Hats Off to You: Entrepreneurs Inspiring Change

I am fortunate to have met many people with many talents in my life.

I am married to a caring, talented woman who brings her intellect and compassion to everything. We have two wonderful young boys who represent all things good. My parents instilled values and principles that have allowed me to appreciate all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. I work with many talented individuals in many facets every day. These people are entrepreneurs who are also clerks, janitors, professors, students, teachers, business and civic leaders, politicians, authors, physicians, attorneys, engineers, pharmacists, scientists, and many more, too numerous to mention. I learn many things from these brilliant people.

It is this good fortune that has led me to realize that many have not benefited from the riches of support I enjoy. With these benefits, comes duty to serve.

Some people don't see a world of opportunity that comes from difficulties. Where others may see a road block, I see an opportunity. Where some may see a difference, I see a perspective, an opportunity to learn. Where others may give up because of a lack of resources, I see motivation.

I have the benefit and wonderful opportunity to work in many facets with entrepreneurs and see unbridled passion for a concept or an idea. Unfortunately, they eventually hit obstacles on their paths to execution. These obstacles create the experience and the character, and in turn, lead to the ability to assess and analyze opportunity.

My role is to shorten the learning curve, to advise, push, support and learn from these inspiring people. They are the future of our wonderful nation and I am a fortunate and grateful participant in watching them evolve so that their concepts become the great policy, ideas, products and organizations of this world.

The true Champions of Change are the entrepreneurs who convert their ideas to reality through sacrifice and determination. They are the embodiment of the American Dream. They are my inspiration.

Sherif A. Ebrahim is President & CEO of Strategic Management Group and Managing Partner of SMG Capital, both nationally recognized Private Equity and Health Care Firms based in New Orleans, Louisiana.