"The old barriers have fallen; smart networking is now the key to staying ahead."
Kelvin Goode is a seasoned attorney and media executive with an impressive track record spanning over a decade. His journey began as a vital member of the founding team and label executive at G-Unit Records, the renowned record label of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
It was during this pivotal time that Kelvin gained firsthand insight into the glaring disparities in legal representation that artists and creators faced when navigating complex deals.
This eye-opening experience ignited Kelvin’s passion to establish ClaimsHero, a platform dedicated to leveling the playing field in the legal world.
After law school, Kelvin joined Weil Gotshal & Manges as a litigation associate, defending Fortune 500 companies against class action and antitrust claims. His dedication to justice led him to join Kyle at Roche Freedman focusing on plaintiff side class action work, advocating for those who needed it most.
Kelvin earned his Bachelor degree in business management from Pennsylvania College of Technology and his JD from Northwestern Law School.
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Table of Contents
Welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Kelvin Goode: I’m Kelvin Goode, and I proudly serve as the CEO of ClaimsHero, a groundbreaking consumer justice platform. My journey began in an unexpected place – as a label executive at Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson’s renowned record label, G-Unit Records. After a decade in the music industry, I decided to pursue my passion for law.
I earned my JD from Northwestern University, where I immersed myself in the intricacies of the legal system. Following my graduation, I honed my legal skills at a prestigious New York law firm.
Specializing in anti-trust and class action defense for Fortune 500 companies, I gained invaluable experience at the highest levels of legal practice. However, my perspective shifted when I transitioned to a plaintiff firm, recognizing a glaring gap in the market for a platform that empowered individuals to assert their legal rights against tech giants and claim the damages rightfully owed to them. And thus, ClaimsHero was born.
How has the significance of networking evolved over the past decades?
Kelvin Goode: Over the years, networking has changed a lot. When I started in entertainment, I quickly saw how vital it was for getting ahead. Later, when I switched to law, those same networking skills proved crucial.
Nowadays, with social media and digital marketing, it’s easier to get noticed. But that also means more competition. The old barriers are gone, so networking smartly is key to staying ahead.
Can you share a personal story where one networking interaction led to unexpected doors opening, and how it highlights the ripple effect of networking?
Jane Doe: Let me take you back to my early days of figuring out law school, feeling like I was diving into a whole new world. There I was, weighing my law school options, when this Northwestern alum called me and made a promise that if I chose Northwestern Law, he’d treat me to dinner during my first year.
Now, that dinner never happened, but fast forward to a networking event where I ran into him again. Jokingly, I brought up the missed dinner, teasing him about breach of contract. Little did I know, that moment would change everything.
That casual joke sparked a connection that turned into an unexpected mentorship. And when I eventually landed a job at a big law firm in New York, that same alum became a client. During one visit to the firm, he insisted I join a meeting, introducing me to some heavy hitters.
As a second-year associate, that move turned heads and opened doors to relationships with senior partners, leading to exciting opportunities and work on major cases.
What are some common networking mistakes people make, and how can they pivot to turn potential missteps into learning experiences?
Jane Doe: One common networking mistake I often see is people focusing solely on individuals they think can immediately offer them something. It’s what I call “selfish networking,” and trust me, it rarely pays off.
For me, it’s all about building genuine relationships with people I genuinely like. Those connections tend to be long-term and go beyond mere transactions.
But here’s the kicker: you never know where someone’s journey might take them. Take, for instance, a guy I met when he was just starting out as a rapper. No one could’ve guessed he’d become the mogul we know today as 50 Cent.
When I first met him, he couldn’t offer much, if anything. But we established a genuine relationship based on mutual respect and shared interests. And you know what? He appreciated the fact that I believed in him before the success came and that mutual trust opened countless doors of opportunity for me.
How do you see the future of networking evolving with the rise of AI, VR, and other technologies?
Kelvin Goode: With the advent of AI, VR, and other cutting-edge technologies, I foresee a shift in the dynamics of networking. While AI may streamline tasks like drafting correspondence and managing communication, it can’t replicate the personal touch that forms lasting memories and fosters enjoyable working relationships.
As automation becomes more prevalent, the human element becomes increasingly precious. That’s why prioritizing and nurturing authentic connections is paramount.
The relationships I cherish most are those cultivated without immediate expectations. These connections, built on trust and mutual respect, often prove invaluable in unexpected ways. Even as technology advances, these genuine bonds remain the bedrock of successful networking.
In my experience, when opportunities arise that align with someone’s strengths and interests, I naturally think of those authentic connections first. As we navigate the evolving landscape of networking, investing in genuine relationships will continue to be the cornerstone of professional success.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Kelvin Goode for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Kelvin Goode or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
