Money and Wealth: A Master Class with Will Packer

Podcast Information:

• Title: Money And Wealth With John Hope Bryant
• Host: John Hope Bryant
• Guest: Will Packer
• Released On: February 13, 2025
• Produced By: The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartRadio

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Money and Wealth with John Hope Bryant, Bryant welcomes renowned entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist Will Packer. The conversation delves deep into wealth-building strategies, particularly focusing on empowering the Black community to thrive within a free enterprise system.

Credentials and Background

John Hope Bryant begins by establishing Will Packer's impressive credentials:

• Financial Success: Packer has produced a combined filmmaking collection responsible for over a billion dollars in receivables worldwide.
• Education: A magna cum laude graduate in Electrical Engineering from Florida A&M University (1996).
• Notable Productions: Includes iconic films like Think Like a Man, Ride Along, Girls Trip, and involvement in the Academy Awards (94th Annual in 2022).
• Philanthropy: Active in supporting HBCUs, particularly his alma mater.
• Sports Investment: One of four limited partners in the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.

Bryant highlights Packer's solo and collaborative achievements, emphasizing his role in nurturing talent and fostering community growth.

The Art of Healthy Arrogance and Dreaming Big

The focal point of the discussion revolves around Will Packer's forthcoming book, "The Art of Healthy Arrogance and Dreaming Big", set to release on February 18th. Bryant encourages listeners to purchase and review the book, underscoring its importance in reshaping perceptions around confidence and arrogance within the Black community.

Key Themes Explored:

1. Healthy vs. Toxic Arrogance:

   • Healthy Arrogance: Defined by supreme self-confidence and the ability to uplift others without tearing anyone down.
   • Toxic Arrogance: Characterized by belittling others and focusing solely on personal gain.

   "Healthy arrogance is that supreme confidence in yourself that helps you to understand what true leaders understand, which is that I'm successful when I can get you and the other persons around us to realize that our success is tied together." ([16:28])

2. Building Personal Brand:

   • Importance of authentic connections with audiences.
   • Emphasis on creating content that stands out amidst the oversaturated media landscape.
   • Quote: “You make money without Hollywood, that's when Hollywood will come knocking.” ([44:15])

3. Overcoming Preparation Paralysis:

   • Encouraging action over over-preparation.
   • Using Will’s experience of independently distributing his first film to demonstrate the power of taking initiative despite limited resources.

   "Sometimes you just gotta climb the mountain in order to do that. Climbing the mountain is just like swallowing a whale one bite at a time." ([30:02])

4. Fabricating Momentum:

   • Setting attainable short-term goals to build confidence and momentum.
   • Will shares his strategy of redefining his film's budget based on what he could raise within a set timeframe, proving to himself that he could achieve his goals.

   "Whatever I raised at the end of those three months, that's going to be the budget of the film. Guess how much I raised at the end of those three months? $75,000." ([34:04])

5. Relationship Capital:

   • The significance of building and maintaining authentic relationships over transactional interactions.
   • Strategies for networking without appearing salesy, such as sending thoughtful follow-up notes.

   "You are presenting yourself. You're not selling a product. ... Just send a note. It was really nice to meet you." ([78:18])

Personal Anecdotes and Lessons

Will Packer recounts pivotal moments from his career, illustrating his principles in action:

• Handling Conflict on Set:

  • Reflects on managing a conflict with Paul Walker during the filming of Takers.
  • Demonstrates the importance of taking responsibility and maintaining focus on the larger goal.

  "I took full responsibility that because this is my production, I am sorry." ([67:51])

• Building Brand Through Hard Work:

  • Shares his journey from interning on film sets to becoming a successful producer.
  • Emphasizes the value of putting one's name on every project and striving for excellence regardless of the role.

  "If your name is on it, you got to work hard and give it 110% period." ([53:17])

Wealth Building Philosophy

Bryant and Packer discuss a holistic approach to wealth, intertwining financial success with personal fulfillment:

• Focus on Wealth, Not Just Money:

  • Wealth encompasses material success, mental health, family balance, and overall well-being.
  • Success attracts further opportunities and sustainable wealth.

  "The wealth that you will accumulate is inclusive of not just the material success, but also balancing that with my family, my mental health and my well being." ([75:57])

• Empowering the Black Community:

  • Encourages the community to support Black authors and creators to demonstrate collective power.
  • Advocates for making "smart sexy again" by valuing knowledge and establishing cultural wealth.

  "People of color, we've got to make smart sexy again... Show that we have power." ([12:28])

Practical Advice for Listeners

Will Packer offers actionable insights for listeners aiming to build wealth:

1. Actively Manage Your Network:

   • Continuously nurture relationships to build a robust network that can support mutual success.

2. Embrace Self-Love and Confidence:

   • Develop a strong sense of self-worth to attract positive opportunities and relationships.

3. Be Relentlessly Persistent:

   • Persist through rejections and setbacks by maintaining focus and adapting strategies as needed.

4. Focus on Value Addition:

   • Prioritize adding value to any situation or relationship, ensuring that success is a collective achievement.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with an inspiring message on the essence of wealth beyond mere financial gains. Will Packer and John Hope Bryant reinforce the idea that true wealth is built on a foundation of self-confidence, strong relationships, and community support. They encourage listeners to adopt these principles, ensuring a prosperous and fulfilling life.

"Remember that no one on this planet is more deserving of success than you are. Once you realize that and you own that in your heart and your soul, you will start to act accordingly." ([73:25])

Listeners are urged to purchase Will Packer's book, "The Art of Healthy Arrogance and Dreaming Big," to further explore these transformative concepts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Healthy arrogance is that supreme confidence in yourself that helps you to understand what true leaders understand, which is that I'm successful when I can get you and the other persons around us to realize that our success is tied together." — Will Packer ([16:28])

• "You make money without Hollywood, that's when Hollywood will come knocking." — Will Packer ([44:15])

• "Sometimes you just gotta climb the mountain in order to do that. Climbing the mountain is just like swallowing a whale one bite at a time." — Will Packer ([30:02])

• "If your name is on it, you got to work hard and give it 110% period." — Will Packer ([53:17])

• "Remember that no one on this planet is more deserving of success than you are." — Will Packer ([73:25])

This episode serves as a masterclass on wealth-building, blending personal experiences with strategic advice to empower listeners, especially within the Black community, to achieve lasting success and prosperity.