Thirty-year entertainment industry veteran Keith Lawson once seemed headed in a different career direction as he pursued, and earned, a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland. He chose another path, but clung to what he had learned at UMD. “While I eventually chose not to pursue a career in STEM, the problem-solving and logical thinking skills I developed continue to guide my approach to solutions in the production environment,” he confessed to TNJ contributor Taroue Brooks. The Baltimore native, founder/CEO of Spartucus Media LLC, former BET Networks senior executive, co-founder of a mental health support platform, and newly published author, recently spoke with Brooks.
Talk a little about Spartacus Media.
Spartacus Media is a media and production company. Through Spartacus, I offer voice-over services and a comprehensive range of TV and film production services. Recently, I have expanded my offerings to include my work as a published author and motivational speaker with the release of my book, The Man Behind the Curtain.
Why did you decide to write The Man Behind the Curtain?
Deciding to write my book was the result of more than 30 years in the entertainment and TV industry. Over the years, many people suggested I should write a book, and I would always reply, “I’ll get to that someday.” However, when the pandemic struck in 2020, it gave me a fresh perspective on the unpredictability of life. Recognizing that we can never be certain of how much time we have to chase our dreams, I revisited my bucket list and saw that writing a book was high on the list.
What was it like to work for a television network?
Working for a TV network provided a fantastic opportunity to explore my creative side, grow, and learn from incredible people. I began at BET with a team of young, creative, and enthusiastic individuals. Though we didn’t have all the answers, our fearlessness and curiosity drove us forward. This energy allowed us to accomplish remarkable things, free from the constraints of conventional thinking, and led us to produce groundbreaking content that pushed boundaries.
What has been the most challenging aspect of owning your own business?
The most challenging part of entrepreneurship has been not letting the hundreds of “No’s” overshadow the one “Yes” needed to move forward. Not everyone will believe in your dreams or ideas, but that one “Yes” is all it takes. When my partners and I developed the concept for “Committed: The Christies,” which I discuss in my book, no one believed the format would work. Years later, that show became the blueprint for “Basketball Wives,” a billion-dollar franchise.
What keeps you motivated in the space of entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is a grind. It is a tough journey and requires hard work, but every small victory fuels my drive to keep pushing forward. You often don’t realize how close you are to a major breakthrough until you’ve achieved it. I always say, “Don’t stop just two steps short of your breakthrough!”
What is your most significant accomplishment?
My most significant accomplishment is breaking generational barriers, overcoming the challenges of growing up in inner-city Baltimore, and becoming the first in my family to graduate from college. Beyond that, my greatest achievement has been successfully raising two amazing, curious, and intelligent sons who I can’t wait for the rest of the world to experience.
What key lessons have you learned as an entrepreneur?
One important lesson I’ve learned is to continually push yourself and embrace discomfort. If you’re at the top and feeling too comfortable, that position won’t last. I always approach things as if I’m the underdog.
What are your longterm goals for Spartacus Media?
My longterm goals for Spartacus Media are to continue to do purpose-driven work, provide opportunities for young men with talent and drive, and leave a legacy of excellence for my sons to aspire to.
What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
For those embarking on an entrepreneurial journey, embrace hard work without hesitation. Understand that failure is an integral part of the process. What matters isn’t how many times you stumble, but that you rise one more time than you fall. Most importantly, aim high with your dreams. If your aspirations don’t make you feel a bit uneasy, they might not be ambitious enough.
