deboard4 – Herman DeBoard

Ethnicity is a Gift

By deboard4 on 20 March 2023

Ethnicity is truly an amazing gift. I always cringe a little when I hear people misusing the word “race” as in racist, or racism. What they actually mean is that they believe someone has an issue with other ethnicities. And personally… I understand this is called ethnocentrism, and while it is a actually a rare condition, it is becoming more prevalent with misconceptions being promoted by mainstream and social media. There is beauty is every ethnicity as we are all given this amazing gift of humanity… and it’s for a very short time.

Stories

Growing up poor…

By deboard4 on 07 March 2023

Struggling with a lack of resources as a child can provide incredible resilience and teach valuable life lessons. Growing up underprivileged often encourages resourcefulness, gratitude for the basics in life, ingenuity when faced with challenging situations, an understanding of how to be frugal – all amazing assets that one keeps forever! Harness this strength early on – you won’t regret it later!

Stories

Effective Communication is Key

By deboard4 on 07 March 2023

I personally attained my Master’s Degree in Communication Studies, during which, I was a graduate assistant teaching the University required course titled Public Speaking. It was my goal to go against the grain and study how people communicate effectively and how people learn, so I could be a more effective leader in the business world.

The Open Kimono Test

By deboard4 on 06 March 2023

The Open Kimono Test is a test I have been doing on potential business partners for a couple decades. It essentially means that before I agree to become a business partner with someone, I need to see under the kimono. I know what you are thinking… “you want to see someone naked?”. No. This is a philosophical title that means I want to talk about the skeletons in your closet. I want to see under the public image.

For example… have you had past business dealings that did not end well? Do you have bankruptcies, legal issues, etc, etc. The goal here is for all partners, including myself, to share the bad in addition to the good. Lay everything on the table so there are no surprises as the business grows. The worst thing for business partners would be to create a successful business, get ready to go public or to get acquired, and the due diligence from outside sources finds legal issues that puts the deal in jeopardy.

So its always been my practice to do the Open Kimono Test with all potential business partners, so there are no surprises as the business develops.

Business

The Great Wall of Silence

By deboard4 on 04 March 2023

My first novel… really a fun project!

“A very riveting suspense story” As the election year approaches, Addison Landon, an investigative reporter and political analyst, is about to uncover the most elaborate plot she, or anyone else for that matter, has ever seen. An actual plot to create the largest contiguous land empire in human history that began 646 years ago. What she uncovers is not an army that plans to overthrow governments by force, but a secret society that has ultimate political aspirations. Woven into the very political structure of Democracy that the United States holds dear to its heart, is a plot that is so well executed, that no one can see it…let alone stop it. Addison is in a race against the clock to piece together what are seemingly absurd clues that are linking her to the Mongolian Empire of 1206 AD and the ancestors of Genghis Khan himself. Ancestors that for 646 years have planned and executed the silent political takeover of the United States.

Books