We as a country are resilient, and if we survived and thrived in the past two years, we can survive and thrive in any scenario.
Is the American Dream still alive? If you speak to many of the immigrants we spoke to, who came to this country with nothing but grit, resilience, and a dream, they will tell you that it certainly is still alive.
As a part of our series about immigrant success stories, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nigel Smith of ZURENA.
Born and raised in humble beginnings in Trinidad & Tobago in the heart of the Caribbean, Nigel immigrated to the USA in his teenage years to join his Mom, not knowing what life would bring. His education began at Rockland Community College, then continued to Howard University and eventually to Stanford University where he earned his MBA. Along the way, he had a chance to work for some of the most admired companies in the world, perfecting his trade in strategy, innovation, and shaping disruptive startups for success. Now, as the CEO of Zurena, he is honoring his late grandpa by sharing his secret family recipe with the world.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
My life has been blessed. I was born into a family of love in East Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Each country and culture has its good and not-so-good elements. In Trinidad & Tobago, the good elements were powerful — rich diversity of religions, races and cultural backgrounds from Native Caribbean, Africa, India, China, Syria and other places that infused as one unique Trini culture. A culture of creativity and happiness, as reflected by a world famous carnival celebration each year. And for me, the village concept was also evident — from the extended family concept to the way we engaged with each other in multiple communities.
The not-so-good element from my lived experience was the classism that existed. We were poor, and lived in a misunderstood area with every possible bad reputation associated. That immediately limited pathways for growth in society. I lived in an apartment on the top story of a four story government complex — the proverbial projects — and there was a perpetual issue with the plumbing pressure and we never received running water in our apartment. I will never forget spending 2–3 hours every day in my early teenage years fetching 5-gallon buckets of water from a source behind our building. Going back and forth, many times in the dusk after school was over, climbing-up 52 stairs. Over and over and over.
In spite of this, the vast majority of early childhood days were happy memories. I remember painting our apartment every year for Christmas, to make sure we were bringing in a joyous season and new year on a fresh note. I remember getting the gifts on my wish list every year for my birthday and for Christmas — not sure how my Mom pulled it off. I remember groovy birthday parties. I recall my Mom challenging me in school, saying if I got good grades I would get to go to Tobago, and I earned my trips to Tobago many times as a result.
My Grandmother exemplified how to live life generously. She gave of herself to everyone; seems like everyday there were strangers in our home having lunch. When she died, she had $12 in her bank account; she gave everything to the world. My Auntie Lina wanted to travel the world, and in spite of being from the projects found a way to make it happen, showing me by example if there is a will there is a way. My thinking was influenced by Bob Marley, David Rudder and other Caribbean influencers. My friends from high school, who I remain so close with today, taught me authenticity and being true to myself.
What I ultimately took away from my lived experience is that we ALL can self-actualize, no matter our circumstance or where we’re from. Make no mistake, life was hard. I will never forget spending 3 hours each day getting buckets of water. I will never forget being a nerd in the projects, and being fearful so many times of venturing out even in my own neighborhood. But I will also never forget the happiness and love that made my life special, shaped my values, and set-up an amazing foundation for lifelong success.
Was there a particular trigger point that made you emigrate to the US? Can you tell us the story?
My Mom emigrated to the USA when I was 10 years old, and began the paperwork to have me join her. She wanted a better life for me, and from birth she sacrificed everything and gave everything to make my life a better one.
Trinidad & Tobago has a solid educational system. At age 11, all children are tested in the fundamentals and this determines where they are placed for the next few years for tertiary education. It’s a meritocracy, and instills significant discipline at an early age. I did well, and got into arguably one of the top schools in the country for what would be the equivalent of middle and high school in the states.
Right after I got into my top school choice, my paperwork came through for the USA. It was decided that I should stay in Trinidad for the next few years and attend St. Mary’s College, and be raised by my grandparents and Auntie Lina. In hindsight, this was one of the best decisions ever made. In these formative years, values and perspectives were shaped and lifelong friendships were made. When I came to the states afterwards to join my Mom, I came with a sense of life humility and academic confidence all rolled-up into one.
Can you tell us the story of how you came to the USA? What was that experience like?
Coming to the USA was a bundle of emotions.
There was hope and excitement. I was coming to the USA to start college; my Mom enrolled me in the honors program at Rockland Community College in Rockland County, NY. This was the beginning step of a bright future, right?
There was fear and nervousness. What if I do not fit in with Black Americans? With White Americans? Will folks understand my language? Would I have to speak American? What would small talk be? What will I do for money?
There was some confidence and self-centeredness. I am smart. I am cool. My friends taught me right.
My first few weeks were spent getting ready for school, getting acclimatized and catching-up with cousins in NY who were all far away in Brooklyn. I remember one of my cousins gave me some sage advice that stuck with me for many years. He said “Nigel, do not assume everyone who is giving you constructive feedback is a racist. Some may be, but you may lose some good opportunities to learn from those who are not.”
Starting at the community college was overwhelming. I did feel out of my league and unsure of how to fit in. What helped a lot was the small Caribbean community that existed on campus that embraced me with open arms and helped me get up to speed.
I remember taking PE and being the only Black kid in the class. Everyone fought for me as the first pick for a basketball scrimmage, and then were so confused when they realized not too long afterwards that I never played basketball in my life. I had to deal with snow, and cold, and more snow. I did get a job to earn some cash, and worked my butt off in school. My grades were awesome; one B and all As by the time I left the college after my first year.
Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped make the move more manageable? Can you share a story?
There were so many angels along the way who, for no reason or rationale or expectation of payback, helped me on my magical journey.
There was Junior B., a friend I met at Rockland Community College who took me under his wing, drove me around, adopted me like his little brother, introduced me to his family, and helped make a strange far away land like home. A fellow immigrant like me from Trinidad & Tobago, he made sure that I did not lose too much of myself in the transition to the USA.
There was also Reginald R. One evening near the completion of my first year at Rockland Community College I was working late in the performing arts department and was running late for my 9pm bus. I got there at 8:58pm. The bus driver and I made eye contact, yet he shut the door on me and drove off. Came to tears that night as it was cold and raining, I was hungry, I had homework to do and the next bus was almost 90 minutes away. I looked up and saw a sign — College Recruitment Fair in the auditorium, 5–9pm. I had nothing to do at that point but kill time. So I went down. Colleges were breaking down booths when I saw the Mecca, Howard University. I went over and the admissions rep, Reginald, spoke to me. He could have broken down his booth or shut the door as the bus driver did. Instead, he asked me about my grades and why I was in school so late, and lo and behold 3 months later I was at Howard University on a tuition scholarship.
I can go on and on about others from Rockland Community College, Howard University, and just about every organization I have worked with who took me under their wing, invested personal and political capital in me, all with just an expectation that I will one day pay it forward.
So how are things going today?
It is officially 30 years since I immigrated to the USA. In that time, a lot has been accomplished. I became a naturalized citizen of the United States. I graduated from Howard University (BBA) as valedictorian and Stanford Graduate School of Business (MBA). I have worked at some of the most admired companies in the world, including McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, Visa USA, KPMG and AARP. I have presented to the United Nations and Brussels Forum, became a published author, spoke at conferences and have been featured on countless podcasts. I sit on international boards, and volunteer my time on initiatives aligned with my life purpose of uplifting “Davids in a land of Goliaths.” And in the past year, I have become a full-time CEO, sharing my family’s secret beverage recipe with the world.
That all said, the most important element of my day — my why — is family. The highlights of my day are the times I spend driving my daughters to school or after school activities. Where we get to speak about school, or life, or I play some of my favorite songs and they always roll their eyes. My wife and I celebrate 20 years of marriage this year. I have spent quality time with my Mom since the pandemic began and we go swimming together 4 days a week.
The American Dream for me is less rooted in material or financial success, but more so the life balance that I am blessed to enjoy today. Being an entrepreneur, spending quality time with my family, exercising, sleeping and squeezing in some me time whenever possible.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
Professionally, I spent almost 15 years at AARP, a non-profit focused on helping everyone in society live with dignity and purpose as they age. During my tenure, I held strategy and innovation roles that impacted the lives of millions of people. It was at AARP that I became a pioneer in the age-tech industry, seeking ways of discovering and scaling disruptive technology to address the health and other needs of individuals in the second half of life.
As a board member, I have been instrumental in bringing knowledge and know-how to the table to guide the work that we do in delivering on our mission and in our corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Within my startup, we pride ourselves with living the principles of inclusive capitalism and being a mission-driven organization. We lead virtual and in-community activations to create blueprints for how people can elevate self-discovery, self-celebration and connection to others.
Personally, I am a very private individual. I have forced myself in the past few years to get my story into the world to serve as a role model to others like me. My modus operandi has always been to speak to that one individual who may be going through a similar journey who needs that inspiration.
You have first hand experience with the US immigration system. If you had the power, which three things would you suggest to improve the system?
When I immigrated to the USA 30 years ago, the process was fairly streamlined. I could have been here within 1–2 years of my Mom migrating to the USA and filing for me. After arrival, the naturalization process was fairly straightforward.
What has emerged in recent years has been harrowing images of the borders with asylum seekers, and the emergence of a partisan issue. My wish would simply be:
- Embrace diversity in all forms.
- Protect the sanctity of families.
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Can you share “5 keys to achieving the American dream” that others can learn from you? Please share a story or example for each.
The first is defining what the American dream means for me. I remember doing a focus group several years ago with a priest who administered last rights, and he shared that never on a death bed did anyone ever wish that they had more money. They always wished that they spent more time with family, nurtured better relationships with friends, or traveled more. The American dream is an individual measure of life success and does not have to be a measure of financial wealth. For me, today, the American dream is all about balance. I, first and foremost, want to be a good Dad and continue to shape the values of my daughters so that they can be happy and make good life decisions. Family as a whole is important to me, whether it is being a supportive, loving and faithful husband or a son who takes care of a Mom who has cared for me her entire life. I want to be healthy for as long as I can be — physically, mentally and emotionally — and have a great quality of life for as long as I can. I want to be a successful entrepreneur, share my secret family recipe with the world, and be that next big story. I want to have an impact in my world, and in the communities that have impacted me. And I want to have fun; to “work hard, play harder.”
Now that I have defined what the American dream means for me, the next key is knowing that I have control over my destiny. I make time for each area in my life, whether it is time with my girls or time to exercise. I have to be smart, and many times combine those elements (e.g. I go swimming with my Mom 4 days a week, allowing me to get exercise, have fun, and also have some family time with her). I am extraordinarily protective of my time given the opportunity costs, making sure that every single minute of every single day is accounted for.
Key number 3 is to have a support system. Accountability buddies are great. I have taken advantage of diet & nutrition coaching offered through my health plan. I have belonged to a Stanford DC entrepreneurship support group for years. My wife and I are great partners when it comes to parenting our girls. Whatever it takes.
Key number 4 is to be gentle with myself. We will never get it perfect. But by identifying our American dream, having a plan of action and having support systems, we are well on our way. As someone famous once said, “shoot for the moon, and if you miss you will be among the stars.” In my case, I know that my daughters think I’m weird. But they love me and know that I love them. And I show up for every moment that matters — big or small. My start-up is going through the roller-coaster ride, but I am loving the journey as much as the destination I hope we get to. My weight tends to yo-yo, but overall I see a downward trend toward where I need it to be. I can go on; but the key is that I don’t ever seek perfection. I seek to become better and better and better every single time.
Finally, throughout life, we have moments of pause. We tend to go and go and go until something causes us to stop, like a death of a loved one, or a major illness, or going back to school, or the birth of a child. These life events can be positive or negative. During these moments, give yourself the space to re-evaluate priorities and determine whether a course correction is warranted for our American dream. For me, the birth of my first child was a signal for me to play it safe career wise. I pursued a career in a social-impact organization with decent hours and minimal travel, and spent over a decade there which enabled me to watch my two children grow and blossom. Turning 45 put me on a different trajectory — one of “if not now, when?” and I am finally on the entrepreneurial journey.
We know that the US needs improvement. But are there 3 things that make you optimistic about the US’s future?
The technology revolution is underway. AI, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, AR, VR, blockchain, IoT are just a few of the plethora of disruptive technologies that will make the lives of our children different and potentially better than ours. In many instances, the USA is on the leading charge of the technological race, which means that we can shape how these technologies are used and adopted.
Diversity continues to evolve in a rapid way. Not just racial diversity, but diversity in all facets. US organizations have embraced the power of diversity as a source of innovation, and they also recognize the need for diverse staff and suppliers to better serve an increasingly diverse customer base.
Finally, resiliency. Over the past two years, we witnessed a global pandemic, ecological disasters, political upheavals, and in the northeast USA — cicadas. Yet in spite of this, our financial markets maintained an overall upward trend. We as a country are resilient, and if we survived and thrived in the past two years, we can survive and thrive in any scenario.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Stevie Wonder is a living legend. He has graced the world with his music for decades, and has been a role model for authenticity and philanthropy. He has demonstrated through his life example that even with a lack of eyesight, one can self-actualize, impact the lives of millions, and truly inspire. I would love for Stevie Wonder to taste Zurena, to shake his hand and to say thank you for touching multiple generations of Smiths from my grandparents to my kids.
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