Michael Moore is the founder of Black Achievers, a 501 (c)(3) organization with over 4,000 members in Cincinnati and nearly 30,000 members nationwide. Michael’s mission is to build a network of Black professionals who can work together to make the world a better place for everyone to live
He is the author of “Achieve Your Dreams, The 9 Principles of African American Success”. Michael’s book inspires people to reach their full potential in life.
At the age of 19 Michael taught himself how to write computer code. He started designing and programming websites for businesses as a hobby while still in college. He eventually started his own web development business which he grew into a million-dollar per year business employing over 10 people.
Michael has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. He has also worked in corporate America. He has been an account manager for a Fortune 500 Company where he managed a $5 million dollar business unit in the Engineering field. He also previously worked as an IT Project Manager overseeing project teams at Fifth Third Bank.
In 30 seconds or less, tell us who YOU are. This is not your professional bio, but rather, your responses should reflect how you are uniquely you.
My name is Michael Moore, a person who cares about other people. I want to live in a just society where everyone is treated equally and fairly. I am father to two amazing sons, Michael Moore Jr. and Jason Moore. I am a serial entrepreneur, a risk taker, a man of action, a man of faith, and a dreamer.
What are your personal core values?
Trust, dedication, hard work and integrity are my core values. I live by the golden rule to treat others as you wish to be treated. I believe we have an obligation as human beings to help build people up and not tear them down.
What made you decide to make the Cincinnati region home?
I was born and raised here. Cincinnati will always be home. I love the pace of the city, the people who live here. I grew up on the west side of Cincinnati and went to Elder high school. My closest friends I met in first grade and we are still friends to this day. That speaks to the close knit community that is uniquely Cincinnati. The city also has a great ecosystem for entrepreneurs and provides great opportunities for people to pursue their dreams. I find that the support I have gotten throughout my life is a direct result of the quality of people who live in Cincinnati.
In what ways are you involved in the Cincinnati community outside of your professional endeavors?
I am an active trader of stocks, bonds etc. I also participate in many investment groups throughout the city. I volunteer and mentor young professionals and give them career advice. I mentor entrepreneurs on how to take the leap and pursue their dreams. I also sit on the diversity committee for the Goering Center and help with event planning for the Leadership Council for Nonprofits.
After a long week of work, what energizes you?
Spending time with my children is a great experience. I get to see them grow and learn. I am looking forward to seeing them reach their full potential. I also enjoy the gym and reading in my spare time. I enjoy ping pong and building websites for friends and family projects.
Looking at your professional career, outside of family and friends, where have you garnered your support?
I have garnered support from other professionals who believe in helping improve racial equity in Cincinnati. Major institutions in Cincinnati have supported me and my vision for Black Achievers. Namely, ArtsWave, GCF, Gilman Partners, Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Council, Kroger, Duke Energy just to name a few.
What is your most proud moment in recent history?
My most proud moment in my personal life was the birth of my two children who are now five years old and two years old. My proudest professional moment has been my ability to start Black Achievers and raise enough support to leave my job and work as the President and CEO of Black Achievers full time.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope to leave behind an organization that helps uplift the Black community and makes the world a more equitable place for all people to live regardless of race.
How do you define success?
I define success as helping others reach their full potential. As a leader I know I can not help everyone but if I can help even a few people that I meet along this journey then I would consider that success.
What is your advice for emerging African American leaders?
Be Bold! When I was younger I had a lot of fear about pursuing a leadership role in the Black community. Many of our leaders are persecuted and even killed and that history keeps a lot of young people on the sidelines in the fight for equality. I would urge young leaders to put fear aside and be bold enough to follow the path that God has given you.
What does Cincinnati as a “future city” mean to you?
Future city means a city where everyone is treated fairly. A place where racism is dismantled and we live in harmony with each other on a level playing field. A city where opportunities are available to everyone and not just the chosen few.
What piece of advice have you received along the way in your career or life journey that has stuck with you?
My mother was very influential in my belief in myself. Her best piece of advice was to always be a man of action and not be a person who talks about what they are going to do. She taught me to value action over talk and to fail quickly and find my path to success. This concept of fail fast and move forward has really guided my life.
Tell us about something that most people do not know about you.
In high school I was part of the 4 by 100 relay race that held the school record for over 20 years. In college I represented the University of Cincinnati in ping pong and billiards and competed against students from Ohio State, Michigan University etc. I have started or invested in over 5 different businesses in my career. I started Black Achievers over 15 years ago with no success but I never gave up on it and finally in 2018 it began to take off.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
I am currently taking a leadership class offered by Gilman Partners called Elevate. An excellent program to help leaders manage growth. I find reading leadership books and attending leadership workshops helps keep me up to date on best practices.
