James M. Bailey (Jay) is a dynamic force committed to his motto, “Build As We Climb.” As the President and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), he leads the world’s largest entrepreneurial hub dedicated to empowering Black businesses. Under his visionary leadership, RICE supports over 360 entrepreneurs, generating $114 million in annual revenue and sparking $450 million in new economic impact in Metro Atlanta. Recognized by three U.S. Presidents and honored with numerous awards, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Jay is a change agent, thought leader, and philanthropist. An Atlanta native and Georgia Bulldog, he is dedicated to uplifting his community through innovative and impactful initiatives.
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
- [0:05] Introduction and welcome by Corinne Milien.
- [1:28] Overview of Jay Bailey’s accomplishments and impact with RICE.
- [3:01] Jay shares the journey and vision behind the RICE center.
- [6:05] The influence of Jay’s upbringing on his leadership style.
- [10:03] Discussion on the decline in funding for Black-founded companies in Atlanta.
- [13:24] The role of partners and donors in supporting RICE.
- [15:56] Characteristics of resilient leaders within the RICE community.
- [18:05] Building and trusting a team as a CEO.
- [21:17] Balancing being present with empowering leaders.
- [24:03] The legacy and long-term vision for RICE.
- [26:34] Advice for Black entrepreneurs in 2024.
- [28:16] The growing community and future goals of RICE.
In This Episode…
How does a visionary leader transform a space into a beacon for Black economic mobility? Can authentic leadership and community drive significant change?
Jay Bailey, President and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), believes in the power of community, authenticity, and resilience. In special, in-person episode, he shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader supporting over 360 businesses in Atlanta with host Corinne Milien. Jay discusses the challenges of building RICE, the importance of partnerships, and the need for resilient and collaborative leadership. He emphasizes the significance of finding your tribe and the impact of creating a supportive ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Corinne Milien on LinkedIn
- WRK on LinkedIn
- Jay Bailey on LinkedIn
- H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)
Special Mentions:
- Nzinga Shaw on LinkedIn, CEO of Attack the Glass
- Herman J. Russell on LinkedIn
- UPS launches logistics services at Russell center for entrepreneurs
- Fiserv Continues Its Commitment to Atlanta’s Black Business
- TK Peterson on LinkedIn, Co-Founder of The Gathering Spot
- Ryan Wilson on LinkedIn,Co-Founder of The Gathering Spot
- The Gathering Spot
- Kevin James on LinkedIn, President of Morris Brown College
- Helene Gayle on LinkedIn, President of Spelman College
- Ángel Cabrera on LinkedIn, President of Georgia Tech
- Raheem Beyah on LinkedIn, Dean of Georgia Tech Engineering School
- Brian Blake on LinkedIn, President of Georgia State University
- Jewel Burks on LinkedIn, Co-Founder of The Village Market
- Dr. Key Hollomans on LinkedIn, Co-Founder The Village Market
- Bem Joiner on LinkedIn, Creative Culture Curator Atlanta Influences Everything
Quotable Moments:
- “Loss creates leaders. Those who can effectively manage pain are suited to change the world.”
- “The entrepreneurial journey is a lonely one, but it’s worth it because without entrepreneurs, what would we have?”
- “Being impressive doesn’t have a lot of currency. Being authentic is where the gold resides.”
- “Find your tribe. Don’t do this alone. You can’t do this alone.”
Action Steps:
- Find Your Tribe: Build a supportive community around you to share ideas and seek guidance.
- Embrace Authenticity: Lead with authenticity and stay true to yourself and your vision.
- Foster Resilience: Develop the ability to manage pain and setbacks as part of the journey.
- Seek Partnerships: Engage in meaningful partnerships that provide not just financial support but also expertise and resources.
- Empower Others: Trust your team and empower them to grow and lead within the organization.