In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Marques Ogden, the Founder and CEO of Ogden Ventures LLC, embarked on his path to success as a keynote speaker and executive coach. Join us as Marques shares his experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided him along the way. Discover what sets Ogden Ventures apart from other agencies, how Marques navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Marques’s journey as a CEO and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of coaching and motivational speaking.
Introduction and Inspiration
Marques Ogden is a keynote speaker, business coach, and consultant, as well as the host of the podcast “Get Authentic with Marques Ogden.” He specializes in helping individuals and organizations find their authentic voice while achieving personal and professional success. His journey began after he experienced significant adversity, leading him to realize he had nowhere to go but up. This pivotal moment inspired Marques to pursue a career in public speaking, where he aims to empower others and honor the legacy of his father, Shirrel Phillip Ogden, who made sacrifices to provide him with opportunities for success.
Defining Success in 2024
Marques defines success not merely in terms of personal achievement but through the fulfillment and happiness of his clients. Since the inception of his business, he has always measured success by the satisfaction and joy of those he serves. This consistent value system reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that clients find meaning in the work they undertake with Ogden Ventures.
Vision for the Future
The vision for Ogden Ventures revolves around creating a mindset community where like-minded individuals come together to strengthen their mental resilience and move forward with passion and purpose. Marques is particularly excited about collaborating with respected influencers and thought leaders, which will keep the content innovative and invigorating for community members. This collaboration fosters new, creative methods for individuals to enhance their mindsets, paving the way for greater success and fulfillment in their lives.
Fostering Innovation
To foster innovation within Ogden Ventures, Marques maintains an open-door policy that encourages team members to express their ideas freely. This culture of open communication is instrumental in driving innovation, allowing team members to contribute to the creative process without fear of judgment. The team, including Jazlyn Leonzo, Dawn Wiener, George Sandmann, Victor Garcia, Albert Hardin, Donovan Barnes, and Danny Passafiume, plays a critical role in shaping the organization’s direction.
The necessity for innovation became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when live events ceased. Marques successfully pivoted to virtual platforms such as Zoom and Teams, ensuring the continuity of services despite the uncertainty surrounding in-person gatherings. This timely adaptation not only sustained the business but also opened new avenues for connecting with clients.
Maintaining Resilience
Marques emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and honesty within his team during challenging times. By sharing his own worries and fears, he fosters a supportive environment that enables the team to move forward together. This approach to leadership not only strengthens team dynamics but also enhances collective resilience in the face of adversity.
Empowering Others
At Ogden Ventures, empowering others to take on leadership roles is a fundamental principle. Marques encourages his team to provide feedback on ongoing projects and processes, which facilitates innovation and adaptability. This open dialogue extends to clients as well, ensuring that both team members and clients feel valued and included in the decision-making process.
Influential Mentorship Experience
A pivotal moment in Marques’s career was his mentorship at the National Athletic Professional Success Academy (NAPSA), where he received guidance from Mr. Brad Mitchell and his team. This experience was transformative, shaping his approach to leadership and communication. The lessons learned during this time continue to influence Marques as he strives to be a better leader for his team and community.
Addressing Global Challenges
Marques recognizes a pressing global challenge: the reluctance of individuals to be vulnerable and authentic about their struggles. By promoting transparency and authenticity, he aims to encourage others to acknowledge their challenges as a sign of strength. This initiative is crucial in helping individuals realize that everyone faces difficulties, no matter how successful they may appear.
Emerging Technologies in the Industry
In the realm of public speaking and coaching, Marques highlights the significant role that artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to play. While acknowledging the efficiency AI offers, he stresses the importance of maintaining authenticity and originality. He believes AI should serve as a tool to enhance human connection rather than replace it, ensuring that brands retain their essence.
Risk-Taking in Leadership
Marques views risk-taking as an inherent part of leadership. He advocates for taking calculated risks and making informed decisions rather than remaining in a comfort zone. He references Regina King’s quote, “The comfort zone is where dreams go to die,” emphasizing that growth often lies beyond familiar boundaries. He believes in conducting thorough research and establishing processes that support informed decision-making.
Crisis Management
Effective crisis management requires a proactive approach, allowing leaders to step back and evaluate situations before reacting. Marques recalls a particular instance when he needed to part ways with a team member who no longer aligned with the company’s vision. He managed this situation delicately, ensuring that team morale remained intact among those committed to the organization’s mission.
Prioritizing Employee Well-Being
To prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of his employees, Marques maintains an open-door policy that encourages feedback. This approach ensures that team members feel heard and valued, fostering a positive work culture characterized by innovation and collaboration. By creating an environment where everyone can voice their concerns, he cultivates a supportive atmosphere that benefits all.
Continuous Personal Development
Marques engages in continuous personal development through coaching, which provides him with accountability and unbiased feedback. This practice keeps him grounded and prevents complacency, a lesson he learned from the experience of losing his multi-million-dollar construction business. By consistently seeking growth and improvement, he strives to become the best leader he can be.
Significant Achievements
Among his many accomplishments, Marques received the 2024 Top Inspirational Athlete and Keynote Speaker award from the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). This recognition underscores his dedication to inspiring others and helping them take actionable steps toward improving their lives. Additionally, Marques was inducted into the Howard University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022 and named on CORE Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Blacks Today list. He also serves as an ambassador for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Health, advocating for improved health accessibility. These accolades reflect his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, inspiring them to overcome challenges and strive for greatness.
In conclusion, Marques Ogden’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and the transformative impact of mentorship. Through his commitment to empowering others, fostering innovation, and maintaining a transparent work culture, he not only inspires individuals to overcome their challenges but also redefines what success truly means. As he continues to lead Ogden Ventures LLC with passion and purpose, Marques remains dedicated to creating a community that uplifts and motivates, proving that with the right mindset and support, anyone can achieve greatness despite adversity. His story serves as a beacon of hope for those striving to find their voice and make a meaningful impact in their lives and the lives of others.
