Clifton Taulbert
Clifton Taulbert was born in the time of legal segregation. Now a CEO, entrepreneur and Pulitzer-Prize Nominated Author, Clifton once was not allowed to use his local library. But all around him in the Mississippi Delta were the “helpers” … people who told him he mattered and helped him succeed against insurmountable odds. The author of Eight Habits of the Heart: Embracing the Values that Build Strong Communities, Clifton has a powerful and moving story of how “community” transformed his life. His programs are perfect for anyone who wants to build a better community, a better organization, or a better business, and help transform the lives of others.
“I would have failed.” That’s what Clifton says would have happened had he not encountered community builders and entrepreneurial thinkers early on in his life. Though opportunities were few and barriers were plentiful, Taulbert managed to dream of success, not knowing the shape that success would take. Today Taulbert is the President and CEO of the Freemount Corporation (a human capital development company) . He works with internationally, with Fortune 500 Companies, small businesses, federal agencies, professional organizations, community colleges and K-12 leadership. Additionally, entrepreneur Taulbert is the President and CEO of Roots Java Coffee, an African-American owned national coffee brand, importing coffee from Africa.
Beyond the Mississippi Delta
Clifton has honorably served in the 89th Presidential Wing of the United States Air Force. He later graduated from Oral Roberts University, and the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. His career in banking was a perfect complement to his entrepreneurial spirit. Clifton also found the time to author several books. His first book, Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored, became a national best seller, a major motion picture and a requested gift for Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison. Eight Habits of the Heart, one of Taulbert’s 13 books, garnered him an invitation by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, to address members of the court and their invited guests. The Last Train North, his second book was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. He was the first African-American to win the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Award for Non-Fiction.
Taulbert’s literary work ignited the journey that has taken him throughout the world. As a recognized Thought Leader on the issues of community as well as fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, Taulbert has lectured at The Principals’ Center at Harvard University and the United States Air Force Academy. Taulbert also serves as a knowledge source content provider to Korn Ferry International.
Community Involved & Honored
Taulbert was chosen by CNN to be one of the voices of community. He has also been inducted into the United States Enlisted Airmen Hall of Fame, and the SMEI Academy of Achievement: The Free Enterprise System. Taulbert has been honored as the National Jewish Humanitarian of the Year & Arthritis Foundation Volunteer of the Year. We was recognized by the NAACP for contribution to literature.
He is the Founding Member of the Anne Kathryn Taulbert Sickle Cell Fund, which honors and remembers his daughter who passed away from Sickle Cell Disease.
Clifton’s other honors and involvement now and in the past include: The University of Tulsa Trustee; The National Character Education Partnership Board Member; The Tulsa Area Salvation Army Advisory Board Member; The Tulsa Historical Society Board Member; The Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration Board Member; Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Advisory Board; The Eudora Welty Foundation Advisory Board Member, The Movie Guide Award-Board of Reference, and the Oral Roberts University Board of Reference.
