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

Hi Marvin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Marvleads Consulting was motivated from a combination of personal and professional experiences that have shaped my journey. I felt compelled to harness my talents to establish a consulting business aimed at assisting both companies and individuals. Essentially, I wanted to create a holistic approach that encompasses leadership, training, and the various ventures I’ve undertaken. Within my compass, you’ll find a spectrum of endeavors, from nonprofit initiatives to property management and real estate, even to my catering service, all interwoven with my rapid progression into management roles. The common thread has always been my innate talent and fervor for leadership and my genuine desire to assist others.

As for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), my experiences in this field drove me to share my journey with others. Around three years ago, I had the privilege of delivering a TEDx talk focused on implicit bias in pharmacy. This talk ignited a strong demand for more discussions on this subject, with universities, companies, and various organizations eager to have me provide training and talks on these vital concepts.

In the realm of process improvement, I’ve spearheaded multi-million-dollar projects that significantly optimized efficiency and saved companies substantial resources. With Marv Leads, I’ve fused all these talents, skills, and experiences into a consulting business that empowers companies and individuals to enhance their efficiency across these three critical arenas.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
“I am Marvin, the founder of Marv Leads Consulting LLC, a company specializing in delivering essential leadership tools tailored for businesses, non-profits, and organizations. Our comprehensive offerings encompass DEI initiatives, process improvement strategies, training, and workshops in support of our commitment to integrity-based practices.

With a lengthy and enviable career underscored by diverse expertise encompassing healthcare, leadership development, and community engagement, my unique worldview enables me to provide a progressive perspective that fuels impactful change.

My credentials, a testament to my wide-ranging knowledge, include a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Ohio Northern University; an MBA from Malone University; accreditation as an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator; Inclusion Workplace Certification from the University of South Florida; and Consultant Toolkit Certification from Harvard. I am also a prominent speaker and proficient workshop facilitator, as evidenced by my captivating TEDx presentation titled, Prescription Approved for Implicit Bias.

In addition to these endeavors, I host Ask a Pharmacist on the Radio Free Entertainment Network, focusing on transparency between healthcare professionals and the public; founded Let’s Get Healthy Cleveland, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to addressing healthcare inequalities through clinical programs and community-based events; serve as the health chair of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.; and founded I.M.O.N.B LLC Properties to address housing disparities in Northeast Ohio. In a touching tribute to my late mother, I also established Bruce’s Jamaican Fusion Soul, a food truck offering a vibrant menu of Jamaican and American favorites.
It has not been a smooth road. I had to persevere against those that doubted me or simply felt that “I was doing too much”. However, the biggest challenge is getting past self-doubt.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend were visiting my area, I would undoubtedly take them to Gervasi. Gervasi Vineyard stands out as the premier destination in Canton for enthusiasts of fine wines and gourmet cuisine. After experiencing a meal at Gervasi Vineyard, it has become my top choice for enjoying fresh, delicious food in a stunning location.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my Aunt, Audrey Bruce. She instilled in me a ‘don’t quit’ mentality that she both practiced and preached. From a young age, she taught me the importance of travel, real estate, and saving for retirement

Website: https://www.marvleads.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvleads/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marv-leads_marvleads-dogoodlivegood-activity-7153045486231293953-F_wr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marvleads/followers/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTzTszhhsltgU7j_8Lfu1uw

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