Stephen Metz

Introduction and the Origin of Stephen's Name

Taryell Simmons: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another episode of Rise Urban Nation. I have a special guest in the building, and I want to give a big shout-out to my brother King Kufi who made this connection happen. For those who know him, some say Stephen and others say Stefan. How do you make that distinction?

Stephen Metz: I am glad you asked. Growing up, family and friends called me Steve and Steven because my name is spelled S-T-E-P-H-E-N. When kids made fun of me, they would call me Stefan or Stefanovich. As I got older and researched why my mother named me Stephen after my father, I looked into the biblical origin of the name.

Stephen Metz: Stephen in the Bible was the first recorded martyr for the gospel, someone willing to die for what he believed in. At that time, standing up for faith was controversial because the message was about loving and forgiving your enemies, believing in something greater than government and money, and living so that all people prosper. He stood before men who disrespected Christians and refused to be silenced, ultimately giving his life for his beliefs. When I understood that deeper meaning, I chose to embrace Stephen to reflect my growth and changing perspective.

Taryell Simmons: I love that story. We are always evolving, just like Prince changing his name to represent a new era. For the people who do not know who you are, who is Stephen?

Defining Purpose and Being a Light

Stephen Metz: My purpose, passion, and the reason I believe I am put on this earth is to be a light in a world of darkness and to attack everything I feel passionate about with the highest standard of excellence. As I work toward creating greatness, I must become different in how I view my work, research, plan, fail, and persevere until momentum builds.

Stephen Metz: It is a daily pursuit of excellence that pulls me out of bed with energy and focus. When you just go through the motions, you do not experience growth. The Seed for Greatness logo features a plant growing out of the brain, representing vision and thoughts put into action. My purpose is to remind myself and others that we already possess incredible gifts inside us, and we need to cultivate them just like a farmer cultivates a garden.

Stephen Metz: That mindset applies to everything: your self-talk, your business, and how you treat the people in your circle, including family. Even when family dynamics are challenging, your responsibility is to remain positive, dependable, and encouraging.

The Origins of Seed for Greatness

Taryell Simmons: How did your focus come to this project, Seed for Greatness? What is the backstory?

Stephen Metz: Seed for Greatness was born out of extreme hardship and failure around 2019 and 2020 in Boise, Idaho. I went through a difficult relationship breakup, which crushed me, and I had to take accountability for my own role in it. My physical and mental health were suffering, and I was struggling financially. I felt completely lost and prayed for guidance.

Stephen Metz: I started immersing myself in positive content, watching fifteen to twenty hours of inspirational videos. I came across a message by Joel Osteen stating that everyone has a seed of greatness within them and is just one thought away from changing their life. That sparked something in me. I began researching nature, seeds, cultivation, and the right environment required for growth.

Stephen Metz: I wrote down a list of a hundred empowering words to keep in front of me daily. Then I decided to create a simple t-shirt with the words 'Seed for Greatness' on it because I wanted to wear something that held personal meaning. When I wore the shirts, people consistently asked what it meant and expressed interest in getting one for themselves.

Logo Design and Brand Identity

Stephen Metz: I realized there was something special here, so I reached out to a friend of my younger brother who is a graphic artist. He asked me detailed questions over a month and a half to truly capture the essence of the vision. He created six mock logos, and with feedback from an unbiased group of people, we narrowed it down to the final design.

Taryell Simmons: Anything worth doing takes process, patience, and focus, just like cooking a traditional meal from scratch rather than using a microwave. What grabs your attention today?

Stephen Metz: I am drawn to people who master their craft and execute with high standards. In my apparel business, I focus on the tactile quality of the fabric, the visual appeal, and the deeper meaning behind the brand. I study legendary figures across athletics and leadership—like Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Steph Curry, Alicia Keys, Deion Sanders, and Barack Obama—to learn from their perseverance and vision.

Aligning Vision and Core Leadership Values

Taryell Simmons: If someone is in a difficult space where their health, money, or relationships are off track, how do they begin growing into their seeds of greatness?

Stephen Metz: The first step is to get silent and settle your thoughts. Once your mind is clear, you can identify where to direct your energy. Stay curious about what genuinely interests you because those interests will lead you to new opportunities and build earned confidence. As Napoleon Hill discusses in Think and Grow Rich, aligning your mindset allows you to attract the right outcomes.

Taryell Simmons: What are your top five values as a leader and creator?

Stephen Metz: First is integrity—keeping the promises you make to yourself. Second is character—standing up for what you believe in and treating people with respect. Third is having a plan—understanding strengths and weaknesses to guide direction. Fourth is communication—learning how to listen and speak effectively. Fifth is work ethic—leading from the front rather than just talking.

The Power of Black Ownership and Business Literacy

Stephen Metz: Our culture is exceptionally gifted in music, sports, and fashion, but we must pair that creativity with business savvy. We need to own our ideas and platforms rather than just working for others. Ownership gives you control of your time, which is true wealth.

Taryell Simmons: What is your personal superpower?

Stephen Metz: My superpower is connecting with people. I have a natural curiosity to understand what makes people tick, learn from different perspectives, and build meaningful relationships.

Humble Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Advice

Taryell Simmons: Many people expect instant success. What was your very first job?

Stephen Metz: I started as a dishwasher at a summer camp in Pacific Palisades from age fifteen to eighteen, and later worked at Subway and Rally's Burgers. I did not have industry connections, so I took the opportunities available to me and worked hard. Today, Seed for Greatness has customers across the globe in countries like Norway, the UK, Canada, and Japan.

Taryell Simmons: What advice would you give someone looking to launch their own business or creative idea?

Stephen Metz: Start with genuine passion, remain humble, and ask for guidance. Focus on making a superior product that exceeds expectations. Build strong relationships and surround yourself with a supportive team. Crucially, protect your ideas by registering trademarks early so you maintain ownership of what you build.

Taryell Simmons: If you surround yourself with people who do not inspire you, you have a cage, not a circle.

Conquering Fear and Future Vision

Stephen Metz: Run toward your fears instead of away from them. I practice boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to develop mental toughness, stamina, and discipline. When you train yourself to confront challenges head-on and take accountability when you are wrong, you become unstoppable. Greatness is waiting on the other side of struggle.

Taryell Simmons: What does the future look like for you and Seed for Greatness?

Stephen Metz: My future is about surrounding myself with positive energy, pursuing continuous growth, and refusing to accept mediocrity. It is about encouraging everyone to realize their potential—whether that is launching a business or pursuing a dream later in life.

Taryell Simmons: Where can listeners find your work and support your brand?

Stephen Metz: You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @seed4greatness. You can also visit our official website at seed4greatness.com to view apparel and watch video interviews. My closing advice is to trust that you are on this earth for a reason, discover your purpose, and share your gifts with the world.