“Mind over matter” is a very common and clichéd phrase, but these are the words that keep me focused to this day.

The United States Marine Corps is what made me the man I am today. The life lessons that I gathered from my military experience is what created the foundation for the rest of my life.

Japan is a country with a very small percentage of foreigners. African Americans make up only a sliver of the population pie and consequently are judged arbitrarily at times. With such a limit on diversity, foreigners doing business in Japan is very difficult.

The Marine Corps and my experience in the Japanese business world have taught me how to be resilient. I can be knocked down, but I will never stay down.

Even in this narrow business climate, I was able to successfully continue my dream career for over 16 years. My company, Positive Production, has worked with the world’s biggest musical artists including Mariah Carey, Usher, Neyo, Destiny’s Child and many more.

There is one thing that I would like people to understand about me. I am a very passionate person. I am not afraid of confrontation in necessary circumstances. My main concern has and will always be about keeping the artist’s interest and goals at the forefront of my priorities, regardless of who it is.

As you will see in The Real Comeback, Michael and I had built a special bond. This bond was built with respect, truth, and honesty. Without some honest, heated discussions between Michael and I, the bond may never have materialized.