Blazing New Trails: Q Parker & Louis Carr on Becoming “Way Makers”

Success ≠ Stuff: Carr’s 40-year blueprint

Louis Carr entered BET four decades ago and is still the only Black president of ad sales in the entire TV industry. His litmus test for success isn’t accumulation; it’s “influence and impact.”
Carr credits 19 personal “way makers” who spotted potential in him before he saw it himself. Those encounters fueled his mantra:

“Our communities don’t need good people now—they need great people.”

Greatness, he argues, demands courage, intentionality, and a commitment to lift others as you rise.

The Olympic metaphor

Carr recently hosted elite athletes at Blackstone founder Stephen Schwarzman’s office. Schwarzman’s motive? Show employees what greatness looks like and why wealth is pointless unless it blesses others. Carr challenges Black professionals to adopt the same “think bigger” mindset.

Q Parker’s call: stay ready & give back

The 112 co-founder traces his musical journey to a strict elementary-school choir teacher who saw stardom in a shy, sports-obsessed boy. Her early guidance taught Parker two lifelong rules:

Preparation is non-negotiable. “Every opportunity is the big one,” he says—whether you’re onstage at Madison Square Garden or singing at a neighbor’s cookout.
Kindness compounds. Parker’s mentor told him, “The way you treat people when you’re hot is the way they treat you when you’re not.”

Today he pours those lessons into the Q Parker Legacy Foundation, offering young artists hands-on clinics in songwriting, music law, royalty structures, and stagecraft so they enter the industry smarter than his generation did.

Way Maker DNA: shared pillars

Pillar	Key Quotes	Action Step
Intentional influence	“Master the things you hate to do; it’ll give you more opportunity to do the things you love.” – mentor to Carr	List two unpleasant tasks that block your growth; schedule time this week to master them.
Authentic best self	“Sometimes our authentic self isn’t what the environment needs.” – Carr	Before big meetings, ask: Is my tone building bridges or barriers?
Radical generosity	“It costs nothing to be kind.” – Parker	Send a thank-you voice note or LinkedIn endorsement to someone who helped you this month.
Community storytelling	“The story must be told—by us.” – Carr	Support Black-owned media channels; pitch your own stories rather than waiting for coverage.

Family first: balancing greatness at home

Both guests stress that way making starts under your own roof.

Carr—married for decades while traveling 250+ nights a year—credits an “equally yoked” marriage: clear goals, non-negotiable family dates, and mutual respect.
Parker—now a grandfather—builds balance through daily FaceTime prayers with his wife and kids, modeling presence even on the road.

Leadership lesson: When conflict hits, remember you’re still in the leadership chair. Your response becomes your children’s template for handling pressure.

Why the moment is ripe for Black media

Political turbulence has only intensified Carr’s optimism: “We’re going to have to tell our own stories.” A renewed work ethic, deeper collaboration, and relentless excellence can transform both narratives and revenue streams for Black-owned outlets.

Key takeaways you can apply today

Think beyond survival. Dream—and engineer—paths that outlast current headlines.
Stay ready. Treat every room like Madison Square Garden; your next way maker may be listening.
Build ladders, don’t pull them up. Your influence is validated by how many others climb.
Pray & plan. Spiritual alignment and strategic action are not mutually exclusive.
Own your story. From social feeds to boardrooms, control the narrative about your community.

Final word

A Way Maker isn’t a title; it’s a daily practice of creating space for greatness—in yourself and in others. Whether you’re composing hits, closing ad deals, or nurturing a family, the charge is the same: be intentional, be excellent, and make a way.