Cole: What would you say is the primary motivating factor behind your leadership?
Cole: Who are your role models, and what life- changing lessons did you pick up from them? Neal: Hands down, my momma! And while there are many others who have guided me along the way, there’s no question that my mother was the key prism and role model by which I see the world. She had a 4th Grade Education, but a Ph.D in life. I am thankful to be the babygirl of Mary- Ann Dorsey Prioleau Dukes. It’s not because she was perfect. No parent is. On the contrary, it’s because she wasn’t perfect that I admire her most. She would quote the Bible one minute and let you know things were not going to end well for you the next! My mother did not sugar-coat how tough & cruel the world could and would be as a Black woman child. Instead, she used teachable moments to demonstrate her most important lessons. My mother and father both believed in discipline, but it was my mother who enforced it the most. When I was 12, I can remember a friend was caught stealing. I was with this friend when it
Neal: The primary motivating factor behind my leadership is to serve, whether it’s to improve upon a situation, a community issue, addressing an organizational issue, or a work related issue. I believe if you are going to be in a leadership role, then lead. If you are not conditioned to make the tough decisions required or are afraid of being unpopular when making tough decisions, don’t step into the leadership arena. I also believe there are many ways to lead. It isn’t always out front. Sometimes, you lead from behind, or equip others with the information they need to lead. Leaders don’t always have to be in the front of the line to lead. And those leadership decisions can also be fun decisions. I agreed to be a dancer (again) for CPRD DWDS 2025, “A Tribute to Girl Groups” Dancing in front of an entire city is not for the faint hearted! I can’t wait to lead…I hope! Help me God!!
Photo: McBoat Photography
24 The Acumen
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