For the month of August, I am blessed and proud to feature my wonderful nephew and my birthday twin on this platform! The book titled “Message to the Gen Z’s” is a book written by John McDowell Jr, a man breaking generational curses and creating new paths. He dedicates his new book to the dreamers, the fighters, the misunderstood, and the ones who were counted out. I had the honor to pick his brain about the motivation for writing his story, the highs and lows of being a businessman, and what keeps him inspired in this journey God has for him.

What inspired you to write “Message to the Gen Z’s? What was your mission when you decided to write it?

JM: “What inspired me to write “Message to The Gen Z’s” was really me just being cautious and really recognizing my city, state and the world we’re in today. I’d like to say the world we’re in today is just chaos. My mission in this book is to simply shape the mindset! I feel like once your mind is in the right place, then the rest will follow! I also would like to thank my wife for inspiring me and pushing me to the limit. I had been wanting to become an author and write the book, but she pushed me and really made me finish it. “

What does success mean to you? How is that word defined in your eyes?

JM: “Success to me means…I’ll use it as a noun, person, place, or thing. Someone or something that is fulfilled or walking in their purpose. It’s doing what God called them to do and enjoying every bit of it. Being comfortable and at peace in every space of life, that’s mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally! One could have all the material things in the world but if they’re miserable and sad on the inside, then they’re really not successful to me. I define success as just doing what you love in line with God. If you’re doing God’s work and you love what you’re doing, God will definitely bless you to be more than good.”

Name the biggest overall lesson(s) you’ve learned so far in your life as a man,father,author, and businessman.

JM: “It’s so many really valuable lessons I’ve learned in the past years since becoming a man, father, author and businessman. I’ll try to give a couple. One lesson is to always be a sponge! Always be willing to learn and soak up game! I’ve heard someone say even a fool can teach you something lol, and of course use discernment to use the good information and just let the nonsense fly! The second lesson is having patience. You hear the saying “patience is a virtue” all the time because it really is. Anything you’re unsure of or have doubts about, just have patience with it. God will always reveal in due time! God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Always be quick to hear/listen and slow to speak. The third lesson is control what you can control. You can’t control no one else thoughts or how they feel about anything. If they’re for you,then they’re for you. If they’re not, then they’re not. The fourth lesson is business. It’s tuff and that’s why it’s not for everybody and that’s okay.”

In moments of adversity and self-doubt, how do you build yourself back up?

JM: “Real simple …pray more and gym more!”

What was the best life/business advice you received while you were starting  your journey in writing and/or business endeavors?

JM: “I would probably say be authentic and be yourself. Also find YOUR lane! Do your homework and figure out which lane is best for you, and simply stay disciplined and consistent.”

In your opinion, what does the world need more of? Less of?

JM: “I really feel like the world needs more of God and thinkers. The world we’re in today with all this chaos and social media, people barely have time for God. I feel like little kids don’t even know God and they barely have a conscious and not even thinking twice about their actions. I would say less of social media and bad food, because they’re both killing us.”

Which of your traits are you most proud of?

JM: “I would probably say my discipline and hard work.”

What would you tell yourself ten years ago that you wish you knew then?

JM: “I would probably say be more intentional in learning about financial literacy, credit, and of course God.”

Name your greatest success (or something you’re most proud of) in your business experiences.

JM: “In business experience, I would probably say becoming an Author right after my Real Estate portfolio.”

What scriptures/affirmations or hobbies keep you going when you find yourself in a rut?

JM: “Exactly one scripture come to my mind every single time. Matthew 6:33– “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything else shall be added unto you”. That scripture combined with gym bounces me back strong every time!”

About John McDowell Jr

Son of Mrs. Moranda Jackson & John McDowell Sr.

I’m a Husband,(Barielle McDowell) Father, (Ja’nada & J3) and what I like to call myself a businessman of God! I’m an Author, Entrepreneur and Real Estate investor. I enjoy being a family man and working out in my spare time. Thanks to my auntie Ms. Oprah Bradford for this beautiful opportunity!

Instagram: @J_McDowell2

Twitter/X: @JayMcDowell16

TikTok: @mcdowellessentials

Snapchat: @j.mcdwell