In this exclusive audio edition of Beyond the Forge, we've brought in a wonderful guest. This episode is a powerful one. To see the exclusive video interview on YouTube, check out this link: https://youtu.be/Fuy8QDPB3dQ.

In this conversation, Sileon Murray Sr shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing from poverty to becoming the CEO of SURV7X, an IT and cybersecurity company. He discusses the pivotal moments in his life, including his military service, the importance of resourcefulness, and the impact of education on his personal and professional growth. Sileon emphasizes the significance of building a supportive network, creating a positive environment, and continuously learning as key factors in achieving success. He also reflects on the challenges he faced as a minority entrepreneur and the lessons learned from failures along the way.

Takeaways:

Sileon's journey is a true rags to riches story. Growing a company requires dedication and hard work. Starting somewhere is essential for entrepreneurs. Understanding the human side of business is crucial. Resourcefulness is key to overcoming challenges. Education opened doors for Cillian's career. Networking is vital for success in entrepreneurship. Creating a positive environment fosters growth. Resilience is built through facing and overcoming failures. Helping others is at the core of business success.

Sound Bites: "It's a true rags to riches story." "I started creating things." "Get your environment right."

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting After Years
05:48 Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
08:56 Overcoming Early Life Challenges
11:51 The Military's Influence on Business
14:49 Entrepreneurial Spirit from a Young Age
17:43 Navigating Racial and Economic Barriers
20:35 Finding Pathways to Success
28:13 The Catalyst for Change
34:02 Lessons from Adversity
40:30 The Power of Systems in Entrepreneurship
47:32 The Importance of Environment
52:37 Connecting Through Humanity
55:40 Reflection