First Impression: Think

TZ - Me on a demo flight in a brand new Cessna 208B (Sticker price US$2.8m)


Allow me to introduce myself… 
I am TZ. In a nutshell, I’m the guy proposing this idea called ‘think’. A Caribbean entrepreneur, private pilot, corporate graphic designer and architectural studies graduate, a motorcyclist and motorcycle safety advocate. I’m also a Branson Centre Legacy Entrepreneur and the founder of the Back to Basics Motorcycle Safety Mission.

A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT

Earning a private pilot license offered a bird’s eye view of the world. The architecture degree encouraged me to shape that world. Think big…one sketch or idea at a time. Having 25 years of graphic design experience fuels my desire and ability to understand the needs of people, even when they can’t quite express those needs in words for themselves. Designing has therefore built patience and has broadened my perspective with each and every problem that I’ve been hired to solve. My feeling is that solutions can only truly be better if their impact on people is better.

My yellow GSX-R 600

For me, motorcycling is (almost) as liberating as flying.  In many ways, the raw power and high stakes world of riding a motorcycle is as addictive as the power of flight. Unlike design and other creative work, there is no undo button. It’s fun, but it is no joke. As a result, riding brings me down to earth. Fact is, I’m no better than anyone else whose blood bleeds red. It heightens the ability to think on one’s feet, routinely making crucial and even ‘life or death’ decisions with confidence.  Call it an equalizer. Rich guy or poor guy. Angel or thief. Novice or expert. No room for delusions. Survival requires you to open your eyes, be aware of your environment and see the world exactly as it is… in each moment. Once you’ve done this enough it changes the way you think.

The cherry on top of it all is a track record that I don’t speak about much. Collaborating, producing and recording projects with music industry greats…on and off for years. Experiencing, witnessing and learning from the deceptively simple process of moving from an idea in a studio to a creative project that sometimes becomes a pop culture hit. Locally and internationally.

ENTREPRENEURIAL FUSION

Entrepreneurship brings my life together.  Zawdie Business Ventures, Reggae Rocket, and Back to Basics are a few examples. The most recent venture – Back to Basics – has seen me applying my entrepreneurial skills to save lives, especially in rural and innercity communities in Jamaica. We’ve triggered reductions in injuries have been up to 75% in some groups.

Every problem is a solution waiting to happen.

Having never worked a 9 to 5 job, every day of my adult life has been about converting an idea into a reality. Consequently, there is no conventional addiction to ‘job security’ within me. The latest evolution in my life as an entrepreneur takes things a bit further. The look in the eyes of a motorcyclist whose life you have improved through knowledge…is absolutely priceless.

When we find money, purpose and passion in one mission, we are unbeatable. 

On most days I’m loud at times…but asocial at times. Blessed with a strange ability to articulate deep connections between law, art, science, politics, and life.  My brain enjoys spotting trends and accurately seeing the potential for innovation in the things around us that many others take for granted. That sometimes means seeing trends years ahead…and feeling way ahead of my time.

That’s basically me. TZ.