ep.47 Pushing Past Racial Stereotypes to Reach Your Dreams with Jesse Iwuji

What's your biggest dream in life? Is it starting a multimillion-dollar business? Or is it competing professionally in a sport that seems way out of your league? Whatever it may be, we all have these desires deep in our hearts. It may seem crazy and impossible in the world's eyes, but you shouldn’t allow any racial stereotype or barrier to get in your way. If you move forward with ambition, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. In this episode, Jesse Iwuji shares his journey of becoming a professional racecar driver and making it to NASCAR. He describes what it's like working his way up and being part of the minority in the pro racing world. Jesse talks about winning over privilege and the mindset that got him closer to reaching his goals. Through his story, we learn that no racial stereotype can stop us from turning our vision into reality. Tune in to the episode to learn how you can achieve your dreams when the world tells you otherwise. 3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Discover how Jesse pushed past racial stereotypes in the NASCAR scene. Learn the difference between desire and ambition in reaching your goal. Find out the right mindset to make your dreams happen. Resources● Connect with Jesse: https://www.jesseiwuji.com/ (Website) | https://www.facebook.com/Jesseiwujiracing (Facebook) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-iwuji-268a6641/ (LinkedIn) | https://twitter.com/Jesse_Iwuji (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/jesse_iwuji/ (Instagram) ● https://www.nascar.com/ (NASCAR) ● https://www.amazon.com/As-Man-Thinketh-Complete-Original/dp/1523643536 (As a Man Thinketh) by James Allen ● https://www.youtube.com/user/starringofficial (Spencer Tarring’s YouTube Channel) Episode Highlights[3:39] How Jesse Got Interested in NASCAR● Jesse loved stick and ball sports throughout his life. But he knew he couldn’t do it professionally anymore after graduating college. ● He naturally gravitated toward racing because of his love for cars and the sport. ● He started joining amateur races, competing on open track days using his personal cars.  Eventually, his goal turned to become a professional racecar driver. ● Jesse immediately started researching. He found that there was a racial stereotype against being black when it comes to racing. You also needed to have connections. ● However, he already had a clear vision in mind. No racial stereotype or barrier was going to stop him. [5:35] Working His Way to the Top● Jesse started at the lowest level possible in NASCAR in 2015, racing with late-model stock cars. ● Every year, he continues to work his way up. ● Now, Jesse is racing at the national level. He’s only about a step or two below Bubba Wallace, who is on the highest level. ● Tune in to the full episode to hear about Jesse’s next big goal! [7:18] Being Part of the Minority in NASCAR● He tries not to look at it, but the racial stereotype is apparent in their industry. ● The number of African-Americans on the pit crew side is increasing, but not on the driver side. ● Many African-American drivers are working toward the national series and NASCAR. However, it takes a lot of resources, energy, effort, and networking outside of skill. ● Unlike other sports, there is a branding and networking side in making it to NASCAR; being a good driver doesn’t guarantee success. [9:22] Feeling Pressure● Jesse doesn’t feel pressure about being one of the two African-Americans in NASCAR. ● Since he started late, he knows he has more to learn and experience. ● Right now, he races part-time between seasons. Once he gets all the resources in place, that’s when he can run full seasons and start getting better. ● Everything is part of the process. It takes time, so you have to stay patient, keep grinding, keep your head down, and keep moving. [11:57] Dealing with Racial Stereotypes in NASCAR● It always comes as a surprise to people when Jesse tells them he's racing in NASCAR. ● They...