We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Russo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2016, living in Dallas, TX I saw that there was quickly becoming a disconnect in our society between people that yelled for change and for those that acted on it. I lived a mile from the police shooting, and that impacted me at a time based on the situation and the world situation. I realized that there was a huge disconnect with the way our country was looking at how to make a difference. People were shouting via social media and shaming fellow Americans and I just knew there was something more that we needed to be doing. It’s so simple to think we can put our politics aside and just be kind to each other and utilize the time we spend protesting for awareness and start taking action. The ultimate philosophy we hold is action over awareness. Stop letting politics run our lives when we our daily life should be 99% what we do with it and 1% who our president is. At that time, to see an anti-police protest end with policemen who were protecting those protesting against them ending up dead just seemed insane. So with that, I wanted to start a movement that would empower people to live by the golden rule and spread a message of self-responsibility. With that we built a company that spreads a message of unity, love and positivity. We give an outlet for those to learn how to go back to seeing the good, and giving people the motivation to create the change they want to see in their lives and the world around them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a motivational speaker I consider myself a “failure expert.” I teach people the power of failure and the necessity to utilize those failures to lead a happy and successful life. With that every business I’ve started serves as a building block for what I do now with #BeTheChange which I firmly believe is my opportunity to truly leave an impact in the world. I’ve had a couple unsuccessful business’ that lead to debt, doubt and frustration. I’ve lost best friends that were business partners and I’ve been on the brink of bankruptcy. I overcame challenges by always maintaining a positive attitude and a willingness to follow the signs presented and learn from my mistakes. I’ve made mistakes and I will make plenty more but my goal is to never make the same mistake twice and thats the lessons I pass on to others. Analyze failures, don’t run from them or avoid them. It allowed me to have a successful promotional staffing firm and then transition into the world of speaking. These trials and errors have allowed me to create the framework in order to start a movement that requires a massive level of organization and structure.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love deep ellum’s nooks and crannies, but when people come in town I love to take them to DOT’s and Black Swan. Also, none of my friends make it through a trip to visit me without a trip to Fuel City tacos for tacos and elote (corn). If we have time to venture north Lecacy West has amazing atmosphere and a great spread of different food choices. If they are a history buff I make sure take them to the 6th floor museum and for a pool party straight out of the Highlights kid’s magazine with adult fun as well we go to Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) pool in the Lakewood area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is a team of people I have worked with during this period of accelarated growth and I couldn’t have done it with my cohosts and partners. Curtis Harkness, Aaron Smalls and Kash Lee Kelly have led to our accelerated growth and success in changing mindsets and allowing open conversations as we grow to create a movement of Change Makers. The books “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and Bob Burgs “The Go Giver,” by Bob Burg served as inspiration along this journey. Also to the 5 police officers that lost their lives on July 7, 2016; Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Sgt. Michael Smith, Brent Thompson, and Patricio “Patrick” Zamarripa this movement serves as an inspiration to their commitment and duty to protect and serve.

Website: hashtagbethechange.com
Instagram: anthonymichaelrusso
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymichaelrusso/
Twitter: doubledownrusso
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeTheChangeUSA/
Youtube: youtube.com/c/bethechange
Other: https://www.facebook.com/bethechangeAnthony/ and also for instagram @bethechange_usa

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