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

Hi Takeo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my company Behind the Mask Media in 2020, following my NFL career. After spending 15 years in the league, I wanted to create a platform where athletes could be vulnerable and share their authentic and untold stories. It started with the release of my book, Takeo Spikes Presents: Behind the Mask, where I chronicled personal stories of some of the greatest NFL linebackers to play the game. I am creative at heart; I wrote the book and shot all of the book’s photography. From the success of my book, I launched my weekly podcast show, Behind the Mask. We are currently in our third season of the podcast. Each week we feature pro-athletes, subject matter experts, and celebrities to discuss sports, social issues, business ventures, and relevant topics to today’s culture.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The Power of Manifestation is powerful to me. I’m a believer that your thoughts and what you visualize will eventually become your reality. Of course, you have to put in the work and dedication. I wake up with thoughts on how I’m going to execute my desires and vision. The ideas in my head play out, and the evidence is in the creation of the Behind the Mask brand. Once you visualize where you see yourself, your business, finances, family, etc., you begin to make it your reality. I’ve had to learn to be relentless and self-motivated along the way. It’s a familiar space because I took the same approach to prepare on the football field. I see myself as winning, and that’s what you have to do to achieve your goals. I can’t pretend like it’s easy because it’s not. However, I’m disciplined, and I strive to focus on the details. On the road to success, we will face challenges, but it’s critical to stay focused and not become distracted by the noise in the stands. I’ve always been intentional about overcoming challenges in private and public. It started with me being that way in private, and it displayed in public. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that you will only get out of it what you put in it. With that said, set goals, visualize, and work diligently and consistently to make it happen.

Behind the Mask is a platform is a place for authenticity. BTM offers podcast management, film/documentaries, production services, and consultancy services. Our brand focuses on sharing compelling stories with our audience by allowing our guests and clients to reveal their personal stories. We pride ourselves on delivering quality content that is educational, entertaining and keeps the viewer coming back for more. We are more than talent; we relate and have lived it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is known to be one of the top three busiest airports in the world, and I’m usually off jet-setting when time allows. However, when I’m in the city, I enjoy quite a few eateries and lounge spots across the city. I’m not big on the club scene. Here are a few sites that I’d recommend: Toast on Lenox for breakfast and brunch. I also visit the Paradise Lounge (Hookah) and Fellowship Cigar when I want to hit the social scene.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s an adage that I love to quote. It simply says, ‘you can’t be what you can’t see.’ When I meet people, I always look for the positive in how they have navigated through their life experiences personally and professionally over the years. Many of those lessons have supported my transition from a former professional athlete to a businessman.

Shout out to Troy Vincent, who has played a significant role whether as a friend, mentor, and business colleague. He truly understands life during and after the game and how we as businessmen can use our experiences to impact the work that we do daily.

My next shoutout goes to a local Atlanta businessman, Arthur Blank. I think when many people first hear his name around the city, they think of him as an NFL team owner. For me, it’s more about his work behind the scenes. I’m inspired and motivated by his outlook on making those around him better and caring for the community at large. It’s more than talk. Mr. Blank lives the core values that he shares with his associates, from giving back, putting people first, and simply showing empathy toward people. We have a common bond in advocating and speaking out for social justice, which is important to me as a leader.

Website: https://www.behindthemaskbook.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebtmpodcast

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

Youtube: The BTM Podcast

Other: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+btm+podcast

Image Credits
HKSR MEDIA GROUP

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