Why You Need More Than a Mentor w/ Kevin “KAYR” Robinson
with Kevin “KAYR” Robinson
Episode notes
At 13 years old, Kevin “KAYR” Robinson decided he needed a board of directors.
He'd read that CEOs had people helping them make decisions. Why couldn't he? He began finding teachers, mentors, and sponsors who could help him build the skills and opportunities he needed.
KAYR joins me to talk about that idea, the relationships behind his journey, and the difference between someone giving you advice and someone putting their name on the line for you.
Raised in West Philadelphia, he holds a history degree from Bowdoin College and an MBA from Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business. His finance career included Goldman Sachs. He's now the author of the USA TODAY bestselling memoir Can't Break Me: How I Shifted My Mindset and Overcame the Odds, written with Elijah Anderson, and co-founder of KAYJAY Consulting.
At the time of our conversation, KAYR described a portfolio of more than 160 rental units. But getting to his first nine took nine years. We get into why he moved at that pace, why replacing his paycheck wasn't enough to make him quit his job, and how discipline, community, and a sense of purpose shaped his decisions.
I especially appreciated how much credit he gives the people who helped him along the way. KAYR is generous with both his story and the practical details.
What you'll take away:
- How a personal board of directors can help you work on specific skills and decisions.
- The difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and how follow-through helps build trust.
- Why KAYR wanted a larger financial cushion before leaving his job, even after replacing his income.
- How he thinks about using success to help family, community, and the next generation.
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