Dean Haynesworth

Dean Haynesworth is CEO and Executive Minority Founder of Black Progress Matters [BPM], an organization committed to effectuating change in existing businesses and organizations. Still, BPM is also providing an ambitious incubator program for the development and funding of minority start-ups. Dean encourages, along with the BPM founding partners, to pledge their net share of the profits to incubate minority businesses.

Black Progress Matters is already engaged in the financing and launching of four significant minority-owned start-ups, one of which is Panther Data Solutions. Dean has also been a sales leader at multiple Fortune 500 Medical Device companies.

Where did the idea for Black Progress Matters come from?

When BPM set out to develop its UnBiasIT IT tool, we recognized the paucity of black-owned tech companies, and we immediately set out to create an advanced black-owned tech partnership that resulted in the formation of PDS as a leading provider of data management and technology. We got engaged with Unified Global Archiving to develop UnBiasIT.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I am up at 6 am every day and have a full work-out by 7 am. I make the most of every minute of every day, and with my busy traveling schedule, I have found ways to turn every airport layover and hour call ride into an opportunity for a business meeting.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I surround myself with like-minded people. I have long believed that your effort is just a part of the process, help is needed, and I embrace it fully. It is through a partnership that I can bring my ideas to life.

What is one trend that excites you?

The use of big data to drive decision-making and predict outcomes.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

My ability to overcome failure.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Choose your partners wisely.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Failure creates opportunities.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Be vulnerable and seek advice from mentors.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Put your face out there. People want to connect with ‘YOU.’ I am invested hours every day in making personal introductions. When people meet Black Progress Matters, I want them to meet me, and I want to meet them.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

My first entrepreneurial attempt failed due to my lack of marketplace intelligence and knowledge. The second go-around, I made sure to do my homework, study my potential customer base and my market opportunity with a ruthlessness that even at times impresses me.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Caddy booking app. Golfers would love this. Never underestimate the importance of your Caddy. A universal system for ranking, profiling, and managing availability and easy booking for caddies. It would allow the Caddy the opportunity to accelerate his or her career and provide a fantastic service for the avid golfer.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Whoop strap by a long-shot. The amount of intelligence that I have gained around sleep and recovery has given me the ability to be more effective as an entrepreneur.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Calendly. It helps me manage my busy schedule.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

The Count of Monte Cristo. Hands down, my favorite read. Every entrepreneur needs passion in their life. It is often not the ‘What you do,’ but the ‘Why you do it’.

What is your favorite quote?

“Pressure – turns coal into diamonds.”

Key Learnings:

• Make data-driven decisions. Data-driven business decisions make or break programs and companies.
• Don’t be afraid of change and structural growth.
• Focus on the long-term impact and inspiration your business can have on the world.