The Power of Planning: Gordon McLennon’s Journey
Dr Berrisford Lewis
Helping Entrepreneurs Attract Their Perfect Clients And Double Their Profits. Mentor, Coach, Author & Speaker.
In 2018, I stand before a room full of Black business owners, eager to share their stories, wisdom, and strategies. One of the most inspiring voices in the room is Gordon McLennon. He’s been in the game for decades, and when he speaks, his words stick with you. Today, his message is all about planning—planning for the tough times before they arrive and preparing for greatness when you’re just starting out.
Gordon opens with a quote from Sun Tzu, a famous Chinese warrior and philosopher: “Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.”
Everyone in the room nods. They get it. Gordon explains how, back in the 1960s, he arrived in England, unsure of what his future would hold. He worked his way through various jobs, from a hotel trainee to an accountant, but something inside him knew there was more. He had that same burning question we all ask ourselves at some point: “Do I want to stay in a job until I retire, or do I want to build something of my own?” It’s a question that can shift your entire life. Maybe you’ve asked yourself that, too, or maybe it’s bubbling inside you right now, waiting to be answered.
Gordon shares a story of a young man he once knew who taught himself accountancy and eventually became Accountant of the Year. This man went on to become the youngest Chief Executive in the department. Gordon pauses and looks around the room. “The right mindset, the right circles, the right planning—that’s what opens doors.” It’s a moment that hits everyone deeply. You start to see things in a new light, possibilities you didn’t even know existed.
Then Gordon shares one of his most powerful lessons: Planning drives initiatives. Knowing how the system works and how to navigate it is your key to success.
You can almost hear everyone’s minds working, realizing how crucial planning really is. It’s not just about having a dream. It’s about deciding how you’re going to make it happen. Gordon says one of his managers once told him, “The only person stopping you is you.” That hit hard. Gordon tells us, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do what you want to do.”
That’s where his lesson becomes clear for all of us: If you want to build a business, you must know what you’re getting into. You need to plan out every step—from your vision to your finances. Think about it: if you walk into a bank for a loan, and you don’t know your industry, your business plan will crumble. Imagine wanting to open a garage, but you’ve never worked as a mechanic. How will you run it? Who will you hire? How much will you pay them? How will you pay yourself? These are the questions that separate successful businesses from failed ones. Planning is not just about dreaming; it’s about being ready.
Your Big Move Starts Today!
Today, I want you to ask yourself: What’s your plan? If you have a business or want to start one, write down your first step. Think about the challenges that might come and how you’ll face them. You can do this. And once you’ve started, don’t stop. That's Gordon's advice.
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Remember, success is all about preparation. Let today be the day you take your first big move toward creating the future you’ve always imagined.
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3moVery helpful