Meet Clarence Jay, Founder of Measure of a Man Culture Change Initiative
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Mastermind Connect member since: April 15, 2020
Who Is Clarence Jay?
Son. Brother. Husband. Father. Professionally, Clarence Jay is a licensed social psychologist and entrepreneur, a master trainer and coach, and an certified image and brand strategist. He is the founder of the Measure of a Man Culture Change Initiative, a trans-media platform intended to empower and progressively reimagine masculinity and manhood and the President of MSTRS (Masters) Education, a personal and professional development platform and entrepreneurial incubator that provides development resources to emerging adults and companies.
Clarence Jay has dedicated his career to reversing the social conditioning of "toxic masculinity", which is executed through his Measure of a Man Culture Change Initiative, which has spawned several curricula, programs, and continues to operate as a vehicle for Black and Latino men and boys to explore healthier frameworks of masculinity and manhood, while serving as a resource as they navigate various life stages. As a motivational speaker and master trainer, Clarence’s talks and training often focus on the intersection of self-actualization, identity and masculinity. With a unique blend of style, culture, education and spirituality, his aim is to inspire, activate and nurture the development of progressively well-rounded men.
How would the person who knows you best describe you? Serious, yet spontaneously playful. Outgoing but doesn’t like going out (introvert). Thinker. Compassionate with a servant’s heart.
What brings you joy? Helping others.
If you could learn only one magic spell, but it could only do something mundane and boring, what would the spell do? I have an affinity towards levitation.
What was your best drop the mic moment? Impromptu speech I delivered at a graduation. I was asked to come and it was in the middle of a vacation. Didn’t really want to be there, and still feel my words were “regular” to my other speeches, but it moved the room and I’m still receiving praise for the moving and impactful speech.
What are some of your personal principles? Living explicitly as oneself. Progressive integrity of being a man. Accountability.
What are some goals you’d like to achieve in the next year? Launch my training program. Get married. Get in shape. Build my network.
Who has been your biggest inspiration so far, and why? College friend. He was able to lead and accomplish so much, on his own. He was second to none and I admire that.
What would you say to your younger self based off what you know now? Be honest. In everything be honest.
Who matters most in your life? Who I’m becoming, and my daughter.
What does brotherhood mean to you? Brotherhood is accountability. It’s a bridge out of isolation. It is celebration and competition (albeit friendly).
What is something that you’re struggling with? I’m struggling with understanding true intimacy and communication within my romantic relationship; finding balance between my professional ambitions and that of being a father; reconciling my past with my future.
How do you keep yourself motivated? Motivation has never been a problem for me. I’m a natural go getter. I’m motivated my the opportunity to live. I stay motivated by being alive to take advantage of that opportunity.
What are some business/professional goals you have? Re-establish my nonprofit and launch my training platform; get into real estate.
What are some of the personal goals you have? Get married. Learn true intimacy.
What made you want to become a Mastermind Connect member? I just love how grounded the organization seems to be. Compared to other organizations, there seems to be more of an emphasis on brotherhood and the individual man and the community. All of which aligns to my personal sensibilities.
How do you see Mastermind Connect helping you grow? Men tend to go into isolation whereas we need community to help us grow and mature. My experience with Mastermind Connect is akin to the old adage of iron sharpening iron and being part of progressive brotherhood.
What do you want your legacy to be? As is written on my chest: to be both Servant & King. To be known for my ability to educator and help people realize their true potential. To give of myself and lead, but not in a superficial way, in a way that allowed people to realize greater than they thought.
What childish thing do you still enjoy? I still watch cartoons.
What’s not to love about you?: I’m stubborn, and overly solution oriented.
Follow him on Instagram: clarencejay_
And visit his website: Clarencejay.com