We had the good fortune of connecting with G. Allen Battle and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi G. Allen, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Well, I see risk as commonplace. Every decision poses a risk in one of at least two directions. Once I understood this, I made it easier for me to way my options, study to space and simply flow with the best options available. Every decision is risky. What matters is how we approach said risks.
Risk taking has played quite the role in my adult life and career. When starting iDeserve, Inc, I didn’t have the traditional tools necessary to embark on such an undertaking; but I built the framework anyway. Ignored those saying it was impossible or unnecessary, knowing that I could fall flat on my face at any time.
Honestly, every application, interview, and audition has been a risk of almost certain rejection, but I take the chances anyway. It’s this trait that keeps me upwardly mobile, and allows me to accomplish what others would consider other-worldly. I’m not extraordinary, I’m just able to take my 50 “no’s” on the chin to get to my 1 “yes”. I take the risk, until I reap the reward.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m the founder conference director of iDeserve, Incorporated. iDeserve was formed on the wild notion that ever person on this planet deserves to live as their most authentic and most well selves. Our organization is unique because we do the tedious work of being a liaison between the “church” and the world around it. iDeserve is not a particularly religious organization itself, but we recognize that [in the southern U.S.] much of the community change we’d like to see will start with churches, pastors, and other ministries.
I’m most proud of our conference series. We host a virtual conference every year. Our most recent installment, “#Deserve2020 | A Better Tomorrow, Today” is re-airing now on our website. www.iDeserve.net.
We got here by being willing to try in the face of adversity. It’s not been easy at all; but it was worth it. One of the things that made building the organization possible was joining my belief with like minds and us agreeing to do the thing no matter what. No matter who did or didn’t see, attend, or support, we resolved to do the thing.
We’ve learned quite a few lessons along the way. I, as the founder, had to learn to delegate. I was horrible at it. One day my assistant sat me down and explained to me that I would not have a team if I did not learn to use them properly, and if I didn’t learn to trust my own hiring capabilities. They threatened to walk if I didn’t shape up. That was my rock bottom learning moment.
We’ve also learned to stick to what we do best, trends be damned. We know our position, and we play it well.
One thing that I want people know about iDeserve, Incorporated is that we hope to be a light in the cold darkness that is our current society. So whether you are attending one of our workshops, or taking one of our trainings, know that it was all designed with your safety, and healing in mind.
Be sure to check out our latest installment of our conference series entitled “#Deserve2020 | A Better Tomorrow, Today” by visiting www.iDeserve.net
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This actually just happened so I’ll walk you through OUR itinerary…
Our first stop was Corner Bakery to carb load for our day of strolling and adventure *laughs out loud*. We did some sightseeing on foot, and found ourselves at the High Museum of Art. From there we grabbed a Lyft over to Cafe Intermezzo. enjoyed a light lunch to go. We then went over to Piedmont Park to eat and people watch. Afterwards we headed back to shower and rest up for later. We finished the day by Grabbing dinner at Sushi Kiku, then being big kids at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. We spent the rest of the week at braves games, Eating at Einstein’s and Joe’s on Juniper, on Lake Lanier, eating and learning on Auburn Ave, Shopping at Avalon, and hiking at Kennesaw mountain,
My FAVORITE things to do when I’m home in Atlanta is lunch at Sushi Kiku, or Cafe Intermezzo, and jogging Piedmont Park. The energy in Piedmont park is always calming and relaxing, the space generally gets my creative juices flowing. For a cheap and STRONG drink, ALWAYS start your evening off at Bull Dogs on Peachtree, it’s unassuming and not what you’d expect.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout is dedicated to the inspirational music group “Family Worship”, my parents & siblings, my bestie Pastor Bryant Stewart, Diane DeVore, and the phenomenal Kareem McMichael.
Website: GAllenBattle.org
Instagram: @GALLENBATTLE
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GAllenBattle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/g.a.battle/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoOBfvEe8eQ&list=PLwbXhIJpljIEObsg8ViopT13oAkfsPAzr
Other: www.iDeserve.net
Image Credits
Kareem McMichael, Karmac Productions Michael Overton, MediaLifted, Inc