Businessman wants to continue to push young people to shine and realise their full potential

Businessman and creative director Rico Bradshaw is a man of many talents and though he’s seen a fair share of success in his 29 years he says that it has not come easy.

Bradshaw, whose work could easily be described as exemplary and even genius was recently seen in the winning performances of 2023 Baje to the World Season 3 winner Kyrique Alleyne, who he managed. He was also involved with the production of the Lux GEM Pageant for which Kyrique is also king. 

“I have been through a lot as a teenager and having to be forced into being an adult before being an adult, was painful. But at the same time, it was an opportunity for me to discover how talented I was,” he told Barbados TODAY in an exclusive interview.

“Growing up, I wanted to do so much, but the support was not there and I lost out on a  number of opportunities. However, with a community of individuals who recognised my potential, they helped to mould me and guide me along the journey,” he added.

The accounting graduate and chef said the hardships which helped to make him a stronger individual, also allowed him to find his true purpose in helping the youth.

“I made a promise to myself that I will assist young individuals no matter their circumstances to achieve all they aspire to achieve. Therefore, I would say my true passion is youth development.”

This year this businessman will be celebrating his 30th birthday and he says that he’s shocked to realise that he has achieved more than 30 certified accomplishments in his professional life and in extra-curricular activities as well.  

For the longest time, the fashion enthusiast has been considering the option of becoming a financial analyst but he says he continues to hear that inner voice calling him to help youth to develop.

“Honestly, I love and appreciate the accounting field as this is where I spent most of my professional life and where I still am. It has also helped me in my businesses as well. However,  I believe that my true purpose is to help, guide and assist in the development of young people. This is where I shine most! I am a philanthropist whose desire is to give back and I have my own charity Lux GEM (Growing Empowering Minds) organisation and I am also the chairman of the Made It Against the Odds Foundation (MIATO) and Scarred not Shattered (SNS).”

Bradshaw, who hails from St Joseph shared what drives him to help young people across the landscape of Barbados:

“What I love most about pushing others to shine is knowing that they have achieved something that they never thought they could have achieved and knowing that they have achieved a goal to which they aspired, especially with the amount of work they would have put in. Winning the ultimate title is not always the success, but knowing that you have made another step in life is just as fulfilling,” he said.

As for how the graduate of the University of the West Indies finds new talent he says they all seek him out.

“This might be a shocker to say, but I actually do not go around selecting artistes to work with. They actually find me and this happens mainly through word-of-mouth from persons who have experienced working with me and understand and appreciate my style of assisting persons to achieve their goals and aspirations.”

One of the first artistes Bradshaw worked with was Demiko  ‘3D’ Newton who, in 2019, released his first Crop Over song “Bad Behavior”. Bradshaw said that Newton was afforded an opportunity to perform on one of the biggest soca stages in Barbados, Soca on the Hill. 

“Some might have seen that as me managing the next big star, but I saw it as a young individual understanding, through my guidance, that in order to achieve ultimate success, you need to be committed,” he said.

He acknowledges that his creative gene runs in his family as far back as his grandfather and extended family.

“Creativity runs in my family. My mom is a chef, my aunt is a hairstylist, my grandfather was a fashion enthusiast and my cousins are artists and also do barbering.”

And even with the natural talent, Bradshaw says that he still finds time, despite his busy life, to help all his relatives.

“A lot of my family do not have the zeal that I have in terms of being truly passionate and actively going after their dreams and working towards enhancing their skills and knowledge in the various areas. This is something that I try to encourage them daily to do,” he said.

Bradshaw said his purpose-filled life includes aligning himself with his true beliefs and values.

“This requires me to set goals and be accountable in order to see results and for it to be  productive. But most important is aligning our goals with our purpose, which will make them  easier to achieve. I also say to my young people, having a purposeful life may not guarantee you a high-paying job, but it will give you the desire to be a part of something that is bigger than yourself.”

Bradshaw said his next step is working towards leaving a long lasting legacy behind.

“The legacy that I want to leave behind is being that individual who respects others, a champion for youth development, knowing that I have drawn on all my talents and gifts and used them to inspire and help others to achieve their highest potential.” ]]>