Written by: Cassius F. Butts, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Cassius F. Butts has spent the last 25 years of his professional life in several capacities that have advised United States presidents, CEOs, and creatives within the business, sports, and entertainment industry. He currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Partner for Capital with Global Leader Group. As a former appointee in the Bush and Obama administrations, he has helped back over $30 billion to small and midsize businesses. Noted as a serial entrepreneur and former chief executive officer of a financial institution, Cassius has forged several businesses and completed his first book, “Exceptional, “Being the Exception to the Rule”. He discusses business strategies that he has learned over the years which produced 14 chapters of life learned business and personal best practices. In addition, Cassius talks about his professional growth encountering executives of fortune 500 companies, Hall of Famers sport icons in football, baseball, and boxing.
Cassius F. Butts
Cassius, you have led an extraordinary – or should we say exceptional – career, serving 4 presidential terms, and working with some of the most influential leaders across the nation. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned while serving in such high-profile, high-level roles?
The biggest lesson that I’ve learned while serving in my professional capacity was that just being myself capped with the consistency of humility can take you a long way. Having the opportunity to advise senior executives in Washington, DC. to entertainment and business icons has been most gratifying. The learned lesson here is that if I continued to be myself and produce solid work while being professionally respectful, created a golden ticket of opportunities for me and my professional walk.
You have a fascinating new book out called Exceptional: Being the Exception to the Rule. In it, you capture a lot of your leadership and professional journey. What would readers appreciate most about this book?
I believe that readers would be able to take business lessons as a guide for their own practices. Readers would also be inspired and thrilled by some exciting stories that I encountered over the years. Overall, I am certain for seasoned executives seeking to enhance their career, businesses seeking to scale up or someone just looking to be inspired with leadership lessons – it’s a read for all!
In the book, you refer to this term of self-actualization. How would you define self-actualization, and why do you think it’s important for people to understand it?
Self-Actualization is a term originated by an American psychologist name Abraham Maslow. The term self-actualization is the evolutionary process through that an individual or person aims to realize their true potential in life. I first learned of the theory as a student at Morehouse College where I received my degree in Psychology. I believe that it is significant to understand this concept as it can help you professionally in the workplace/ business or personally as an individual is seeking to consider their next steps in life.
You say that “when you find your passion, you find your purpose.” What would you say to those who are much further along in their lives or careers… is it too late to figure out your passion and your purpose?
I like to refer to this statement, “Your passion is your purpose, and your purpose is your plan”. That ultimately means that whatever it is that your passionate about, that is your purpose in life. Thus, you must create a plan to achieve that in its totality. For those further along the lines, you should realize that your purpose continues to recreate itself with different goals. Just because achieve one goal does not mean that you have fulfilled your life’s purpose. Think of it this way, “life is a journey, not destination”. Continue to enjoy the journey. It’s never too late!
What are you most passionate about… and how has that allowed you to fulfill your purpose in life?
I often walk with the mindset that “a captain is only as good as his/her crew”. With that said, I am most passionate about helping others achieve their personal and professional goals. My goals really originate with the end in mind. How can I help this individual, this company, this community, or this society achieve its goals. When I see fulfillment in any of the aforementioned nouns, I feel as though I am on the right track of following my passion and fulfilling my purpose.
This book is about leadership just as much as it is about success. What advice do you have for leaders and aspiring leaders who want to chart their unique or exceptional path to success?
Like any guide, roadmap, or blueprint, it starts with writing down words that can help yourself and others get to their desired destination. There is nothing like having a road map to help you stay on your own path to success. I highly encourage all entrepreneurs, business owners and executives to write a book or publication. The purpose like mine, is not for personal gain, it should be to help others who are seeking to find their own way.
As we’ve learned, you have worked alongside some very powerful leaders of our time. What are some of the values or traits that great leaders have in common?
The traits that I have seen in my travels with great leaders are those who lead with, integrity, transparency, boldness, and humility. I have often seen those leaders who were able to move their egos out of the way be the most successful. I know it sounds like a small not so important trait, but to me, it is one of the most significant. It’s easy to give directives. It’s even harder to check your ego before it checks you!
What’s next for you or your career as you continue your journey of being exceptional?
Next for me is being the best executive, business partner, family member and human being that I can be. I always think that I can do a better job or make better pathways for others looking to succeed. I am in the beginning stages of starting the “Exceptional” book series. In 2024, I plan to launch the next book that I hope will be, “Exceptional” – pun intended!
Global Leader Group, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Global Leader Group is a leadership firm of proven practitioners who share a deep-rooted desire to make a difference by helping organizations FIND & BUILD leaders to deliver excellence. They do that through three main pillars:
Leadership & Learning: They partner with organizations to accelerate performance and belonging by pushing the boundaries of learning. Offerings: Design and implementation of Leadership and Learning Strategy and Frameworks, World-class Learning Design & Experiences, Coaching, and Speaking (Keynotes & Appearances).
Talent Search (External Retained Recruiting): In addition to helping organizations build current leaders, Global Leader Group adds world-class leaders to managements teams around the globe.
Practitioner Consulting: Allow the experience of their practitioners to advise and transform your business through their expertise in Driving Digital, Retail Banking, Wealth Management, Customer Journeys, Sales Management & Incentives, and Strategic HR (Culture, People Processes, Organizational Design, and Team Effectiveness).
Their clients include leaders at Citi, AstraZeneca, HSBC, Google, the Governments, Airbus, Manubhai Jewellers, ACUMA, Sensata, numerous RIAs, Banks, Credit Unions, and more.
