Meeting your leader’s mentor is a unique experience that has a lasting impression. This past week, Josiah White’s held their annual Board retreat, bringing together our esteemed Board members to discuss successes and vision. On the agenda was a presentation from Monnie L. Bush, Founder & CEO of Victory Project. He shared the trials and successes of his youth development nonprofit for boys. What is extra special about Monnie is that he has been a long-time mentor to our President and CEO, Matthew Purkey.
“For more than a decade, Monnie has been a steady force in my journey”, shared Matthew. “He has witnessed my growth (and falls), spoken hard truths, and stood beside me through the highs and lows. He has shaped how I love my wife, how I raise my children, and how I lead with faith at the center. But more than anything, Monnie has consistently challenged me to step into my God-given destiny. He reminds me that the time is not someday, it’s now. Leaders like Monnie don’t just build organizations. They build people. They build futures. They build legacies. I am grateful for Monnie’s relationship, friendship, and unwavering commitment to calling others higher. My life, my family, and my leadership are better because of him.”
Monnie shared many attributes about Matthew that he respects and admires. “Matthew knows how to tell a more compelling story than the streets do. The streets are always calling – 24/7. Our youth need to be inspired to want something better for themselves and their future, and it begins with people who sincerely want that for our youth. Matthew is authentic in his approach with the youth, and they can feel that he cares,” shared Monnie.
The core of Josiah White’s mission is believing in healthy second chances; enlightening youth and families to new possibilities for their lives with every service provided. Mentors play such an important role in our lives, especially when we choose ones who reflect the kind of leader we strive to become. Matthew and Monnie share wisdom that can guide us all.
Monnie & Matthew’s Advice
“Live like you believe what you are preachin’,” Monnie offers his advice. “The enemy is good with distractions. Don’t let distractions prevent you from accomplishing your mission. If you remove the distractions in your life, you have more space to help make a difference in the lives of others. The enemy is really good at filling our time with mindless and unproductive stuff.”
Matthew picks up the thread and shares his own heartfelt advice. “The world needs to exist at the intersection of the attributes we bring to the table, and what breaks our heart. So, what are our natural strengths, and where does that intersect with what breaks our heart? For me, I feel like I have a natural inclination of leadership and influence, and it breaks my heart to see kids that have infinite potential with no opportunity. So, I am living at the intersection of where I need to be. Secondly, I would guide mentees to beware of those that speak of leadership strictly from a theory standpoint, with no application. The term leadership has been diluted so much, with so many talking heads that have never done what they preach.”
Stepping back from distractions and leaning into the space where your skills meet what breaks your heart is powerful wisdom for anyone called to mentor. Mentors like Monnie and Matthew remind us that when guidance flows from both strength and compassion, lives are truly changed.
