend energy on negativity, unnecessary drama, or activities that don’t contribute to growth—whether personal, professional, or communal.
I would focus all my time and resources on what truly matters: building and empowering others, strengthening community ties, and creating lasting opportunities for the next generation. That means saying no to anything that pulls me away from my mission with Emerging Business Leaders and from nurturing authentic relationships.
Ultimately, I would stop holding back—stop second-guessing—and fully embrace every moment with intention, passion, and service, ensuring the legacy I leave is one of impact and love.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Emergingbiz_stl
- Facebook: Emerging Business Leaders
- Youtube: Emerging Business Leaders
Image Credits
Photographers Derricka Wilson and Donald James
