What was your biggest takeaway from my video? Comment below.

How many people watching realise how much a session with an image consultant would cost them if they had to pay for it? Yet they are getting it here for free and not in the least grateful.

I interviewed for a construction job in a suit and literally was told by the Superintendent that I was chosen because I knew how to articulate myself and presented myself well while wearing a suit.When I left out the conference room everyone else waiting in line had on work boots,polo shirts, and jeans.Whether we are in corporate America or at blue collar jobs we have to play by their rules sometimes to win.

RIP Mr. Samuels. I've been an HR executive for nearly 10 years and Kevin is 100% on target with his advice on how image, coupled with performance will elevate someone through the corporate ranks. This applies to EVERYONE, not just African-Americans.

Pride comes before the fall even in the workforce. As a black male, it's not our game. We have to play it until we beat it then create our own game. You can go out kicking and screaming or you can go out winner. End of story

When Ludacris won his first MTV Music Award after years of productivity and historic record sales, the first thing he said during his acceptance speech was, "You mean to tell me all I had to do to win one of these was cut my hair!?!?" Most people breezed right over that part of his speech, but it resonated with me.

I’m a white man with decades of experience in the corporate world. Everything you are saying is right on. I worked at the Exxon corporate office and my first executive mentor was a black executive. He taught me how to dress...down to what shoes to wear. I moved 8 times for promotions. That is what it takes.

This is arguably Samuels’ most valuable video. This was 100% truth: NO CHASER

"You don't go to work for someone else TO REPRESENT YOURSELF" FACTS!!! You would think this makes common sense, but so many guys just don't get this. And for that reason, they don't level up. Also some guys run their mouths too much. Level up but keep things to yourself. What Kevin is doing is rare. Usually guys like him don't reveal these things. He's right about being invited to the Christmas parties, dinners, etc that the other employees don't know about. Many of the high paying wages in fields are not talked about because it's only given to people who show their worth and value to the company. These wages don't appear in job searches. These wages are discussed and given behind closed doors. I know for personal experience. And people will ALWAYS hate on you and try to bring you down.

When a Black Man wears a suit, he gets a lot of respect. I can walk through many doors. I have entered clubs for free.

The higher up you go in any company, the more fierce the politics become.

I’m a 21 yo white guy in college and every single point is applicable to any race. Just this year I stoped dressing like I’m in highschhool. I’ve gotten rid of my long hair and am now trying to look “sharp”. My coaches respect me more. My parents respect me more. My friends perk up when I speak. Image is EVERYTHING. I know it sounds conceited but it’s the world we live in. I’m grateful I’m learning now. Thank you Kevin for the wisdom you’ve blessed us young men with. RIP. Helped me with women, image, and professional development.

Young men, listen! I got into trouble with the law. A misdemeanor but still. I went to court, dressed in a button up dress shirt, nice slacks and shoes with a high gloss. I beat the case! The judge dropped all the charges, dropped the court fines and fees as well. She said, I appreciate your appearance, thank you for coming in dressed appropriately. Most of the Black men coming into court come in in t-shirt, jeans sagging with draws showing, with a emotional attitude. They walk in losing. Prepared to do time, bragging that they can do the time "standing on their head." Silly young boys, who were raised without a father. Wake up young Black men, your appearance says a lot about you. Cut your hair short, clean cut. Carry yourself as a gentleman. This isn't that bull crap liberal society you think it is.

When I got out the hood I realized the only people that use that use the word sellout is poor blacks

I can't relate to any of this. I'm a scientist and engineer. I'm really good at it. I've submitted patents for my work at IBM. I've built systems that impact every American's life. I get paid really, really well. I've taken that money and bought stocks, rental properties, etc... I do all this because I'm highly intelligent. It's not about your title. It's about who controls the assets that you are protecting on behalf of others. Remember, that title can be taken because you don't own any of it. I'm good because my assets can now match my income. What I know for sure is the highest paid people are NOT in the C-Suite. We should be teaching people to CREATE and OWN things. It's possible and you can eat while you're doing it.

In the coldest, intelligent, covert way - the brother is simply saying “I’ve heard the OPS disrespect the way we look. I’ve seen over qualified brothers get passed over because the OPS didn’t like the way they looked....” He’s not wrong.

Wow, didn't know this guy was so deep, intelligent, multifaceted. He was an absolute success even before this platform.

Kevin prefaced this show by stating "When you work for someone else THEY set the rules and if you have to win you have to fit in." When he said "THEY', he means whoever owns the business. You all need to stop acting like there are no major black owned businesses out there that hold their employees to the same standard.

Kevin reminds me of my husband. He started out rough and tumble, but he had drive. He began to seek our mentors. The mentors began to shape him. "Clean up your language." "Practice a professional demeaner." Then it was, "Buy a suit. No. A *good* suit." "Buy better shoes." "You're not going higher without the next degree. Go back to college." Then it was, "Learn small talk. Here's a book and a video course." "I found a class for you that'll help you become a best dressed man in any situation." "Save what's left of your hair off. Own it. And facial hair is actually good in this industry, but it has to be right. Go to this barber and trust him." "This person will help teach you how to negotiate." "When they can't give you any more money, here's how you get perks that are worth real money." I watched him slowly evolved from a Henry into a HVM. He remade himself. I could never imagine the life I have now and I could never imagine him being this happy with his life and accomplishments. What a ride that man has been on.

I remember before i came to America i applied for a visa 3 times and got it on my 4th try ,but the difference between all four interviews is i was wearing casual on 3 interviews and the last one my hair was cut wearing a polo suit with some nice shoes . The lady that interviewed me made so many comments about my dressing and what i do in life and she forgot the questions she was supposed to ask me . I sold my self as higher value she liked me soon as i walked up to her .

These momma's boys are lost without this man.

This is not the solution. Appeasement is not the solution. The solution is to build our own damn corporations.

Used to rock a throwback, ballin on the corner Now I rock a tailored suit, looking like a owner -Jay Z

This is extremely important that Kevin is creating a dialog with these black men. This is going to help propel them further in life. Inspirational work Mr. Samuels!

I learned how to cut my hair during the pandemic, it took my self care to a whole new level because I can now always present myself with a clean haircut no matter where I go. I get asked all the time what barbershop I go to. It might not seem like a big deal, but your presentation and appearance matters - when you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you carry yourself differently. Sometimes its the edge you need in your day, and you also have the added benefit of saving money.

I have locks down my back and own a successful company with my wife... we winning💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

I say wear your hair how you want when you can pay yourself.

Kevin's story about the history of his sales career sounds like he was promoted and rewarded because of his hard work, ability to learn and advance, ability to bring in more value to the company than they were paying him, and like he said, he was willing to humble himself and do what it took to achieve that success. No one held him back for being black. He was rewarded for what he brought to the table. It's not about dressing for the "white" man, it's about being professional and doing what it takes to bring value to the company you're working for.

Rest in Peace KS. The man kept it real. Too many people in their feelings and their ego which prevents them from growing and be their better version.

I was told once dress for the position you want not for the position you have, i made a change and i was taken seriously and moved up.

I am 21 years old watching this video and I can say this video has an incredible amount of value in terms of how to carry yourself

“Dress the way you want to be addressed.” Let that marinate, RIP Kevin

I'm 47 years old, been in corporate for 20 + years. I can confirm that everything Kevin said has been my experience. Even after 20 plus years, this video gave nuggets that forced me to level up. God bless this man for what he was trying to do for Men and Women.

Yea... I'll just build my own.. or die trying.

He's speaking facts!! Start your own or fall in line. Simple as that.

Like late Mr. Samuels, I am a big proponent of the proverb “the way you dress is the way you will be addressed” I was interviewed for a staff nursing position. I attended the interview in a suit. The administrator came to speak to us about the facility. I was the only one on corporate suit while most were in scrubs. Everyone kept asking me if I was going somewhere else. The administrator approached me, complimented me and asked if I wanted to interview for the nursing supervisor position. I obliged and I got the job. Truly, the way you dress is the way you’ll be address. First impression matters!

Don is the embodiment of how young black men are pulled into the "hustle life" and chest-thump without any practical experience in the corporate world. Arguing with facts is just plain insanity.

This topic also applies to women that like to wear different colors in their hair that are not natural or considered conservative. I would love to have bright red braids. However, as a former teacher in an all-white school district and now a nurse in the medical fields. If I had different color hair, I know that I would never have been hired or be allowed to grow into management. no matter how good of a teacher I was or how good of a nurse I am.

I'm 18 and you enabled me not to mess up in future upcomings. Thank you sir.

Realest Man on the Internet! I’ve spent my 20s in sales (dreaming of moving out the hood).. I’ve come across the most cutthroat situations, competitiveness, secret hate, put downs... whoever you are realize this; THEY SEE WHAT YOU ARE BECOMING! My friends, family, gf, people in business have all at some point or another crossed me for being “nice” what I now call naive. I’ve traveled different states for sales and have gone broke a few times: Moving back to my home city.... This City is Easy. No one and I mean No One Knows what I’ve Learned. Being Mexican American and the only one in the city with this information; I’ve now become lethal for this city and in earning money. 2021 is our year fellas. Let go of the old baggage and narrative of what keeps us all down. Buy in for yourself so you can sell for your neighborhood and family. People will do anything and everything to keep you down. They fear your Intelligence.

Folks really had the nerve to say he didn’t give men their medicine…

This is why JZ , PDiddy and 50 Cent started wearing suits at certain points for certain reasons.

FOR THE PEOPLE WHO TAKES THIS THE WRONG WAY....REMEMBER WHAT THE BROTHER SAID.....(WHEN YOU WORK FOR SOMEONE ELS....THEY SET THE RULES)

This was the reason I cut my hair/locs. I was growing my hair for 6-7 years. I started a real estate company and most people in the industry are white. If I was going to be seen as their equal and be granted partnerships, I needed to look and dress the part.

I love it I shared this video with my daughter who is having a hard time with my grandson who wants to cut his dreads. I worked in the corporate world and it was well communicated that you must fit their brand. I was talked to about wearing large earrings and was given a book to show me the dresses I should wear in management. Love so much you are addressing with our men to dress for success, ask for help, improve communication skills!!!

HR is ABSOLUTELY there to protect the company and bottom line. I didn't realize that until my first promotion 13yrs ago. I went from Frontline, to Branch, to Area Manager from 2008 to 2013 (I left in 2014 and I'm now a VP at a consulting firm). During that rise I really had a chance to see behind the curtain in corporate America. Kevin is telling ZERO lies here. Unfortunately, too many of us black men are our own biggest roadblock.

My impression of this video is that you are 100% spot on. I've been in corporate America for 20+ years in IT consulting with its "up or out" culture (Bottom 5% of performers cut annually). You dress for the job you want, not the job you are in. You advance by performing, following the spoken and unspoken rules, and by networking. Men and women who want to thrive in corporate America need to save this video and play it weekly.

Suit Saturday's is such a great idea! I've noticed a huge difference with how people treat me when I'm wearing a nice suit vs regular clothes. Doors open up with a good image!

There is a reason Dame Dash didn't move up with Jay-Z because he didn't master the art of war at corporate level, he still wanted to fight like he is in the Streets.

This broadcast is amazing. I can't believe black MEN think they are going to go into someone else's game, play by their own rules, and succeed...amazing.

My late UNCLE who worked at IBM used to tell me that a Black man has to dress for success and advancement in his career to go higher and higher regardless of how he feels about his hair and culture.

To all the fellas: “If you look good, you do good, if you do good they pay good”-Deion Sanders

Excellent video. I had no idea Kevin had such a top-tier background and education. This brother had a degree in Chemical Engineering and then pivots to a national sales manager? Wow. Yet his most prolific detractors are women (and beta males) with little or no education or accomplishments. This is the kind of brother you want in your circle of friends and business acquaintances. Peace and Blessings to you in the next experience.

Preach Kevin. As a 65 year old about to leave industry, for retirement, I can confirm what you are saying. Fit and finished works.....every time!

The elephant in the room is hip hop culture. It's the dominate culture in black society that perpetuates all these problematic behaviors.

Don sounds exactly like one of my best friends who’s always thinking when I disagree or challenge with his ideas he responds with emotion and snide remarks.

“Your opinion doesn’t match up with what I know “ Classic!! What a concept! I’ve been saying that for years...

My Biggest Take Away: If You Plan to Succeed, You Must Have A Plan.

States are creating anti-black hair discrimination laws. However if you choose to abide by the corporate rules then you're not a sellout, you just want it more than I would.

Videos like this by Kevin were so important. We needed to hear this

This full video sparked the change I very desperately needed in my life

Kevin, this is spot on. I work in HR, and you hit on some really important points.

Had dreads, went to a job placement center for IT jobs, I took a placement test. They said I had the highest score anyone has taken in over 6 months. Never had a call back. Cut my hair a week later. It sucks, I loved my dreads but I had to survive.

Wow! My biggest takeaway is in listening to you talk I realized that we may have been working at the same place when you worked at MCI here in GA 16-17 years ago. I had only been there maybe 3-4 months before they closed. I worked inside sales. It's funny that you talked about black people working majority inside sales and white people on outside sales, because I remember vividly coming in to work, looking around the sales floor and saying to myself, "Where are the white people?" And over the years I would revisit that thought because I really thought that was odd. Now after watching your video, I know. I am amazed on how this all came back full circle. Thank you.

I feel what Don was saying. A young man that wants the world to change for the betterment of his people. Kevin is accurate when it comes to corporate America. Black men need to be double agents for their family and their people until the situation changes.

I needed this because I fell off. But I’m glad I found this channel so that I can get back on track image wise.

Different strokes for different folks, straight teeth and how attractive you are plays a big part in American culture.

Female-raised men put waaayy too much importance on hairstyles. IT'S JUST HAIR. What matters is what's IN your head, not what's ON your head. Over-personalized hairstyles in straight (non-entertainment / non-counterculture) workspaces (rightly or wrongly) signifies that you prioritize personal expression over productivity, which goes to foolishness and pridefulness. Grown men don't get emotional over hair.

This is incredibly spot on , I can’t stand when people act like doing these things makes you a sell out etc . Don’t matter if you’re white , black , Hispanic , Asian etc…. As long as you’re clean cut, and look sharp/speak clear fluent language then THAT is what being a mature adult is about . Makes such a huge difference .

Zuckerberg had to ditch the hoodie for the power suit when he wanted wall st to take him seriously.

Im grateful for my Dad teaching those things to me at an early age. It's refreshing to hear someone else push this message. Listen to him y'all, it's in your best interest.

RIP to my Bro KS. I still cannot believe you are here. Thank you for your infinite knowledge.

I absolutely loved this. Whoever listened to this for free ought to be thankful. He's doing what I'll call premium work for community. Don't get triggered, get thinking. Thank you Mr. Samuels.

Someone said Bob Marley didn’t cut his dreads. Marley was a artist not in corporate sales.

Many ppl get caught up on what should be n not what is

Thank you so much, Kevin. I got a ton of value from this video. 🎯

This was very insightful, especially the caller with locs who cut them. At first I thought it was funny he didn't get the point, but then I realized I was just like him. Not the hair specifically but knowing what it takes to play the game but not doing what's needed to excel at the game. Learn from other's mistakes.

My dad use to tell me you can never go wrong with a short hair cut!! As a black man!! Jobs will hire you on the spot!!

I feel so bad for giving my family such a hard time and they gave me the exact same information and advice as Kevin did and I fought it until I was in my mid 20’s. I’m starting to see how blessed I am to have a father and uncle coming down hard on me.I fought it so long not to cut my locs. Now it makes sense why my father and uncle was so happy when I finally made the transition. My family owns businesses and they only wanted me to represent them properly.I will be running these businesses one day when my day comes.Kevin is trying to help us brothers. My father and Uncle was not going for making excuses and being emotional.

The way he broke down the story about asking for help and looking the part is 💯

Just cut my dreads after 8 years. It was very hard but I did it. Feels incredible. Feel like a new man

This was a great video. I work for a major company and always hold myself to a higher standard . Dress, manners , speech. It is to the point where my manager calls me the night before a meeting to find out what I am wearing because we both dress at the same level. It's becoming a running joke at the company. I know I am doing something right. I carry myself for the position I want 2 levels above me.

I may be an exception but I always refused to cut off my braids and I even changed them to dreadlocks. I'm tired of the 'image standards' imposed by those who don't look like me. I grew in different positions in different corporations and I finally created my own business...

Summary: You can either do your own thing and be _right_ , or you can win. Make your decision but remember this: your pride won't put food on the table.

2 years too late to this convo, but this is so important for men of all races. For all you young men grew up with a single mom and struggling with submitting to authority, know that you aren't alone and to let your pride go. There is a profound impact on us when our fathers were not there. When the first man who was to love you unconditionally who you were to learn from and submit too wasn't there, it causes a scar on your soul/psyche that will make it difficult to submit to authority your whole life. Some counseling both mentally and a radical change spiritually is the only way to overcome this mindset/obstacle.

24 yr old don was unemployed, first he said he was a composer, and then he said he was a stockbroker,

Back when I was in my 20’s I realized this fact. Some call me a sell out now, but those who say that are usually not very successful.

This is very true and applies internationally. You have to look good and dress well in corporate sales or when running your own business. Great video Kevin

1. Everything Kevin says in this podcast can be applied to white men. I know too many white men who have hippie hairstyles and won't cut their hair and wear a suit because of "evil capitalism". They make minimum wage and have no girlfriend. 2. Contrary to what this young man seems to be thinking, a suit and short hair are not "white culture". Do you think French people, Spanish people, and Asian people had short hair and wore suits 200 years ago? They didn't. It's not their traditional style. But they have to conform as well now. The president of CHINA is wearing a suit. Do you think he feels like "submitting to white people" when he's at the top of the second most powerful country in the world? 3. What is true for climbing the corporate ladder is true as well when you're your own boss. At the end of the day as an entrepreneur, you'll have to ask a guy to give you money in exchange for whatever you're doing. And people are always more comfortable giving their money to a sharp, professional dude than to a rasta, a hippie, a gangster, or an artist. EVEN YOU READING THIS WITH YOUR DREADS. If I gave you 10 million dollars tomorrow, you would not want to deal with a financial advisor with dreads. You would go with the one with the sharp look.

Much love and respect to you Kevin. Many of us appreciate you and recognize the gems you dropping and will apply it. Thank you sir.

Thank you Kevin for telling the truth even if people like it or not. Listening to your podcasts has really given me motivation for change and focus in self improvement in all areas of my life. Keep pushing these videos out and keeping it real for us black men out here. Peace

We can't get nowhere because we're not listening and we're too defensive. We want to blame everyone except ourselves while continuing not having anything of our own or moving forward. We're so stuck on wanting to be right that we continue to ignore what we know is truth.

I'm going to miss listening to this man 😔 so intelligent and brilliant 👏

This was excellent commentary. Kevin is simply trying to wake up the lost sheep that are wandering out here in the wilderness. Thank you for this conversation..

A lot of brothers need to stop thinking the world is going to cater to you.

What an incredible video with pertinent info to consider for arguably anyone no matter the background. Shout out to Steve "The Dean" Williams.

The amount of gems!!!

This is very valuable information, Kevin. Absolute truth. Been in corporate America for 20 years and been called a sell out by family that ask me to borrow $1,000 every time they see me.

This was an amazing video Kevin and you touched on things that in hindsight are obvious, but that I never thought of before. You're truly doing a service to black people.

Absolutely correct. When I was a teenager I liked brothers with dreads and braids but now that I’m older, I know better.