Describe the trip destination.
Myself along with L.E.A.D. Ambassadors Ryan Martin (B.E. Mays High School, Atlanta Public Schools), D’Anthony Morrow (B.E. Mays High School, Atlanta Public Schools), Emanuel Wilson (Drew Charter, Atlanta Public Schools), Carlos Twine Jr. (New Schools at Carver, Atlanta Public Schools), Coach Neiko Johnson and Videographer David Seeney (Fresh Behavior) traveled to Los Angeles, California which is the home of many celebrities especially movie stars and athletes. The weather is mild and the traffic is congested like Atlanta.
Left to right: Ambassador D’Anthony Morrow, Carlos Twine, Coach Neiko Johnson, and Ryan Martin at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) |
The purpose of the trip was to film a video documentary for Dartfish. We were chosen by Dartfish Worldwide Victor Bergonzoli to serve as Ambassadors for their company. I have become well trained at using their Dartfish Express App to develop hundreds of players locally, nationally and international of varying ages and skill levels including recreational players to Major League Baseball All-Stars.
Why were you chosen to attend this trip?
I was chosen to show others across the world how the Dartfish Express App has revolutionized my ability to develop baseball players with varying skill levels with accuracy and efficiency with my companies Diamond Directors and L.E.A.D.
What did you discover about yourself while on this trip?
I discovered that many people connect with my story of using baseball to access college and pursuing my childhood dream of playing professional baseball for the Chicago Cubs. Baseball was my ticket out of poverty. Developing baseball players allows me to be fulfilled spiritually, emotionally, mentally, relationally and physically. My mission in life is to be significant and to serve millions.
Describe the people that you interacted with while on the trip?
I worked with a lot of skilled people on the set. It was amazing how each person had a specific role on the production team. We had catered food to make sure that we remained strong to film for several hours throughout the day. There was a wardrobe specialist as well as a tutor on site for the Ambassadors. It was awesome! Everyone’s job was important and everyone took it serious.
What surprised you the most while on the trip?
What surprised me the most while on the trip was the tutor showing up on the first day of filming to make sure that the Ambassadors were doing a minimum of 3 hours of homework each day. Park Pictures had everything covered for this trip.
What was your most memorable moment on the trip?
The most memorable moment of the trip was when the Ambassadors signed their Mizuno batting gloves for members of the production team. The Ambassadors showed a lot of class the entire trip.
Who was the most memorable person from the trip?
The most memorable person on the trip was Trina Sole. She made sure that we were picked up from the airport and arrived to each destination on time. She ensured that we were checked into the hotel and had food after each filming session. She was first class and made sure that we had a great experience.
What did you learn from the trip that you can use to help L.E.A.D. carry out its mission to empower an at risk generation to lead and transform their city?
I learned that L.E.A.D. is respected by many people across the world and that provides much needed confidence for us to move ahead. L.E.A.D. Today…Change Tomorrow. I also learned that L.E.A.D. must create a full and detailed list of activities required to provide a great experience like Parks Pictures. Filming requires so much activity by so many skilled people. The intuition of the staff was awesome. Everyone worked together and was intentional about helping the producer produce quality content. As an organization, we have over 100 events per year including practices, games, mentoring sessions, clinics, etc. We expect excellence for each event and when we fail, we must quickly adjust. At each event, everyone must know “what we are doing”, “why we are doing it” and “who is doing it”.
What are the top 3 skills that you have learned since becoming an Ambassador that helped you represent L.E.A.D. with excellence on this trip?
I share the role of co-founder of L.E.A.D. with my wife Kelli Stewart and my top 3 skills that I have developed are patience, networking and time management since establishing L.E.A.D. Those 3 skills allow you to be prepared to seize great opportunities.
What 3 core values did you have to use each day while on the trip?
The 3 core values that I used each day on this trip to Los Angeles were…
…humility because I interacted with so many people each day and showing respect creates comfort and peace for everyone.
…loyalty because Dartfish Worldwide CEO Victor Bergonzoli entrusts that the L.E.A.D. Ambassadors and I would represent his worldwide brand with excellence by being loyal to their Dartfish mission and core values.
Describe the trip in 3 words?
I describe the trip to Los Angeles as a catalyst, empowering and a game-changer.