On July 17, 2025, Barnes & Noble at The Grove and The Los Angeles Tribune hosted Books, Entertainment & Leadership, which brought together voices from across entertainment, media, wellness, and entrepreneurship for a night that went beyond networking—sparking real conversations about leadership, creativity, and building something meaningful today. It was a true exchange of ideas, where the impact was real and the connections were intentional.
A Thoughtfully Curated Experience
Spearheaded by Michael Silvers (Vice President), Alisha Magnus‑Louis (Chief Strategy Officer), and Parisa Rose (Chief Operating Officer), the Tribune team designed the evening with a clear goal: create a space where substance comes first. The event succeeded by blending industry insights with real human stories, attracting a cross-section of professionals who care as much about purpose as they do performance.
Red carpet interviews with Magnus-Louis set the tone before the event even began. Guests shared projects they were most excited about—from actors teasing upcoming Netflix releases to authors debuting new titles, podcasters previewing long-awaited episodes, and musicians hinting at fresh EPs. It was electric yet intimate, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look into what’s driving today’s creatives—not just what the public sees, but what fuels them when no one’s watching.
From panel discussions to impromptu conversations in the aisles, the night felt more like a live think tank than a traditional speaker series. Curated with intention by the Tribune’s team, it transcended industry labels and reminded everyone that storytelling—across platforms and professions—remains our most powerful currency.
Voices That Stirred the Soul and Shifted the Room
Across the board, speakers used their platforms not to self-promote, but to push the conversation forward. Whether through the gripping lived experience of Shabazz “The OG”, or the tireless philanthropic hustle of Harold “Lefty” Williams, the night carried a common thread: your platform is your pulpit. Lefty—the former left-handed Harlem Globetrotter, podcast host, and author of the upcoming The Art of Rebounding—made it clear: fame without function is just noise. He spoke of dreams not as distant hopes but as duties to be executed—especially when your influence spans both courts and screens.
In contrast, Alisha Das brought a spiritual sharpness to the conversation—a reminder that elevation is as much about emotional clarity as it is about accolades. Her insight on inner mastery and service as forms of leadership landed with those in the audience. It was less about the “grind” and more about groundedness. Her words reframed ambition not as a race to the top, but as a call to rise within—and then bring others along.
Legacy in Action: Mentorship as a Form of Leadership
Malik Whitfield, actor in the Netflix series Beauty in the Black, brought a perspective grounded in transformation and purpose—drawing from a life that shifted from challenging beginnings to creative leadership. He reminded the audience that real influence comes not from presence, but from perseverance and aligned values. After overcoming early adversity in the Bronx, Whitfield found his path through arts mentorship—and emphasized the power of paying it forward. His message centered on nurturing emerging talent and investing in others before success arrives. He views mentorship not as charity, but as strategic leadership. He encouraged creators to build platforms not just for themselves, but for those they uplift. Whitfield’s words served as a compelling reminder: legacy is best measured by the community you build, not just the stage you occupy.
Clarity, Choice, and Change
Shabazz “The OG” introduced his 3 to 30 Seconds initiative—a simple yet impactful practice rooted in mindfulness. The idea: before making a decision, take 3 to 30 seconds to pause, breathe, and reset. Whether in high-pressure situations or everyday choices, that brief pause creates space between reaction and response. Shabazz emphasized that clarity doesn’t come from urgency but from presence. More than a self-help tip, he positioned it as a vital life skill—especially for youth and those in emotionally charged environments. 3 to 30 Seconds encourages thoughtful choices, emotional control, and greater self-awareness in a fast-moving world.
Joseph McClendon III brought his trademark energy and clarity to the evening, reminding attendees that transformation isn’t for the chosen few—it’s for anyone willing to claim it. Blending neuroscience-backed insight with high-impact delivery, he urged the audience to stop “waiting to be ready” and instead choose to be willing. He reframed personal growth not as a lofty goal, but as a discipline—part mindset, part movement, all intention. In a room full of storytellers, McClendon delivered a challenge: don’t just play a role in your life. Own the narrative. Be the one writing the story, not just living in it.
Creativity Without Compromise: Evolving the Modern Creator
Allen Maldonado’s reflections underscored a truth entertainment veterans know all too well: you either evolve or evaporate. Whether acting, writing, or building platforms that empower young artists, Maldonado embodies the new multidimensional creator—the kind that can’t be boxed in or bought out. Similarly, G. Wayne offered a comedic masterclass in cultural translation: using humor not just to deflect, but to disarm and deliver depth. His work, positioned at the intersection of virality and vulnerability, proves that digital storytelling can have soul.
Michael Silvers and Martin Pearson reminded us that innovation—real innovation—often happens off-camera. Their conversation leaned into the power of production, the risks behind content pivots, and how the best creators are those who think like strategists, not just artists.
Randy C. Bonds, publicist and founder of the Be Greater Than nonprofit, highlighted the importance of believing in people before they “make it.” He also underscored the need to hold space for conversations around mental wellness. The through line was clear: authenticity breeds growth. His message? Stop playing small. He reminded creators in the room that visibility means responsibility—and that thought leadership isn’t about talking loud; it’s about speaking truth.
Storytelling Without Borders
Jeffrey Ross, who traveled from Tasmania, brought a vital global lens to an otherwise Hollywood-heavy conversation. His remarks positioned storytelling as a borderless currency, one that can—and must—translate across cultures, markets, and ideologies if it hopes to matter.
Recognition for Community-Driven Work
During the evening, Harold “Lefty” Williams was honored with The Los Angeles Tribune Non-Profit Impact Award for his tireless commitment to community uplift through the Dare2Dream Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship, athletics, and creative programming. The award wasn’t just a nod to his past as a Harlem Globetrotter or his current role as a media executive—it was a celebration of his heart-led hustle. In true Lefty fashion, he accepted the honor not as a personal accolade but as a rallying cry, calling on others in the entertainment and business communities to turn their influence into impact. His message was simple yet searing as he reflected on the themes of how dreams are only powerful if you help someone else build theirs too.
Mentorship, Not Ego
A common thread among the evening’s talks: real leadership is about lifting others. Whether it was Malik Whitfield speaking on investing in young talent or Martin Pearson and Michael Silvers reflecting on behind-the-scenes innovation, the emphasis was clear—mentorship isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Where Every Voice Builds the Vision
This event didn’t center around “who’s who.” It centered around what’s next. That tone was reflected not only by the speakers, but by the audience itself—an impressive mix of industry professionals, rising creatives, and mission-driven entrepreneurs.
Notable attendees included Landon Brittain, actor and CEO; Will Holmes and Jennalee Masey, leaders in the outdoor advertising space through company CEO Billboards Inc.; Jamonie Lee, a rising voice in music; Chris Goodman of Arts for LA; Dina Reene singer with a soulful voice; Annabelle Azade Parisian journalist; Isaac Jean-Paul who, holds the Paralympic world record in the high jump and has competed in the last two Paralympic Games, winning bronze in Tokyo and silver in Paris and is an author; and Jessica Quilantan and Ray Bennett of Top of the Line PR, known for amplifying creative voices with strategic focus.
Their presence emphasized one of the night’s key takeaways: storytelling is a team effort—and collaboration is the future of content.
As the evening unfolded, a deeper narrative emerged—one that wove together each speaker’s message into a cohesive call to action. Whether through personal storytelling, strategic insight, or community-rooted purpose, the conversations sparked a collective realization: the future of media and creativity isn’t about fame or format—it’s about intention.
From that shared momentum, four key messages emerged—pillars shaping the future of creative leadership.
1. Purpose Meets Platform
Speakers emphasized that authenticity amplifies influence. Purpose-driven platforms, from social media to center stage, are non-negotiable for impact.
2. Mentorship as a Legacy Strategy
Guidance was framed not as a gesture of kindness but a strategic imperative—from Lefty’s philanthropy to Whitfield’s grassroots mentorship.
3. Creativity Beyond Borders
Speakers like Pearson and Ross reminded us that content innovation thrives on global perspective and experimentation, especially in indie media.
4. Community & Content Intertwined
Whether through Shabazz’s mindful leadership or G. Wayne’s cultural comedy, the night proved that entertainment and impact go hand-in-hand.
Set against the iconic backdrop of one of the largest Barnes & Noble locations in the country, Books, Podcasts & Entertainment delivered more than inspiration—it offered a clear blueprint for meaningful connection and creative leadership. The event gave speakers a rare opportunity to share real ideas with an audience that was fully present and genuinely engaged. For attendees, it was a chance to meet others building with purpose, not just performing for the algorithm. Social handles and phone numbers were exchanged, thoughtful conversations flowed, laughter filled the space, and—most importantly—everyone in the room walked away feeling seen, heard, and part of something real.
About Books, Entertainment & Leadership
Books, Entertainment & Leadership is a thought-provoking event series presented by The Los Angeles Tribune, designed to spotlight purpose-driven voices across media, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Blending storytelling with strategy, it creates space for real conversations, meaningful connections, and actionable insights that inspire creators to lead with intention and impact.
About Top of The Line
Top of the Line PR doesn’t just secure visibility—they create momentum. Led by Jessica Quilantan and powerhouse affiliate Ray Bennett, the Studio City-based duo delivers bold, culture-forward campaigns that blend storytelling, strategy, and street-level impact. From red carpets to LED billboard trucks, they redefine what influence looks like.
About Haidar PNG
Known as “HaidarPNG,” Haidar Alkaftani is a Los Angeles-based videographer, photographer, and founder of LaunchMoor—a creative agency built by creators, for creators. Through purposeful content and brand strategy, he helps entrepreneurs and artists grow their online presence, clarify their message, and turn audiences into engaged, revenue-generating communities.
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