Recognizing Black History Month: Featuring Lawrence A. James & Cameron Robinson

In celebration of Black History Month, the Chamber is proud to shine a light on Black leaders and trailblazers from our member companies who embody the strength, vitality, and growth of the Greater Philadelphia region.

This month, we recognize two of our CEO Access Network cohort members Lawrence A. James, President & CEO, Connexus Technology, LLC and Cameron Robinson, Owner, Colorspace Labs (we thankfully acknowledge the Wells Fargo Foundation for their dedication and investments in the CEO Access Network). We interviewed Lawrence and Cameron to learn more about their journey, accomplishments, and advice for the next generation of Black leaders.

How has your identity helped shape you into the leader you are today?

 Lawrence A. James, President & CEO, Connexus Technology, LLC

As I embarked on the journey of founding my first company and navigating the realms of business and technology in Philadelphia, I frequently found myself as the sole African American presence in various gatherings. Prior to delving into the specifics of my business, I often encountered initial skepticism from my audience, an indication that the concept of a young African American entrepreneur like myself was a rarity in these circles. This early phase of my career underscored the significance of forging paths for future generations, ensuring that upcoming young African American entrepreneurs are afforded immediate credibility and serious consideration upon their initial engagement.

My journey has profoundly illustrated the critical role my identity plays in my leadership approach. As an African American business leader, I’ve recognized the necessity of embodying the change I aspire to witness. This commitment not only shapes my leadership style but also reinforces my dedication to paving smoother paths for those who will follow, highlighting the indispensability of representation and equity in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

What do you consider to be the biggest contribution you have made to your community as a leader?

While I acknowledge that my journey is far from complete and I am merely at the beginning, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to mentor and offer internships to numerous high school students in Philadelphia, focusing on technology and entrepreneurship. By sharing the most significant lessons learned from my successes and failures in business, I aim to streamline their path to success and help them circumvent some of the obstacles I encountered along the way. Furthermore, I am honored that my company, Connexus, has been able to sponsor local basketball programs, offering support and coaching to countless young athletes across the region. I firmly believe that guiding young individuals to align their innate talents and aspirations with tangible opportunities for growth is tantamount to sowing the seeds for the future prosperity of our community.

Why do you believe that it is important to have more black representation at the intersection of technology, business, and community?

Enhancing black representation at the nexus of business, technology, and community is imperative for a myriad of reasons. Primarily, it broadens the horizon of possibilities for young black individuals, empowering them to envision themselves in roles of leadership and innovation. This visibility fosters a belief in limitless potential, reinforcing the idea that they possess the capacity to achieve any aspiration. As the architects of tomorrow, today’s youth are integral to shaping the future landscapes of our communities. With technology and business being pivotal forces in societal development, it is essential for young people to recognize and embrace their potential to influence the future. Ensuring diverse representation in these areas not only cultivates a sense of belonging and empowerment but also underscores the importance of their contributions to the ongoing narrative of progress and change.

How has your experience as a large partner in CEO Access Network shaped your view on the importance of mentorship for diverse entrepreneurs?

My involvement with the CEO Access Network has significantly transformed my perspective on the importance of mentorship for diverse entrepreneurs. My journey began years ago when Connexus was a “smaller business partner”, grappling with the challenge of accessing key industry decision makers—a critical factor in securing opportunities for business growth. As a small business partner within the network, I was fortunate to be introduced to pivotal figures whose endorsements led to new contracts, catalyzing the growth and expansion of Connexus Technology.

Now, having served as a “large partner” in the CEO Access Network for four years, I have embraced the opportunity to provide advice, support, and crucial introductions to the small business partners I collaborate with. This experience has crystallized my understanding that in both business and life, the adage “no man is an island” holds profound truth. The journey towards growth and success is rarely a solitary one; it necessitates the support and collaboration of others.

Mentorship, especially within such a network, emerges as a powerful tool to expedite the growth and advancement of diverse entrepreneurs. It not only facilitates individual business success but also contributes to the broader community’s prosperity. My experiences have underscored the vital role of mentorship in creating a supportive ecosystem where diverse voices are heard, nurtured, and empowered to reach their full potential.

How has your identity helped shape you into the leader you are today?

Cameron Robinson, Owner, ColorSpace Labs

In regards to me being a leader, my family helped shape my identity into the leader that I am today. My family comes from a long line of civil rights leaders and advocates, ranging from black panthers to political reformers. Hearing their stories and watching them lead gave me the impetus and framework to develop into the leader that I am today. More importantly, it was the direct impact of their actions within the community that helped pave the way for me, to this day. Learning from their examples, I work and aim to have the same impact.

What do you consider to be the biggest contribution you have made to your community as a leader?

At the moment I feel my biggest contribution is twofold. First, being able to create space for people in my community to be visually represented, but also being able to have a voice. I feel this is one of my biggest contributions because of where I am today, I’ve had the privilege to continue to push my community forward.

My other contribution is being able to show up for the up and coming generations. I’ve been able to take part in different programs that have allowed me to speak in front of grade schools to high schools and universities. I’ve also been able to take part in programs that have created avenues for some of these students to accomplish goals that they have set for themselves.

Growing up, I didn’t always have a role model or an example of someone who looks like me or identified as I do. Now, as I’ve become more established, I take every opportunity to not only speak about change that I want to see but also truly be about it. At this moment in time, I can be for someone what I needed when I was that age.

Why do you believe that it is important to have more black representation at the intersection of art, business, and community?

How many words do I have, cause this could be a whole dissertation. I think the better question is why isn’t it important?

I don’t believe, I know, that for too long there hasn’t been enough representation in the world of black and brown people, whether it be art, business, or community. Having a lack of representation leads to a lack of realization.

If you don’t represent black voices you don’t realize black poignant art like the film ‘Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia’. If you don’t represent black ingenuity, you don’t realize a community driven business like Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books. If you don’t represent a black community, you don’t realize the black and beautiful community that is a majority of Philadelphia.

I don’t believe that black representation is important, belief means ‘one feels sure of the truth’, this allows for doubt. For me there is no doubt, only certainty in the reality that black is beautiful, it’s time the rest of the world caught up.

How is your CEO Access Network experience preparing you to take the next steps in leadership?

The CEO Access Network is preparing me for the next step by helping me navigate what the next steps might be for establishing my future. Of course, there is a sense of what roads to take to get to where I’d like to be but this experience is also providing me with the knowledge and know-how for creating my own path forward.

As a business owner, this program is helping me develop my business prowess but also pushes to make sure that inclusion and diversity are being incorporated within businesses. Additionally, I’ve been able to connect with other business owners within the Network that’s leading to some exciting collaborations.

With this program, I’m developing a network of both established leaders as well as up and coming leaders who will usher our city into the future. At this moment the CEO Access Network is allowing me to be a part of this future and with that I’m learning the true value of making the most out of every opportunity.

However, most importantly, with this access and inclusion I’ve had, I have a chance to make room and bring up more and black and brown people in the community.