June 6, 2012

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3. One day I hope to:

Have and adopt at least four children, establish an endowment in honor of my grandmother at a few women’s colleges including my alma mater, Spelman College and partner with Ryan Seacrest and my former boss, Oprah Winfrey.

4. Current obsession:

Transcendental meditation, the Meditation Timer App, and Brian Atwood shoes.

5. Favorite business tool:

Relationships – hands down! I’m still in touch with the Human Resources manager who hired me as an intern at 19 years-old.

6. Favorite book(s):

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

7. Best place to unwind:

My apartment is really my sanctuary. It’s open but warm and cozy at the same time. Also, I can unwind in an airplane. It’s crazy, but I love flying. It’s the one place where you can honestly say, “I’m unavailable” and I usually fall asleep before takeoff unless I have to get some work or reading done.

8. Would love to have dinner with:

Sir Richard Branson (business magnate, best known for his Virgin Group of more than 400 companies). I had the opportunity to interview him briefly before the Pre-Grammy Gala this year but there were so many questions about business, his personal motivation, and philanthropy that I wanted to ask that I wasn’t able to.

Here’s a man who has been an entrepreneur since the age of 16 but even as a billionaire it’s clear money is not his motivation. I’d love to pick his brain about entrepreneurship and social investment. He’s someone that really fascinates me. There’s something majorly crazy, sexy and cool about him.

9. You can never have too many:

iPhone chargers; I keep one in almost every bag and two in my car.

10. Essential business tip:

Bring your authentic self to everything you do. As an entrepreneur, people are investing in you just as much as they are in the business concept. Also, when you make mistakes, admit to them and learn from them. If you don’t hold yourself captive to mistakes and failures, others can’t either.

Lastly, do less networking and focus on cultivating real relationships. People know and feel when you are angling.

Connect with Tai on Twitter and Facebook.

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