RISING ICON #87: LeBrent Speed
What name do you prefer to be called?
LeBrent
What are your pronouns?
He/Him
Where did you grow up?
North Minneapolis
What city are you currently based in?
Brooklyn Park, MN
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
Just LeBrent
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I’m pretty open and transparent so if I want people to know something about me I just tell them.
Who do you help?
I love helping entrepreneurs but have a particular passion for helping people black entrepreneurs.
What are you building now?
The Better Black Business Project: A platform for professional networking and business development for black entrepreneurs and those who support them.
What were you building ten years ago today?
I was in corporate software sales which I really enjoyed.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
I have found my purpose and passion so in 10 years I will be working in this company of something adjacent that helps black people close the wealth gap.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
African Americans are 14% of the US population but only possess 2% of the wealth.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
I believe that the wealth gap is probably one of the most important issues facing black people and this country at this time. When you have a group of people who have had a profound impact on the fabric and culture of this nation but have been excluded from the wealth that’s unsustainable and unrighteous.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
I have been blessed with many mentors but my greatest mentor was my mom. She told me all my life that my gifts and ability would make room for me and she was absolutely right.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
We are at the beginning of our journey but I would have to say I’m most proud of our name and logo. The B3 Project encapsulates who we are and what we aim to do.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
Black enterprise and forbes
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
Oprah or the Breakfast Club
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
The Urgency of Closing the Wealth Gap
What award would mean the most to win?
MN Business of the Year
What makes zero sense to you?
The fact that MN is one of the most progressive states in the country but has one of largest wealth gaps in the country for black people. Although I completely understand.
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
Networking
What game are you changing?
The connection between and support for black businesses.
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
Next year we will be having a Business Camp for youth and a Business Conference for Black Entrepreneurs and those who support them.
Where can we follow you online?
Facebook/ LeBrent Speed
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
Emotional Intelligence
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, LeBrent, for sharing your story!
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“When you have a group of people who have had a profound impact on the fabric and culture of this nation but have been excluded from the wealth that’s unsustainable and unrighteous.”
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