Am I My Own Keeper?

I’m here, taking risks in these mean relationships streets. And boy, this is hard to keep. Deep connections and brotherhood require using love as a verb. These things require proactive action and nurturing. They need a strong covenant. Not a pendulum that swings with the mood of the day. Yet, we are human, and grace is given to us more often than we deserve it. Even when we may think that we deserve it all. We don’t. That’s when forgiveness for self, and others, must be always at play.

BuildManny AlmonteMay 4, 2021Mastermind, Mastermind ConnectComment

Meet Christopher Rucks: Video and Music Producer

New Mastermind Connect member Christopher Rucks (aka “Chris”), is an entertainment, media, and tech professional based in Brooklyn, NY. His background has significant breadth, but his work has always been anchored by creativity and the communication of ideas.

BuildManny AlmonteFebruary 24, 2020members, Christopher Rucks, Mastermind Connect Comment

Meet Richard Tucker: Traveling Bermudian with a Knack for Criminal Justice Reform

An international luxury hotelier with over 10 years’ industry experience, covering various US and Caribbean markets, Richard Tucker has merged his passion for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness with his calling for offering unrivaled hospitality experiences, in his role as Complex General Manager at The Assemblage – a coworking and coliving oasis in the heart of New York City. He is a changemaker who is inspired by, and supportive of, criminal justice reform and expanding voter access.

Meet MemberManny AlmonteFebruary 4, 2020Richard Tucker, The Assemblage, NYC, Mastermind ConnectComment

Meet Young Mastermind Mahamudun Bhuiyan

Mahamudun Bhuiyan is a first generation immigrant from Bangladesh, who is looking to further the knowledge and health of the world through his work as a scientist and a researcher, with the goal of owning his own laboratory. We connected with Mahamudun through our partnership with the NYC Urban Ambassadors, from which he graduated and is now a facilitator.

Meet MemberManny AlmonteJanuary 13, 2020Mahamudun Bhuiyan, Young Masterminds, New Member, Mastermind Connect, Mastermind Groups, BrooklynComment

Soulful Sundays: King, Warrior, Magician, Lover (Recap)

On the morning of Sunday, October 22, 2019, Mastermind Connect members decided to come together (virtually) for some fellowship and fulfilling conversation. Focused around David Deida’s The Way of the Superior Man , we wanted to dive into the topics that hold us back from reaching our highest potential.

Self-Help Doesn't Need to Be All By Yourself

The greatest misconception about self help: we're supposed to do it alone. We're not. Mutual self-help groups for issues like weight control, mental health, and physical health not only provide like-minded companionship and support but also education and direction from peers and, often, professional leaders.

BuildManny AlmonteNovember 11, 2019Self-Help, Self help, self care, Sself-care, Mastermind ConnectComment

Soulful Sundays: The Way of The Superior Man - Part I (Recap)

On the morning of Sunday, October 22, 2019, Mastermind Connect members decided to come together (virtually) for some fellowship and fulfilling conversation. Focused around David Deida’s The Way of the Superior Man , we wanted to dive into the topics that hold us back from reaching our highest potential.

Tour de Brewery: DMV by Bike

As the weather begins to change, and temperatures start to drop, most folks trade in the great outdoors for warm living rooms and comfy couches. Fortunately, we aren’t most people.

Build, Motivation, EnhanceJD WeatherspoonNovember 28, 2018Mastermind Connect, Mastermind Connect DC, Biking, DMV, DC, VA, MDComment

Mastermind Connect x Flowered Concrete Present: Voices from the Diaspora

There is something to be said about the importance of community book stores. There are the obvious details such as being a space for literary works and idea sharing. Dig a bit deeper below the surface however, and you’ll find hidden gems in the form of the people inside it.

LifestyleJD WeatherspoonMarch 6, 2018Mastermind Connect, DC Events, MC DC, Washington, Washington DCComment

We Did the Damn Fashion Thing to Start 2018

Kicking off New York Fashion Week 2018, Mastermind Connect partnered with premier made to measure line InStitchu, where we gathered for an evening of style and great vibes, enhanced by the amazing cocktails that YAVE Tequila provided us with, and the very tasty hors d'oeuvres, which The Tastemakers NYC created by infusing them with the different flavored tequilas that we were pairing them with.

Lifestyle, EnhanceManny AlmonteFebruary 18, 2018InstitchuMastermind Connect, Yave Tequila, InStitchuComment

Getting it "Out the Mud"

In the South we have a saying called “gettin’ it out the mud.” Basically, it equates to creating something out of nothing. Taking something small, and nurturing it over time to create something substantial.

BuildJ.D. WeatherspoonNovember 19, 2017Mastermind Connect, Mastermind Groups, MasculinityComment

The Spiritual Write Up

The Mastermind Connect hosted the 2nd edition of The EleMENtal Project series titled “Spiritual Warrior.” Besides moderating an all star panel, we had the privilege of using the New Inc space at the Bowery, NYC.

In the midst of orchestrating 1,000 moving parts, we had a full house of attentive guests that served up just the right questions to bring about thought-provoking answers from the panelists. So thought provoking, in fact, that many attendees were able to begin the process of identifying and addressing their own fears, doubts, and (not so hidden) pains, sharing them openly to a room full of strangers.

We Ran a 5K with Dre

What a great weekend with my Mastermind Connect brothers!

When Carlos "Los" Davila and I started planning the group's first 5K run event, I was nervous and excited at the same time. Carlos, Shaun Jenkins and Marlon Briscoe are top notch trainers, who get paid to train people for a living. Who am I to put together a wellness event, when we we have these guys in the group? But running is my thing, and I'm honored these guys allowed me to organize and host it this month.

Think & Drink hosted by Ephraim Sykes

Actor/Musician Ephraim Sykes, original cast member of Hamilton: an American Musical, star of Hairspray Live and movie Detroit was kind enough to take time out of his busy travel schedule to host last month's Think-n-Drink mixer at Hotel Chantelle.

Lifestyle, BuildGuest UserJuly 3, 2017mixers, Hamilton Musical, ephraim sykes, new york city, Mastermind Connect, EventsComment

Young Masterminds Event Re-cap

On May 20th, 2017, the Mastermind Connect, in conjunction with the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, held a series of intensive workshops, fitness bootcamp, and panel discussions dubbed the Young Masterminds initiative. The event took place at the Juan Morel Campos Secondary School, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Mastermind Connect Official Launch

We would like to take a moment to thank all of you who, in one way or another, have supported our men's group from it's inception.

This alliance of progressive men, was formed to work together in a spirit of perfect harmony, drawing freely upon the spiritual forces within us, in carrying out our plans and desires, by employing a strategy that focuses on resources, reciprocity and respect.

LifestyleManny AlmonteMay 27, 2017Mezlan NYCEvents, Mastermind Connect, Mezlan, Moet, Official Launch, Moet HennessyComment

What Does It Mean To Be A Mastermind?

What is a mastermind you ask? Mr. Hill describes it as “The coordination of knowledge and effort between two or more people who work towards a definite purpose in a spirit of harmony…no two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind”, also known as, the Mastermind.

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