Meet Marcus Tankard | International Bible Teacher | Entrepreneur | Dadvocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcus Tankard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcus, what do you attribute your success to?
Without question the most important factor in my success following my own heart. The times when I messed up the most, were times when I dismissed what I new to be true on the inside and followed the advice of someone who had my best interest at heart. There were times when it was colleagues, peers, family and in some cases even billionaire friends who offered me good advice, but it wasn’t what I need to act on at the time. I learned that just because people have my best interests at heart doesn’t mean they also have the wisdom and counsel I need at the time. Learning to weigh my options in my heart by getting alone and getting quiet has helped me to navigate success, wealth, opportunities and even relationships.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been blessed to literally travel the word teaching the bible. Many people talk about being sent to the nations, but I have literally; to the extent of living on the foreign field for four years. Less than 1% of American missionaries are black. So I’m so honored to blaze a trail and pave the way for other young black professionals and ministers to travel internationally and tell their stories and share the love of God with people who don’t know Him. It clearly wasn’t easy. Explaining myself to my family and my peers wasn’t probably the biggest struggle. The questions like, “Aren’t there people here in America that you can preach to?” and “How are you gonna make a living and support a family like that?” were a common discussion. But I knew what was in my heart to do, and I’m so glad that I followed my dream. Sometimes as Americans, we are convinced that our American experience is the standard and the rest of the world doesn’t matter. Nothing can cure that ignorance like being in a different nation gazing into the eyes of the people, eating their food, listening to their music, enjoying their stories and just absorbing their culture. It’s something that I want to pass on to my sons. I don’t expect them to be preachers like daddy, but I do expect them to embrace a global perspective, no matter what they do.

I had to learn early on to develop boundaries. That meant not sharing my dream with every listening ear. When you share your dream with someone, you invite their opinions. Sometimes their opinions (though well intentioned) is not what you need to hear. The wrong opinion can foster doubt. Setting up boundaries will help to govern who you share your dreams and plans with and safeguard you from unnecessary disappointment.

What do I want the world to know? About me? The brand? Story? They need to know that they can write their own story. You are never at the mercy of what you were born into. No matter what the condition or the situation is, it is subject to change. I like to say: you are one decision away from a new season. You don’t have to wait for the stars to align or for someone to give you a break or get enough followers. Your new beginning can start the moment you decide to stop listening to self deprecating thoughts and believe in yourself. I know it can sound far fetched. But I’m proof that you can act on what’s in your heart and see your present reality change dramatically.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My wife and I are foodies. We love to eat, therefore I love to cook and experience new cuisines in our city. So any friend coming to visit us can expect to eat and eat GOOD (as we say in the south). I absolutely love midtown and music. So jazz nights and the orchestra would be a must. One of my favorite restaurants is Gunshow. Ax throwing at Bad Axe throwing is always fun as well as Top Golf. The Sky Lounge in downtown is also a favorite.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife has been my biggest cheerleader from day one. That’s why I believe not just in the institution of marriage, but in marrying the right one. A spouse can make or break your destiny. I found the right one with Latisha. She spoke life to me, my purpose and even to my health as I push to win over stage four cancer. I often say that its important when people are ready to stone you, that you don’t find your spouse out in the mob with a rock. I’ve never had to question Latisha’s loyalty to me and God’s plan for our lives. She has brought out the best in me over the last fourteen years and for that I’m forever grateful.

Website: www.marcustankard.me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcustankard/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcustankard

Youtube: www.youtube.com/marktankard