Many people have been asking me lately why I chose to move from Los Angeles (my hometown), to New York City. It seems to me that my decision for the move in the opinions of others was peculiar and sort of whimsical. They asked me if it was a job, a new love or even if I was pregnant. Ha! Well, it was none of those things at all. It was for something far more important than that…GROWTH.

Ideas are a dime a dozen. But implementation is one in a million! Of all the successful people I meet in my career, believe it when I say that all of them—yes, all of them—are doers! Be they actors, producers, or business entrepreneurs, they have all taken steps towards achieving the goals that they have set for themselves. In this world where everybody and their sister has a good business idea, only one in a thousand people takes the risk of putting words into action. Here are five pointers to get you going:

For all of the thousands of successful business people I have met during my years as a corporate and entertainment lawyer, the following holds true: NO ONE EVER MADE A MILLION DOLLARS BY THEMSELVES! I don’t care who you are or how unique and wonderful your talent or business idea—you will not become successful without building and surrounding yourself with a good team that will assist you in bringing your goals to fruition.

More importantly, GOOD TEAM MEMBERS WILL MAKE YOU MONEY! Of course, they will also cost you money, but the benefits should outweigh the cost. Sure, I pay my accountant every year, but that’s because he finds ways to reduce my taxes and save me money. And if he wants to continue being my accountant, the money he saves me better exceed his fee! Also, the hours it would take for me to do my own taxes are better spent on my providing services to my own clients. I do what I do, and I let my accountant do what he does—because he’s good at it.

A Delicious Blend of Japanese Art & Entertainment

The Japanese blend of art and entertainment in a decadent display is known as Nyotaimori.  It translates to “adorned body of a woman”.  It is a feast for the eyes, and a sumptuous display of succulent sushi.  For 400 years, affluent Japanese parties have included the sensual right to delight guests.  During the Golden Era, called the Edo Period in Japan, Tokugawa Shogunate indulged elite guests with sushi displayed on the bodies of the most beautiful women he could find.  The women were bathed in fragrant cold water before they showcased sushi covering their naked bodies, without moving for hours.

Naked Sushi Entertainment is sweeping the globe through elite parties, with some of the most A-List guests.

Image is everything! Believe it. You are kidding yourself if you think that people do not judge you based on your appearance. We live in a world where actors are judged as ‘best dressed’ and ‘worst dressed’ by magazines, and where brands such as Hugo Boss, Versace and Dolce and Gabbana are household names. So if you think brains and personality are all that matter—well, you’re just plain wrong.

Unless your job requires you to wear a uniform, the way you dress is an opportunity to differentiate yourself from your peers. It’s human nature for people to surround themselves with like-minded individuals. This philosophy holds true with employers and clients alike. When an opportunity to hire or enlist a team member arises, people tend to first consider the individuals they feel will ‘fit in.’ If you don’t look the part, then kiss that opportunity goodbye.

As I was working at my desk, sifting through the hundreds of emails that had accumulated during the week, I came upon this heartfelt request that caught my attention,

“I am hoping you might be able to help me or hopefully direct me on how to help a young man get his dying wish. If you ever met him you would understand why we all want to do something good for him.

He grew up in the Jane and Finch area. This area is synonymous with drugs, crime, and gang violence. This young man has faced the double stereotype of being from this area and being black. He is also a young documentary maker. He has documented his struggle with cancer, from the beginning. The treatments, the side affects of the treatments, and the fact that he is now terminal and will die soon. He has been able to show that the 'notorious Jane and Finch area' has stood behind him. He is able to show the pride that he has for the people in his area, and be able to prove, he is not just another gang banger.

I am a graduate student at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada where I study Documentary Media.  I am also the President of the Ryerson Students’ Union.  The aim of this column is to discuss openly, all of the major issues that are affecting today’s students.  This will range from the class room experience, social life, and topics beyond that.  I would like to discuss students, and their involvement with politics.

Too often students are criticized about being completely apathetic to the political process, both in Canada, and in the United States of America.  The main finger pointers that I have come across, is the flower power, Baby Boomer generation.  Back in their day, students seemingly had the power to move mountains.  They definitely had a major impact on The Vietnam War, The Civil Rights Movement, The Women’s Movement, and many major movements of that time.

Passion is the beginning.  Life is a game of chess in which each of us play a role.  Some of us are pawns.  Some are knights.  Regardless of our current station in life, we all share one common drive – to become the King or Queen of our respective domain.  However, success comes with hard work, and proper direction.  In order to become a Power Player, you must have the desire and the determination to succeed.  There are certain characteristics shared by successful people, and if you want to join the club, you got to “Be like Mike!”

As a Corporate and Entertainment Lawyer, I have had the opportunity to represent hundreds of people.  Many of whom are in the public eye, but only a few would meet my definition of a “Power Player”.   A Power Player is an individual that, no matter where they began their journey in life, be it in the “Hood” or Forest Hill, has excelled in their chosen profession.