Devon Malik Beckford's Mission to Inspire
Welcome to another installment of No Gatekeeping! Meet Devon Malik Beckford. Learn more about his visual journey and mission to inspire.
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Meet
Devon Malik Beckford
NO GATEKEEPING! INTERVIEW
Thank you for joining me today. As someone who has navigated challenges to turn a vision into reality, can you share a pivotal moment that defined your entrepreneurial journey?
Actors are entrepreneurs in their own right as the business of acting professionally requires an actor to see themselves as a business. Starting in the business at a young age has hardwired my brain into the business of self. Understanding the finances, ins and outs, of this craft shapes a young person’s mind. I’ve had many moments that were pivotal to my journey with this, but none trump the simple confirmation of a satisfied consultant or when in conversation people say, “you should charge for this”. Shaping my business around helping people develop their skills and validating myself within that context has been challenging.
Before we dive into the specifics, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background and the experiences that have shaped your path in entrepreneurship?
Devon Malik Beckford. I am an actor and educator born and raised in New York City. I got my start on Nickelodeon’s Little Bill and continued my studies in high school and college. Doing a lot of extra curricular activities as a youth shaped my mind to always be a creative problem solver, to seek out what I want in life and to share my work and gifts with the world.
What inspired you on the path of entrepreneurship, and how has that initial inspiration evolved over time?
There wasn’t one moment that inspired my on this path more so the exposure to different communities and mentors and how they ran their lives. I’ve been blessed to witness many mentors go out in the world and claim their stake on their aspirations. I think for me my value and view of success has changed to something more simple. It’s giving me permission to veer away from concerning myself with things that don’t move the needle forward.
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Reflecting on your journey, what unexpected challenges have you encountered, and how did you navigate them?
Developing and maintaining key relationships is not my strong suit. I have encountered how the negative sides of partnering affect me and learned how to assess myself and blind spots. In acting you are only as good as your team, and developing my discernment of how to add or subtract from my representation is an important step in securing better business practices.
How do you stay resilient in the face of setbacks, and what role does resilience play in entrepreneurial success?
It’s plays big part, it’s could make or break you. 10+ years and I’m still an option to folks who see my value. I don’t stop, I keep believing that I’m one project away from the bright lights.
How do you balance risk-taking with calculated decision-making to navigate uncertainties in your industry?
I’m not gonna lie I am not the best at taking risks, but can identify when a risk should be taken. I sometimes develop analysis paralysis and get stuck thinking about solutions rather than trying them. So I guess what I can say is that I will commit to notating my risks and decisions and taking stock of them monthly/quarterly. I think the only way to learn about how to do it better is to asses how you are currently doing.
What steps have you taken to amplify underrepresented voices within your industry or community?
My newest venture is something that I feel like makes my inner young person smile with joy, and I haven’t announced it yet. I am in the process of synthesizing all of acting training into free online workshops.This will serve as my standard and evidence of expertise, provide free resources to actors, and develop a community from which I can find clients. I’m very excited to share what I know and knowing that I can share for free the information while using that as a way for people to pay for my expertise in private or small group sessions has made me see my business and way of helping people in a way that will help me as well. Not Gatekeeping the information I spent years learning and giving it away for free seems crazy but I’m betting on myself.
Can you share a specific challenge that seemed insurmountable at the time and the steps you took to overcome it?
I recently was an Associate producer on a podcast series on Audible. I got this opportunity by being in the right room at the right time, and being myself. I’ve had many first meetings with people that have led to nothing, but in this case, the first meeting, the follow up, and the commitment created a lifelong bond that I will forever cherish. I met two creators who saw my light and knew that I was the right person for the job. Never miss an opportunity to let your light shine naturally. To partner with other people to help bring their visions in the world is a special gift that I am currently honing.
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Can you share a time when a failure or mistake turned into a valuable learning experience for you as an entrepreneur?
I bought a camera, the next day went on a trip to Austin TX, and left it on top of a car, I learned in that moment valuables can be replaced, I enjoyed the trip with no camera but the experience was priceless.
How do you balance risk-taking with calculated decision-making to navigate uncertainties in your industry?
I have no real road map, I’d spend it all investing or taking a chance with someone I believe in. I guess only taking on what you can handle. Be vocal what works and what doesn’t for you.
As you look back, what advice would you give to your younger self when starting your entrepreneurial venture?
Focus on your passion projects more. I’d persuade younger me to pursue film earlier.
Network With Devon:
Email: Dmalikbeckford@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmalikbeckford
Website: https://www.dmalikbeckford.com/