Alex Dumas

Introduction and Welcome

Taryell Simmons: All right, welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to another episode of Rise Urban Nation, where we elevate the voices, the vision, and the victories of Black and Pan-African entrepreneurs and creators creating change all across the globe. I am your host, Taryell Simmons. Today we have a guest that brings a bold and powerful message that resonates with so many of us, especially for those who have ever doubted if they belong in the room. As Kendrick Lamar said, they not like us, and we belong in these room spaces. Today we are diving deep with Alex Dumas, a keynote speaker, global movement leader, and founder of a transformational framework that helps people speak up, stand out, and lead with unshakeable confidence. From feeling like an outsider growing up to empowering thousands of leaders of color around the world, his journey is one of resilience, revelation, and radical self-love. Alex, welcome to the spot, brother.

Alex Dumas: Appreciate it, thank you, Taryell. I love the alliteration. I am going to take you on the road with me.

Taryell Simmons: How did you and Jamar meet?

Alex Dumas: Shout out to my homie Brandy Brown, Brandy the Builder of Magnify Success. I connected with her on Slack, and she connected Jamar and me last year. Instant connection, solid brother. He had the Times Square event last year and something coming up in Milwaukee. I love seeing people that are amplifying and doing things for our community.

Taryell Simmons: Where were you during the Times Square event?

Alex Dumas: I was home in North Carolina. But I am from New York. I grew up in Brentwood, Long Island, and I am going to be back in New York in October for the 39th annual NAMIC conference on authentic inclusive leadership at the New York Marriott Marquis, kicking off day one with my signature talk: Speak Up, Stand Out, and Build Unshakeable Confidence.

Early Life and Overcoming Adversity

Taryell Simmons: Tell us about young Alex growing up. What was life like, and how did those early experiences shape your leadership journey?

Alex Dumas: I was born in Brooklyn, but Long Island has always been home since we moved when I was four. My parents immigrated from Haiti in the early 70s. As a young boy, I struggled with finding my place and feeling like I did not fit in. My siblings had the Brooklyn experience in Flatbush, and I went to predominantly white Catholic schools K through 12. I was athletic, popular, and the class clown, but I struggled academically and felt insecure. I felt like I always had to perform and could never relax.

Taryell Simmons: I understand that feeling. Growing up with ADHD, I was also the class clown and felt I had to perform.

Alex Dumas: Exactly. In my teenage years, dealing with feeling like an outsider, I got into substances, drinking, and self-destructive behavior. Fortunately, none of those choices landed me in serious trouble, but I created ways to sabotage myself.

The Turning Point and Personal Growth

Taryell Simmons: When was the breakthrough moment when you transitioned from feeling invisible to making positive change?

Alex Dumas: In December 2005, on paper, everything looked good. I worked in the nonprofit space with special needs individuals and was completing college. But inside, I was struggling with addiction and suicidal thoughts with no confidence. Then I came across a profile on MySpace and sent three words: "What up, nice picks." That started a conversation with Sarah, who became my partner in January 2006 and later my wife. She was one of the first people who truly believed in me, which inspired me to clean up my act and change my network.

Taryell Simmons: What was it about that relationship that shifted things for you?

Alex Dumas: She held me accountable. If I gave my word, she expected me to follow through. That helped me level up as a man.

Taryell Simmons: How did you begin confronting internal barriers during your transformational period?

Alex Dumas: In 2015, in a 90-day span, our son was born, my mother passed away three days later, and three months later, I was laid off. Unemployed, grieving, and caring for two young children, my wife told me in 2016 that I needed to get a job. I took a role that introduced me to coaching and professional speaking. Seeing speakers make an impact turned on a lightbulb: that was what I was meant to do. I redirected my energy toward personal growth and helping others.

The Bigger Bubble and the WIN Framework

Taryell Simmons: Tell me about the Bigger Bubble concept.

Alex Dumas: When I tried to do everything alone and stayed small, I struggled. When I had a purpose bigger than myself, I stepped up. In 2022, my team organized a major event in 73 days to raise funds. Instead of using the proceeds for coaching fees, our coach challenged us to donate everything to non-profit organizations. The Bigger Bubble is about expanding your leadership vision so others can see themselves inside it, contribute their best talents, and create collective impact.

Taryell Simmons: What is the WIN Framework?

Alex Dumas: WIN stands for Worth, Intention, and Network. Worth: elevating your identity and believing you are capable. Intention: committing to a mission larger than yourself with zero plan B. Network: surrounding yourself with the team, mentors, and resources needed for success. Nobody achieves greatness alone.

Advice for Leaders and Closing

Taryell Simmons: What advice do you have for listeners who feel unseen or undervalued in their spaces?

Alex Dumas: Your story matters and your voice matters. You do not need to shout to be heard; carry yourself with quiet confidence as royalty, because that is who you are.

Taryell Simmons: Where can folks connect with your work?

Alex Dumas: Visit https://speakeralexdumas.com for speaking and workshop bookings, or connect with me directly on LinkedIn.

Taryell Simmons: Thank you, Alex. Your voice matters, your presence matters, and confidence is built brick by brick. Keep rising and keep building. Peace.