[00:00:00] Speaker A: This is Be Better Than youn BS with Resha Grint. And around here, we get rid of the BS game changing women. Raw stories, real truth about what it takes to lead, win, and stay sane in the process. If you've ever had to fight for your seat at the table, this space is for you. This is now. Media, television, Life and business are about more than titles and wins. They're about how you show up and the culture you create around you. So sports taught me that early. Discipline, teamwork, and knowing how to pivot under pressure. And that's why I do this show. I'm your girl, Reisha Grant, the people's champ. And I am here to bring you real conversations with leaders, change makers, and everyday people who are shaping culture in powerful ways. Y', all, my guest today is powerhouse Jade Tenor, also known as the brand enhancer. She's a former D1 basketball player turned branding boss, nonprofit founder, and community builder through One United Resource foundation and JTBE Inc. She's rewriting what it means to lead with purpose and strategy from the core to the culture. Jade moves with impact. Jade, thank you so much for being here.
[00:01:11] Speaker B: Thank you so much.
I like that introduction. The powerhouse. Yes.
[00:01:16] Speaker A: Hey, we try.
[00:01:17] Speaker B: We try.
[00:01:19] Speaker A: And I see you as that. From everything that I have learned about you in this short amount of time. I'm so excited to be sitting here talking to you.
[00:01:26] Speaker B: I'm excited too. Thank you for having me on your platform.
You have a beautiful set and everything. I'm so looking forward to this conversation.
[00:01:32] Speaker A: Thank you. So now you've been called the brand enhancer. But before the brand, there was the baller.
So how did the game shape the woman that we see today?
[00:01:43] Speaker B: That was my foundation. I think that was a part of my brand growing up. My mom was also a basketball player. She's two time All American jersey, retired as well.
[00:01:54] Speaker A: Okay, wait a minute. What's her name?
[00:01:55] Speaker B: Teresa Tenor. Okay, so that's my mom.
[00:01:58] Speaker A: Shout out to my mom.
[00:01:59] Speaker B: Okay. So she already pretty much branded me in that sports space. And once I got to college and kind of got on my own, I figured like, hey, this is it. Yes, I think this is the path I want to follow.
Marketing is a very broad term, but my niche and branding, like, I kind of knew early on, like, this is a space that makes sense for me. So basketball was my brand at one point in time, and now it's something different.
[00:02:33] Speaker A: And how do you make that shift in sports? Right, Because I think when you've been playing sports, especially when you get to the D1 level.
You've been playing your entire life. And then you gotta make the change to something else if you don't go on. And I had all the injuries and all this stuff. My goal was, like, I'm going to play overseas. Cause I'm aging myself. But y', all, that's what it was then.
How do you shift that brand when you're coming out of being an athlete and you know you have to go into the next and it's not sports. Gotcha.
[00:03:03] Speaker B: I think I kind of started my junior year of college. That was when I realized, like, I'm not gonna play basketball my whole life. You know, initially it was, I'm going to school to get the piece of paper.
[00:03:15] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:03:16] Speaker B: And so that's when I started getting involved in other things, like Tasso, the African American Student Union. I was in pageants. I did so many other things while playing ball.
Whenever I graduated, to me, I thought that was gonna be the end. Like, okay, I'm done. Let me focus on something else. And then I got to that space where who am I if I'm not Jade Tennant, the basketball player?
And so I went back. I played two and a half years in the WBCBL league here in the States.
And then injury is what made me like, okay, now what are you gonna do now?
[00:03:54] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:03:56] Speaker B: And it took a while for me to figure out who I was outside of sports. But moving back to Texas from Kansas City allowed me to explore and kind of be whoever I wanted to be. And I created my own lane for myself.
[00:04:12] Speaker A: Yeah. And I think it's so important to think about because you kind of, especially in those younger ages, you feel invincible. And, I mean, I've had four knee surgeries, an ankle surgery, two shoulder surgeries. I had to sit it down.
What did being on the floor, what lessons did you learn on the floor that has prepared you for where you are today?
[00:04:32] Speaker B: Of course, the number one, teamwork.
You can go far by yourself and you can make things happen. It is absolutely possible, but you're going to get more accomplished, you're going to make more impact when you have the right people on your team and you play your role.
[00:04:51] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:04:52] Speaker B: You know, people always ask, I've played the five. I've always been the center of attention.
[00:04:59] Speaker A: I love that.
[00:05:01] Speaker B: But I know I don't get the ball unless, you know, my teammates are passing it to me a week, unless we're moving the ball around. And it's the same thing in life, like having the right people on your side to help push you. Whether they're motivating you or they're actually putting stuff, sweat equity into your mission, like you need them.
[00:05:22] Speaker A: Yeah, it's super important. I realized that everything I learned about culture came from my sports days, you know, because there's always new people around, new teams. There's figuring out the roles, how to play those roles together.
So you've worn all these hats, you know, athlete, leader, founder, connector. What personal values have been consistent for you through all of this?
[00:05:43] Speaker B: Will stewardship is number one. Like, I'm an only child, so people always have this stigma that only children are very selfish. But I have so much to give to the world. I am blessed that the most high has given me all the capabilities that I have, and I know that they're not for me. So the work that I do, I'm really doing it for the benefit of everybody, because I'm not gonna be here always. So the legacy that I leave will live on.
[00:06:15] Speaker A: Right, right. People talk so much about legacy. When did you start actually thinking about what that looks like for you?
[00:06:23] Speaker B: I think from the beginning, again, you know, my mom.
My mom played sports. My dad played sports. So that was already put on me. And I don't have any children. I'm building my own legacy now outside of sports. And so I was always like, well, who am I when I'm not Triple T's daughter or, you know, or who am I when I'm not Jade Tenner, the basketball player? What will my kids remember me as? And so that's kind of the focus.
[00:06:59] Speaker A: That kids remember you as.
[00:07:02] Speaker B: Like, just a really cool mom. Like, that is, like, you know, they.
[00:07:08] Speaker A: Don'T figure that out till the 20s.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
[00:07:12] Speaker B: I understand that. But in the moments when they're not in themselves, they can understand, like, definitely my mom did a lot of stuff. Like, my mom is really cool. Yeah, for sure.
[00:07:25] Speaker A: Tell us a little bit about the foundation. What was the heartbeat behind starting a foundation?
[00:07:30] Speaker B: So when I moved back to Dallas or moved back to Texas, I came to Dallas because I'm from Amarillo, so a small town. I wanted to be in the city, and I was trying to figure out how to get acclimated.
I knew I wanted to help people, but I didn't know the avenues. I met some really awesome people here in Dallas that connected me to the Urban League, Young Professionals, the Black Chamber, and kind of got me involved.
And my employer at the time allowed me to do philanthropy projects.
And so during that time, I actually partnered with women called Moses Coalition, Ms. Deborah Bowes. I love this lady to death. Our very first meeting, we cried, we laughed, yes, everything.
And so at one of her events, a young man got up and spoke.
[00:08:19] Speaker A: About.
[00:08:22] Speaker B: Living with his mom and her abuser. This organization worked with women who had been victims of or survivors of domestic violence.
And he spoke about his experience.
And in that moment, like, all the cartoon light bulbs and things were, like, popping off in my head, and I'm like, men go through things in their adolescence that they don't have the proper outlets or they don't have the proper role models in place for them to express those things and work through this.
That affects the men that they become.
And so how can I be an interceptor and kind of help in the interim?
[00:09:02] Speaker A: Right. I think that's so interesting that you chose to help men, because typically, when you see an organization that's focused on men or is just focused on women, you have that same gender, a person that is running it. What have you found to be most challenging about focusing on young men?
[00:09:22] Speaker B: Most challenging, I think, is getting men to participate.
The excitement, the idea of the work sounds good, but when it comes to actually doing the work and showing up, it's a little hard to keep it consistent.
[00:09:43] Speaker A: Gotcha.
[00:09:43] Speaker B: And I feel like that's a problem that most nonprofits face in that mentoring space is consistency. I see callings for mentors all the time, so I know it's not a problem that I'm only dealing with. But men, if y' all are out there, women, if y' all are out there, we need y' all to be mentors. Yes.
[00:10:04] Speaker A: Mentorship is important.
I believe it's why I'm sitting here today. I mean, but I was never shy about going and asking someone to be my mentor.
[00:10:11] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:10:11] Speaker A: And it's hard for people to just tell you no. You know, when you go and ask them and you're younger and you're trying to. Trying to figure things out, I mean, I say be bold. Go ask. You know, it looks bad for them to say no. But I also tell people, when you're looking for a mentor, see if there's anything. Any things that you can do to reciprocate so that they're not the only one that's giving. I think that's really important because people begin to see it as a burden versus, and it's a partnership of sorts.
[00:10:41] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:10:42] Speaker A: Definitely. So I love that you're so big on community, and it seems to be the thorough line. I'm sorry. And everything that. That you do. Where did that commitment to showing up. Where did that begin?
[00:10:54] Speaker B: I think basketball, of course.
Growing up in Canyon, Texas, and our basketball team was really good.
Shout out to the Eagles, you know, three state championships.
[00:11:10] Speaker A: Not to brag, but no, that's amazing.
[00:11:12] Speaker B: But the community showed up for us. Like, we always had team dinners. Like, our team was so close.
When we would go off to state or big games, our parents were always there. The whole city. Yes.
They were so supportive of us. And I'm an only child, too, so that was really like the time where I have people corralling around and I'm like, I want other people to feel that same feeling all the time. Like, it feels good to be a winner.
[00:11:42] Speaker A: Yes. Yes. And not only that. When you brought up the small town. I come from a small town. And you're right. They rally around their teams and their kids and it really makes you feel like everybody is behind me. I had to go out here and do my best and it's an unspoken responsibility to go out there and do your best. So I absolutely love that. Well, we are about to get to our next break, so. Okay, we are getting ready to go to break. Coming up, we will talk about the moments that changed the game for Jade.
Hold up. We're just getting started. More truth, more strategy and less bs. Coming up next on Be Better Than youn BS right here on Now Media Television.
This is Be Better Than youn BS with Resha Grant. And around here, we get rid of the bs.
Welcome back to Be Better Than youn bs. Want more of what you're watching? Stay connected to Be Better Than youn BS and every NOW Media TV favorite live or on demand, anytime you like. Download the free Now Media TV app on Roku or iOS and unlock non stop bilingual programming in English and Spanish on the move. You can also catch the podcast version right from our website at www.nowmedia.tv. from business and news to lifestyle, culture and beyond, now Media TV is streaming around the clock. Ready whenever you are. I'm here with the brand enhancer Jade Tenor. And now we're talking about the dope moves that changed her life and the life of the people she has enhanced.
So what was the major player or the risk that led you to your next level? That big play. We have that big play in basketball. What was the big play in life?
[00:13:25] Speaker B: The big play. And I feel like I've had so many, I think just taking the chance and creating the men's brunch.
That was how I wanted to recruit men to be mentors for the nonprofit. I wanted to Encourage, empower, and pamper them. Because there were no other men's events at that time, 2019, outside of fraternal groups or church groups.
[00:13:53] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:13:54] Speaker B: So this event was kind of one of its kind at the time, and the men loved it. I just wanted them to feel, like, special. I wanted them to feel important. And I felt like once they felt that they can reciprocate that and pour into the young men.
[00:14:12] Speaker A: And so what does a brunch consist of?
[00:14:15] Speaker B: Well, we start with cocktails and cigars. I try very hard to make it very manly, but I am a woman.
So we start off with cocktails and cigars.
I usually have a vendor mall that is tailored to men's specific products or services.
Then we do a catered brunch. I have a panel of men discussing whatever the topic is at that time.
Lots of photo opportunities, free headshots.
Really just setting them up.
[00:14:49] Speaker A: Yes, that sounds great.
[00:14:50] Speaker B: Making them feel good, like this was for them. And my marketing brain, very strategic about usually my production team is consistent of all women. Like, this is a time for women to show up and serve the men of the community and, of course, network and mingle and do all those things as well.
[00:15:10] Speaker A: And do you have quite a few of those that convert into mentors after the experience?
[00:15:15] Speaker B: So we host a annual mentor day, and a lot of those men come out and support that day where we.
With the young men in mesquite isd.
[00:15:26] Speaker A: Okay. I absolutely love that. Now, I have to ask this. The women that you're getting to serve, the men, are they giving you heat about it? Like, I'm not doing that. I'm not serving them.
[00:15:37] Speaker B: I would say the older generation. I'm gonna say boomers, gen.
Don't start.
[00:15:44] Speaker A: Talking about my people.
[00:15:48] Speaker B: I think that's where I've had the most pushback. Okay. But you also have to be mindful of the people that are giving you the feedback. Those people have not lived a life of service, or they don't have a man, or, you know, I'm not Okay.
[00:16:05] Speaker A: You going down another road.
[00:16:06] Speaker B: No, not trying to throw shade, but some things you have to let go to the wind because those people have not lived your life or experienced the things that you. You have lived. So the women that show up, these women are CEOs, they're entrepreneurs, c suite executives. They understand the importance of having positive male leadership in our community, and they come to serve. Love it.
[00:16:34] Speaker A: Love it. Okay, so through the our foundation and the mentors program, you're changing the narratives for the young men so why is your approach so different and what are the young men receiving from it?
[00:16:45] Speaker B: My approach is different because I'm not involved.
[00:16:48] Speaker A: What does that mean, you're not involved?
[00:16:49] Speaker B: So the young men, they don't even know that I have anything to do with it. Oh, okay. I'm there to, you know, make sure that everything is on point and the gentlemen have everything they need. But I'm really creating a space for the men to serve. Right. I'm just putting a date and time on it for them to show up.
[00:17:10] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:17:11] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:17:11] Speaker A: That is quite different.
And are you getting the results that you want for the men? That's what's important. Yeah.
So I want to kind of switch to the brand enhancer for a second because we talk to a lot of business people and branding is something that I think is super important.
Whether you're trying to be a personal brand and actually be a personality or just you everyday person going to work, how does it. How does that affect who you are? How does that affect how you show up on the job and how people perceive you?
[00:17:42] Speaker B: I'm a big picture person.
[00:17:44] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:17:45] Speaker B: So it's always like, where do I want my life to be? So I have to emulate that person. You know the term fake it till you make it, but it's emulation of who I see myself as being. And that is your brand. How you show up in a room, how you warm people up, how you make them smile, that is a part of your brand. And I think it's very important, especially in corporate spaces, to kind of individualize yourself and your work, because a lot of times your work can get lost into the team and you're not getting the recognition that you deserve. And so when you're building your brand, especially in that space, you're making yourself stand out. So when those opportunities do come up for promotion or elevating to the next level, they understand that you put in the work.
[00:18:41] Speaker A: Yeah. And so I. And so what you call personal brand, I kind of call personal culture. And it's the way that I. The energy that you bring in the room and the impact that you leave behind.
Because when a lot of people think about branding, we think about clothes, we think about hair, we think about the thing that we want to be known for, but I think it's so much deeper than that.
[00:19:02] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:19:03] Speaker A: And so when you work with a client, what's one of the first things that you do to enhance their brand?
[00:19:08] Speaker B: Well, we sit down and we go through their values and their morals. So I have a card game And I let them kind of go through the cards. And you now pick the five cards that resonate with you.
[00:19:24] Speaker A: Okay?
[00:19:24] Speaker B: These are your values.
So everything that we're doing now has to align with these values. If it's outside of that, then we're not doing that.
Because even though the opportunity may feel good outside of your values, it's not in alignment. And ultimately, at the end of the day, we want to be in alignment so that we can get to where we.
[00:19:46] Speaker A: Yes, yes. I was telling the other guest, I love the word alignment. I know people get tired of hearing it, but I'm like, if you are not in alignment with what it is, your purpose or what it is you want to do, you find yourself all over the place trying to figure it out at the wrong time, at the exact wrong time.
You work with everyone from entrepreneurs to major organizations. What's the common gap that you help fill?
[00:20:09] Speaker B: Access and awareness.
I work to, I guess, put them in a space where their community can come to them. I've worked for Catholic Charities of Fort Worth, which is a huge nonprofit during that time.
This was before George Floyd, before the Black Lives Matter movement. But I seen a space where you're missing out on a whole donor pool because you're not giving access to these cultures to invest in their culture, because those are the people that you're serving.
[00:20:52] Speaker A: Right?
[00:20:52] Speaker B: You're serving people that look like them, but they don't know how to support you because they have no awareness of. Of who you are and what you're doing. And so in all of those spaces, that's my role, is to help create awareness about your brand, your projects, your initiative, or whatever the case may be.
[00:21:10] Speaker A: I love that you said access, because you can have the best brand and be the best person in the world, and everybody that knows you loves you. But if you don't have access to the things that you're trying to create for yourself or others, you don't get to move the needle. So, y', all, we got somebody out here helping to get you access. Cause that is super important.
Super, super important. So did sports sharpen your branding and execution have anything to do with that?
[00:21:39] Speaker B: Absolutely. Like, that was my first place to experiment, to get into events.
My business fraternity, Delta Sigma PI, allowed me to host a fundraiser for our.
For our chapter at a basketball game. Like, my athletic department allowed me to use this game to fundraise for a different organization that I was working with when I played in the wbcbl. That was my first time organizing a breast cancer awareness game because One of my teammates, mom, had recently passed away, but they gave me the space to experiment, and that allowed me to perfect my craft to where I am now. While I'm not saying I'm the greatest of all time, there's always room for improvement. But I've been. Because of sports, I've been able to do a lot of things I don't think I would have been.
[00:22:44] Speaker A: I think sports is so foundational. I always encourage kids and people to get involved in sports, even if you're not trying to take it to the next level. It teaches you so much about who you are, the hard work that it's gonna take to get through life, you know, because you have to learn how to win in sports. I mean, at least. And I know it's not just supposed to be about the win, but losing is not fun. I tell people that all the time.
[00:23:09] Speaker B: It is not fun to be.
[00:23:12] Speaker A: No, it's just not. I don't care what people say about just being there and enjoying the experience.
It's very hard to enjoy. So I think sports is just a great foundation for life, especially if you have the right coach and the right people, because I have learned that the coaches can make the best team, the worst team, and the worst team the best team. And that takes me back to business. It's the same thing about leadership.
[00:23:36] Speaker B: Absolutely.
[00:23:37] Speaker A: So is there anything that you've noticed from a corporate perspective that they could help their employees do to enhance their brand? Mm.
[00:23:47] Speaker B: Giving their employees autonomy.
You hire these people to do a job, and then you don't allow them to do it right or you want them to do it a certain way. And I've had to learn in my experience too. I wouldn't say I'm the best employee, because I'm gonna give me a date and give me a time, and it'll be done, but allow me to do it my way. You hired me in this role because of my knowledge, because of my experience. I think allow the people that. To trust them.
[00:24:21] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:24:22] Speaker B: If you trust them to do their job, they're gonna do it above and beyond.
[00:24:27] Speaker A: So, Jade, before we move on, where can people go to connect with you and learn more about your business?
Absolutely.
[00:24:32] Speaker B: You can visit my
[email protected].
[00:24:36] Speaker A: We'Ll be right back. Up next, reflections, lessons, and the truths Jade carries with her as an entrepreneur and nonprofit CEO. Hold up. We're just getting started. More truth, more strategy, and less BS Coming up next on Be Better Than youn BS Right here on Now Media Television.
This is Be Better Than youn BS with Resha Grant. And around here, we get rid of the bs.
Welcome back to Be Better Than youn bs. We've talked about the beginnings and the big plays. Now it's time to reflect the post game, the wins, the lessons, and yes, the struggles that still shape Jade today. So I'm gonna ask you, what BS are you still pushing through?
[00:25:20] Speaker B: Most of the BS is within myself always. It's the mental. The mental struggle of, of not giving up, of pivoting or figuring out what the next step is. I've never been satisfied with, oh, I got this done. I'm always, what's next.
[00:25:37] Speaker A: So how do you know when it's time to pivot?
[00:25:41] Speaker B: I think it's forced.
[00:25:44] Speaker A: It is for me.
[00:25:45] Speaker B: Definitely it's forced. Like, you know, I'm gonna hold on or try to figure it out. And luckily, my pivots have still been within the same industry or within the same focus or within my values, so it's been a little bit easier to say yes and be receptive to the changes.
[00:26:07] Speaker A: Well, I'm always so impressed by people who say, you know, I realized it was time to pivot in time for. I'm like, I never, I never realized it. I'm like, I'm in it before. It's like, oh, you okay, this is not working anymore.
So I was hoping you were gonna.
[00:26:22] Speaker B: Be like, no, no, I don't have.
[00:26:24] Speaker A: I'm trying to learn right now. Okay.
So as we talk about your post game, and we talked earlier a little bit about legacy, what do you see for yourself down the road?
[00:26:37] Speaker B: Well, I am also working on a project in the country of Ghana alongside the Diaspora, Diaspora affairs, under the President of Ghana, to provide vocation and skills training for young men there under the Men about the Culture platform. And so I feel like my life is going to be abroad.
I'm going to be moving and grooving.
For the past three years, I've been back and forth to Ghana working on this project and, you know, getting things in order. So, you know, in the next year or so, I plan to be over there full time working on that.
And I have.
[00:27:20] Speaker A: That's amazing.
[00:27:21] Speaker B: Yes. I now have a new partner here in the States helping me with the men's programming. So that will allow me to have the opportunity to stay with me.
[00:27:29] Speaker A: That is absolutely amazing. It seems like I'm meeting more and more people that are doing work in Africa or doing work abroad.
I've gotten the opportunity to travel abroad quite a bit. And I encourage anybody that has the opportunity to go into another place. Because I think it's important to actually be in a spot where you don't speak the language, you don't really know how you're supposed to go buy groceries and you don't understand the money and all of these things because it gives you an understanding of the people that come into our country and that you need help. You need help.
And it's humbling. You're like, I have no idea what I'm doing right now. Can you help me with that? So much success to that. It just absolutely sounds amazing.
[00:28:15] Speaker B: Thank you so much.
[00:28:16] Speaker A: I'm sure basketball is still like one of the things in your life that continues to drive the lessons. What's been the latest lesson?
[00:28:26] Speaker B: Woo. Stay in shape.
[00:28:28] Speaker A: Oh, no.
[00:28:29] Speaker B: So I still ref middle school and high school in disd and so you.
[00:28:37] Speaker A: Get cussed out a lot?
[00:28:40] Speaker B: No, I think they can tell by my stature and my face that I don't play that.
But just.
And seeing the change, I think that is also, like, there's always evolution. Like, everything is always changing. Like, I need to stay in shape and I need. That also lets me see, like, the game is totally different.
[00:29:02] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:29:03] Speaker B: Totally different.
[00:29:04] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:29:04] Speaker B: Okay. It's not.
[00:29:06] Speaker A: The level of disrespect is totally different.
[00:29:08] Speaker B: In the game, but I think it's mostly the parents.
[00:29:11] Speaker A: The parents. It's the parents.
[00:29:12] Speaker B: Yeah, it's the parents.
[00:29:14] Speaker A: We're about to get completely off the rails. But I think and I can bring it back to life and to our jobs as we get older. You are not always right.
Your kid is gonna mess up.
I coached for years, so it is really like, it's not the kids.
And so that's why I asked you, are you getting cussed out? Cause I won't ref because I'm like, I don't want to see myself on the news going to jail because I hear people.
I hear people. And even when I get upset with the ref, I try to remind myself and like, let me approach this a little bit different and try to have that conversation.
[00:29:53] Speaker B: So I would say my chapter, of course, it's majority men, you know, But I feel very protected in that chapter. They don't let anything happen to us. They walk us to our cars, they make sure we're safe. So I know that anytime I have to use my voice or that whistle, I'm gonna be okay.
[00:30:17] Speaker A: So what in your work has reminded you? Like, this is why I do it.
[00:30:21] Speaker B: This thing right here, the smiles, the post game.
[00:30:27] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:30:27] Speaker B: You know, the reviews, everyone saying how this affected them or this had a positive impact on their day, their second, whatever the case may be, or how it pushed them to want to start, you know, following their dreams or accomplishing their own goals.
[00:30:47] Speaker A: It's.
[00:30:48] Speaker B: It's motivation. It's energy. Like a thing in motion will stay in motion if we just keep everybody going in the right direction. Yes.
[00:30:57] Speaker A: Service.
It's one of the things that I don't think we speak enough about. It's something that I think should really be a focus even when kids are in school, is because if we can be in service to each other, it makes you want to do better for yourself.
And like you just said, keep that motion going. So I absolutely love that. Everything that you're about is about service to others. What is the toughest lesson you've learned, especially as a black woman, leading in these spaces?
[00:31:27] Speaker B: The toughest lesson that I have learned is that I have to follow the rules.
[00:31:34] Speaker A: And explain that.
[00:31:39] Speaker B: So while I am an individual and I have my own brand, and I know that when I enter these spaces or I work with these organizations, a part of the reason why I'm there is because I am me, and I bring something to the table for them.
And I've come into some spaces where I felt like I'm gonna do it my way because my way is better.
[00:32:03] Speaker A: That's why I can't work for people.
Yes. But.
[00:32:06] Speaker B: But in the time of, you know, when you're used to being a winter and you get in, that season of the run is not going in your favor. I had to sit and think, like, okay, what is the common denominator to why some of these things did not go as I thought they should go?
[00:32:25] Speaker A: Right.
[00:32:26] Speaker B: And I realized it was me. Like, you have to respect the space that you're in, and you have to follow the rules.
[00:32:33] Speaker A: Yes. And that's growth. Yeah, that is definitely growth. And I think, you know, I know I keep bringing stuff back to sports, but I think it teaches you to push through and do and win at all costs. And so you're like, that play is not working. We gonna do this play. Give me the ball. Yes, Give me the ball. And I'm going straight down the middle with it. And so you're in some spaces where, like, no, you're not gonna be able to do that.
[00:32:57] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:32:57] Speaker A: And so I love that you've recognized that about yourself.
[00:33:01] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:33:01] Speaker A: What's something you had to unlearn? We talk about learning so much, but what have you had to unlearn to become the leader that you are?
[00:33:08] Speaker B: Right now that losing, it doesn't feel good. But learning the lesson and the loss, like, I discovered that I had to follow the rules because the run, again, wasn't going in my favor. And I felt like I was losing. And I'm not used to. I'm not used to losing in any aspect of life.
[00:33:30] Speaker A: Right.
[00:33:31] Speaker B: It may be a delay or a hesitation, but I'm always gonna get what I want. And in that time, I just. It's like, okay, you know, I gotta look within myself.
[00:33:45] Speaker A: Right. And sometimes the lesson is that you're not ready at that time in your life, even though you feel it with every part of you. I can look back now and say, ooh, if I had actually gotten that contract, I would have failed.
I would have failed them and my own company.
[00:34:00] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:34:00] Speaker A: And so. But it's taken the hindsight of recognizing where I needed to grow and that the universe, God, whatever you want to call it, was working for me, not against me. Even in the time I'm like, you're working against me. So how has failure, you know, how has failure shaped or actually pushed your vision forward?
[00:34:21] Speaker B: I'm a.
You told me I can't.
I'm going to.
[00:34:26] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:34:27] Speaker B: Like, I'm going to do it to the point where it's in your face and you see me, you know, so I think that's, of course, you know, from sports, too. Like, you lose a game, that's not happening again. Or your shot get blocked, oh, baby, that's not happening again.
[00:34:47] Speaker A: That is the worst. That is the worst. It happens to everybody. But the whole gym, everybody's just, ooh, it's horrible. But, yes, it makes you go harder. So I have so much appreciation for that.
What part of your legacy do you think is going to matter the most?
[00:35:08] Speaker B: Well, when I have my family, I think what they remember me as is going to be, of course, what matters the most. But I've always said my legacy doesn't have to have my name on it.
I know what I did. I know the work there's. I'm Google able.
Is that okay? Say that a word. Yes. I am Googleable.
[00:35:30] Speaker A: Okay?
[00:35:30] Speaker B: You can Google me.
So, you know, the World Wide Web, the information is there for people to view, but when I'm no longer here on this earth, the foundation that I set, where things may be a little bit different or in a totally different direction, that is my foundation. That is my legacy. I love that.
[00:35:54] Speaker A: Do you sometimes think we put too much value on legacy?
[00:35:59] Speaker B: We have to be remembered. We have to remember if we don't know where we came from. How are we gonna know where we're going? Because everything repeats itself.
[00:36:10] Speaker A: Yes, yes, yes.
[00:36:11] Speaker B: Everything repeats itself.
[00:36:12] Speaker A: I've been here long enough to see that. Especially in clothes. And some I really wish, really, really, really wish would die.
Okay, y'. All. Coming up next is the fun stuff. Overtime, quick hits, no timeouts. We're going to have fun with Jade in the lightning round. Hold up. We're just getting started. More truth, more strategy and less bs. Coming up next on Be Better Than youn bs right here on NOW Media Television.
This is Be Better Than youn BS with Resha Grant. And around here, we get rid of the bs.
Welcome back to Be Better Than youn bs. Don't miss a second of this show or any of your NOW Media TV favorites. Streaming live and on demand whenever and wherever you want. Grab the free Now Media TV app on Roku or iOS and enjoy instant access to our lineup of bilingual programs in both English and Spanish. Prefer podcast? Listen to Be Better than your BS anytime on the Now Media TV website at www.nowmedia.tv covering business, breaking news, lifestyle, culture and more. Now Media TV is available 24 7, so the stories you care about are always within reach. We have covered the pregame, the big plays and the lessons. Now we're in overtime, lightning round, quick hits, no timeouts.
[00:37:37] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:37:37] Speaker A: All fun.
What's your personal culture statement? The energy you bring in the room and the impact you leave behind.
[00:37:43] Speaker B: I'm lit. And lit is an abbreviation for living intentional today.
[00:37:48] Speaker A: I love it so much.
[00:37:50] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:37:51] Speaker A: I love it. Okay, when the pressure's on, what's your go to power move?
[00:37:55] Speaker B: To lock in, to separate. Get in my own space and quiet things down so my brain can think.
[00:38:04] Speaker A: What is the one mantra that keeps you 10 toes down?
[00:38:08] Speaker B: Like, hmm. My one mantra that keeps my 10 toes.
Just gotta get it. I gotta go get it.
[00:38:18] Speaker A: I gotta get it.
[00:38:21] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:38:21] Speaker A: That is definitely the athlete in you. Yeah, that's like, I gotta go.
What song instantly flips your I'm her switch?
[00:38:29] Speaker B: The song actually I'm her by Megan Thee Stallion.
[00:38:32] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:38:33] Speaker B: She literally just says, I'm her. I'm her.
[00:38:36] Speaker A: I have to go listen to that one. I have not heard that, so that sounds like something I should know about.
If your younger self could see you right now, what would she say?
[00:38:46] Speaker B: You are so cool.
You are so cool.
[00:38:51] Speaker A: Is there anything that you would wanna to tell her to help her get through?
[00:38:56] Speaker B: Do you continue to do you and be yourself? Cause it'll get you where you Want to go.
[00:39:01] Speaker A: I hate that it takes us so.
[00:39:03] Speaker B: Long to figure that out. Yes.
[00:39:04] Speaker A: I mean, we waste so many years.
[00:39:06] Speaker B: Trying to appease others.
[00:39:08] Speaker A: Yes. And figure out who we are and why we can't be this way. And all of the things and the world does not help. But anyway, what is one branding myth you're ready to shut down for good?
[00:39:21] Speaker B: Using the word or term guru.
[00:39:25] Speaker A: You are so you like. I know exactly what that is.
[00:39:27] Speaker B: I know. Yeah.
[00:39:28] Speaker A: Why do you hate the word guru?
[00:39:30] Speaker B: Because people think it individualizes them, but it really just puts them in a broader category of people who think they know what they are talking about. It doesn't give you authority in that space. Okay.
[00:39:43] Speaker A: And now most people actually gurus, probably not really.
[00:39:47] Speaker B: They probably haven't put in that 10,000 hours of work to be a professional. So how can you get. How many hours do you have to put in to be a guru?
[00:39:55] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:39:56] Speaker B: I don't know.
[00:39:56] Speaker A: It seems like a lifetime. It seems like a lifetime. What's the boldest move you made?
[00:40:03] Speaker B: Going to Ghana and asking.
Asking, can you support what I do for men in the States? Here in Ghana, how can I be an asset to the country? Right, Right. The country of Ghana.
[00:40:23] Speaker A: And what if someone wanted to go abroad and they're like, that sounds amazing. I'd love to do something like that. What does that first step look like?
[00:40:29] Speaker B: Talking to me. Yeah, talk to me so I can get you set up.
We have partners in the Airbnb space, in the transportation space. If you're looking to buy land or wanting to start a business or go and just experience the culture and the vibes like I'm your lady.
[00:40:50] Speaker A: Well, I will definitely be talking to you.
[00:40:52] Speaker B: Yes. Come on, Come on.
[00:40:54] Speaker A: Okay, now this one is a little bit different. If you had a theme song, what would it be and why? For your journey. Not just for right now, but for the whole journey.
[00:41:03] Speaker B: Okay.
It's Rich Homie Quan, so rest in pieces. I be feeling like the man when I walk through. Cause there's not a woman version of that.
[00:41:11] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:41:12] Speaker B: But that is always how I feel when I walk into a space.
It doesn't matter who's in the room. This is my light and it's gonna shine regardless.
[00:41:23] Speaker A: I love it. What's one non negotiable that keeps you grounded?
[00:41:28] Speaker B: One non negotiable is.
Well, it's not one, it's five. It's my values.
It's my values. So stewardship. The responsibility to lead and serve, to love and to do it authentically and ethically.
[00:41:51] Speaker A: That's so important, because ethics seems to really be leaving the space of the world.
[00:41:57] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:41:59] Speaker A: And that's putting it lightly. But seriously, I wonder, and I think about the kids that are coming up today, and it just seems like ethics aren't that important. So I love that you have made it an actual value.
[00:42:13] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:42:14] Speaker A: If you could put a message on a billboard for young women leaders and athletes, what would it scream?
You got seven seconds on the billboard.
[00:42:27] Speaker B: Seven seconds on the billboard at.
You can do it. You can do whatever it is that you want to do. I know that sounds so cliche. We have heard that so many times.
But you really can.
[00:42:40] Speaker A: Yeah.
And it's true. Because I think people think there's a secret sauce to success. And if you talk to any person that is successful, it is that they got up, they did the thing, they figured out a way to keep moving when they didn't think they could.
You know, you have to find a way, persevere. Yeah. Which is, I think, is one of the most underrated qualities in life, honestly. But in success. And when I talk to people, especially young women all the time, it's like, well, I don't have this. I didn't have that. I don't have. It's like, there are so many things you're not gonna have, but you can do it.
[00:43:14] Speaker B: Yes, you can.
[00:43:15] Speaker A: And I have to admit, there are days I'm like, I can't do it.
I know it's not true, but all the circumstances around me make me feel as if it is. So what's the one thing you want people to feel in their soul after being in your presence?
Warm.
Warm like.
[00:43:33] Speaker B: Yeah. Like you just got hugged and it's just still lingering there. Like, when you. When you think of me, you smile.
[00:43:41] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:43:43] Speaker B: I love that. Okay.
[00:43:45] Speaker A: When you think of winning, not just professionally, but personally, what does that look like for. For you?
Me?
[00:43:52] Speaker B: When I look in the mirror every day, like, I am Jade Tenor, AKA the winner. Like, that is literally my name. It's on the back of my T shirts from high school. That is I am a winner. So when I think of that, I just remember myself like, you've won so many times. You can do it.
[00:44:11] Speaker A: So what happens when you don't feel like the winner?
[00:44:13] Speaker B: Ooh. And it's been often, you know, in those times of lull, I have to remind myself I am a documenter.
I keep data.
I keep track of my accomplishments. I have to write things down to remember. Like, you've done all of these things by yourself or on Your own, with little help.
[00:44:42] Speaker A: And you do have to remind yourself, I know it's funny for me. I'm international speaker. And so in those down moments and you forget who you are, and then they're reading my intro, and I'm just like, I did that stuff. Like, I actually did it.
And it's funny how it just leaves you, like, things get bad, and you're just like, I'm nothing. I've done nothing in my life. And that's why I think this show is important, especially for I'm so hopeful to get younger women watching it, because I want them to hear over and over and over from people like yourself that I'm a winner.
[00:45:16] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:45:17] Speaker A: Even when. Even when it doesn't look like it. Even in my worst days, I can win.
What would you say to little girls? I know you focus on men, but what would you say to the little girls that's out there and they're in situations that, you know, they. They don't know anything else, and they're not necessarily in positive situations, but they know there's more out there.
[00:45:36] Speaker B: Find somebody. Find. Find an auntie or a teacher or someone that you can talk to that can pour into you. For me, it was my grandma. Like, my grandma is my girl. I love my granny.
My mom, awesome, big supporter. But, you know, it's different. Yeah, it's different.
Yes. Yeah, they have to parent. My grandma was someone. She was also my friend or is still my friend I can talk to. So find somebody that you can express yourself to that can lead you in the right direction.
In my basketball journey school, I was involved in a lot of things, but I grew up in a pedophile, predominantly white community.
And when I went to college, that's the first time I ever seen black women in education.
I didn't have a teacher that looked like me. In middle school, high school, elementary.
I saw how and they were part of these sororities, and I was like, oh, wow. There's so much other things that I can do outside of just being a basketball.
And I feel like if I would have met those ladies my freshman year, my college career probably would have been totally different. But I didn't meet them until I was a junior. And at that moment, that's when everything changed.
[00:47:10] Speaker A: Yeah, it's super important. Again, it's about access and being around people, because a lot of times, the exposure, especially in a small town, it is sports. And while I love sports, there are some. So many things out there to get to learn and do. And I'm like, if I had to do over, I think I'd be an archaeologist. I love, like, dinosaur stuff, and I'm like, I don't know. Cause of natural hair and the sun. But anyway, it's something I think about. What's the most significant thing you have done for your personal brand?
[00:47:42] Speaker B: It's self proclaiming myself the name the brand enhancer, I gave it to myself, and that really solidified to me. You know the saying, like, people will call you what you call yourself. People will treat you how you treat yourself. And when I came and I showed up as the brand enhancer, when I introduced myself as the brand enhancer, that's what people call me now.
[00:48:10] Speaker A: Yes, I love that you always hear you allow other people to give you a name, but that name might not be one you want to answer to.
So I do. I think we should give ourselves the name. So I.
[00:48:22] Speaker B: Well, I love it.
[00:48:24] Speaker A: J, tell us one more time, where can people go to connect with you and learn more about your business and your nonprofit?
[00:48:31] Speaker B: Absolutely. You can visit the
[email protected] tenor.com. all of my social media handles are. I am JT Tenor.
[00:48:40] Speaker A: All right, y'.
[00:48:42] Speaker B: All.
[00:48:43] Speaker A: Jay Tenner came through with power, purpose, and real game. From the basketball court to the boardroom, she's proof that discipline, heart, and hustle can change lives. She's not just building brands, she's building legacy. So here's the play. Lead loud. Build community and leave your mark. If this inspires you, share it. Let's keep this energy moving. Jay, thank you so much.
[00:49:06] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:49:07] Speaker A: I really appreciate, appreciate your presence here today.
[00:49:10] Speaker B: Thank you so much.
[00:49:10] Speaker A: And we will support you whatever we can do to support you.
[00:49:13] Speaker B: I appreciate that so much.
