When Dr. Michael V. Roberts speaks, he doesn’t simply drop gems — he drops generational blueprints.
The St. Louis-born enterprise titan has constructed an empire of greater than 100 corporations spanning actual property, media, aviation and tech. He’s taken corporations public and flown his personal jet into conversations the place Black wealth and possession have traditionally been locked out. However maybe his most priceless legacy? His 4 youngsters — all practising attorneys — who embody his perception that Black excellence should be constructed on values, mind and neighborhood engagement, not simply capital.
As we honor fathers this month, rolling out spotlights Dr. Roberts‘ philosophy on fatherhood, schooling, entrepreneurship and what it actually takes to construct a legacy our kids can reside by, not simply inherit.
Lead with love — and the legislation
“Fatherhood is about unconditional love, self-discipline, empathy and respect,” Dr. Roberts says. “You need to lead by instance.” His youngsters noticed their father not solely function an elected official but in addition serve the neighborhood by enterprise. Giving again wasn’t an afterthought — it was the household customary.
His ardour for schooling — particularly authorized schooling — is unapologetic. Whereas he didn’t pressure his children to develop into legal professionals, he knew a authorized thoughts is a strong one. “Legislation faculty teaches you to assume analytically,” he explains. “You study to see liabilities, tax implications and threat. That’s the way you keep two steps forward in enterprise.”
In a society that usually measures success in fast hits and superstar moments, Dr. Roberts stands agency: “For us, credentials matter. You want a real schooling in your thoughts to navigate these rooms.”
Constructing enterprise minds early
Roberts’ youngsters didn’t simply watch him construct an empire — they have been a part of it. When he and his brother strategically divided their holdings to forestall future household battle, it was a calculated lesson in succession and trust-building.
Not too long ago, two of his youngsters have been gifted 25% possession in a newly acquired radio station — as a result of participation creates possession in each sense of the phrase.
“None of my children have ever had a job, similar to me,” Dr. Roberts says with a smile. As a substitute, they discovered by publicity: mergers, acquisitions, worldwide journey and dinner desk discussions about cryptocurrency and quantum computing. “I needed to push them into the world of cryptocurrency. That’s a part of creating sustainable wealth now.”
Sports activities, speech and talking up
For Roberts, sports activities are non-negotiable — not for the trophies however for the self-discipline, well being and psychological sharpness they foster. Public talking? Equally important. “You need to have the arrogance to articulate your place with out reservation,” he says. This mindset retains the Roberts household prepared for each the boardroom and the barbecue.
Publicity is a key worth Roberts drilled into his parenting playbook. From Martha’s Winery summers to international adventures, he made certain his youngsters noticed how large the world may very well be — and the way limitless their potential inside it.
Future-proofing Black schooling
An AI revolution is unfolding, and Dr. Roberts is aware of Black households can’t afford to lag behind. By means of his Roberts Innovation Group, he’s constructing Ok-12 and HBCU curricula in AI, cybersecurity, drone tech and esports.
“HBCUs can’t preserve instructing the identical curriculum from 125 years in the past,” he warns. “Our youngsters want levels in rising fields — that is survival.” Levels in Synthetic Intelligence and Machine Studying, Robotics Engineering, Information Science and Cybersecurity at the moment are among the many most in-demand applications globally — providing pathways to industries shaping tomorrow’s economic system. “We should put together our kids not solely to take part sooner or later,” Dr. Roberts says, “however to personal and lead inside it.”
Fatherhood in motion
For Dr. Roberts, success isn’t simply measured in {dollars}. It’s in moments like hooding every of his youngsters as they earned their legislation levels. It’s listening to their spouses converse proudly of the values he instilled. And it’s watching his grandchildren perceive that respect, schooling and entrepreneurship run deep of their household bloodline.
“Inheritance is a privilege — not a proper,” he usually reminds his youngsters. However he’s additionally made certain they’re outfitted to show that privilege into energy.
As he places it: “Dad did it proper. I constructed tons of of tens of millions from nothing — and gave my children the instruments to do much more.”
In a world the place so many search a fast playbook to success, Dr. Roberts provides a uncommon and timeless blueprint: construct with love, lead with imaginative and prescient and go away behind greater than wealth — go away behind knowledge.