Episode 017: Dr. Joseph Tait

Introduction:


Today we are very lucky to have with us Dr. Joseph Tait, a very
unique and gifted man, whose many accomplishments include that of
having been a respected veterinarian, University of Pennsylvania
graduate, community activist, a groundbreaking leader in the
creation of educational initiatives for at risk youth and adults
alike and the former long-time president and current Board
Director at Harlem Commonwealth Council. Joe and I have sat
together on the opposite and same side of the table for roughly
20 years, and together, along with my three older sons and many
wonderful volunteers from all walks of life, helped put together
a very successful charitable event for Harlem Commonwealth’s
myriad of amazing programs back in our youth. Whether consciously
or subconsciously, Dr. Tait has long channeled the legendary Sam
Cooke and his song “A Change is Gonna’ Come,” and for that matter
Eric Clapton’s song “Change the World,” as he continues to be an
agent of change for the betterment of those around
him.  


 


Episode Notes:


At 2:30, Dr. Tait notes that he always “argues” with aphorisms
and talks about the importance of optics and perceptions. At
3:59, Tait discusses teamwork, leading by example and
communicating clearly. At 5:44, he views life as a series of
challenges and opportunities to learn from, and notes that the
only constant is change. At 7:26, Tait shares a story about his
mother teaching him a lesson at 9 years old with the overlying
message of, “Be nice. Work hard.” At 10:10, he dives into
diversity in the workplace and conveys that “If you limit your
bench, you limit your possibilities, and even the ability to
win.” At 10:53, Tait said, “I don’t advocate diversity for
diversity’s sake. Everyone has to make a contribution. Everyone
has to earn their keep. Everyone has to be an integral part of
the team.” At 13:08, he informs that he came to this country back
in the 1960’s from Jamaica, and noted that we need to have more
tolerance to be more educated in our outlook. At 16:43, Tait
channels Winston Churchill and describes how he has benefitted
from kindnesses, beginning with him coming to this country with
$1,500 in his pocket, and how he thereafter attended and formed
relationships at NYU. He also shares his persistence in his job
search, and why ultimately he went back into Harlem. At 20:31, he
enlightens us about being the only African-American veterinarian
in New York State in the late 1960’s. At 21:26, Tait discusses
Harlem Commonwealth Council’s creation of educational programs,
with the mission of keeping kids out (and off) of probation (in
addition to creating programs for foreigners who are not
literate). At 22:34, he touches upon how he fights to create
opportunities and open doors for others. At 24:13, Tait explains
that one must recognize talent in others, and that life in its
entirety is a learning experience. At 25:50, in regards to kids
reaching their full potential, he believes that parents are not
setting the proper example for kids at home, and that the
breakdown of our home is the pathology of our nation. At 28:08,
Tait talks about his mindset in regards to risk and due
diligence. At 30:30, he discusses his happy place of “where I am”
(not a geographic location). At 32:13, Dr. Tait closes the door
singing Bob Marley’s “War.”