We had the good fortune of connecting with Cliff “Notes” Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cliff “Notes”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Pablo Picasso said “I’m always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” The Albert Einstein’s, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerburgs of the world did not achieve success “playing it safe”. Life is consistently changing whether we choose to or not. Risks present their greatest rewards when we understand that finding comfort in our current situation is actually more damaging to our future success than any chance or decision we could actively make. When you take risks there are only two outcomes. Learning or succeeding. Both are positive. I’ve applied this concept to my life and moved across the country to now see that it was the greatest decision in my personal development! Take the risk!!!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I used to be embarrassed to tell people what I do for a living because it didn’t sound “official” . But I have grown so much from that mindset and I am proud to say “Content Creator” with authority! I host and produce my podcast “Cliff Notes Radio”, I have a film and photography business “Clifflix”, I perform poetry, stand up comedy, and also act. I am also a paid percussionist for a church in the Los Angeles area. I have always heard ppl say you can’t do so much cause you’re going to spread yourself thin. I’ve learned this is the most mediocre way of thinking PERIOD!!! Most business fail because the owner has no idea what’s going on because they don’t have a hand in each part of their operation or the knowledge of each particular job that ensures the success of their product. This was my motivation to learn as much as I could about all of my occupations so that I could use them to build my own empire that no one can take away. If I’m the talent, the producer, the camera man, the promoter, and the writer, I ensure that the success or failure that comes I can accept justly. This has made my career feel more like a lifestyle which I love! I can wake up and create whatever I want and if I can’t I know I can learn how.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana so moving to Los Angeles was a big culture shock! The views here are amazing so for me the must see spots are the hiking trails. It’s nothing like the fresh air and cinematic looking landscapes of the mountains, nothing compares! As far as food goes I would have to say the taco trucks are a must!!! I love the Tacos Da Rados with the consommé for dipping!!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As a young man my dad always told me that a black man with a trade/skill and willingness to work is a threat. He taught me that education means nothing without application. He taught me that failure is inevitable and success is the exception. School gives you grades while the application of your education in the real world will actually give you knowledge. You don’t know anything until you know it for yourself proven. I have watched him start and maintain successful business ventures as well as instill in my brother the drive and knowledge to start a restaurant. Seeing these examples have given me the courage to embark on the business ventures I currently seek to make thrive!

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realcliff225?igshid=v892f5chnes3
Twitter: https://twitter.com/REALCLIFF225
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4lSxO7Vv_muZelZHIcKK_w

Image Credits
@Clifflix_

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