In a powerful episode of Leadership Unlocked, host Dr. George Lockhart interviewed Bobby Powell Jr., the County Commissioner for Palm Beach County. A proud Riviera Beach native, Powell shared how his experiences as a student-athlete and his mother's legacy shaped his disciplined approach to public service and political leadership.

From Riviera Beach to the State Senate: A Life of Discipline

Commissioner Powell, who is the only person to grow up in Riviera Beach and serve as a State Representative, State Senator, and County Commissioner, credits his foundational discipline to his years as a student-athlete.

The Athlete's Mindset: In high school, Powell played football (defensive end/tackle) and ran track (400m, 4x4, triple jump, long jump). At FAMU, he walked onto the track and field team and, after being asked if he could pole vault, famously responded, "I can do anything if somebody will teach me." This adaptability earned him an athletic scholarship, in addition to an academic scholarship, proving that grades are paramount for student-athletes.
The Winning Philosophy: Powell sees life as a team sport, learning that he doesn't need to be everyone's friend, but he must "root for everybody to win." He firmly believes there is no benefit in rooting for others to lose, as "if you constantly root for someone to be losing, then innately, inherently, internally, you must be a loser." His focus is always on winning and bringing others along.

The Legacy of Service and Fortitude

Powell's commitment to service and his profound resilience are rooted in his family.

Learning to Push Through: His mother passed away when he was just 19 years old and a student at FAMU. Powell spoke poignantly about feeling a door had been opened that could never be closed, but her words—"You're going to be all right. We going to be all right"—gave him the strength to push through, rather than trying to "bounce back."
Mentorship and Confidence: He was profoundly influenced by Dr. James Barge, a relative and former professor who instilled in him a powerful sense of self-belief. When Powell asked Dr. Barge if he could have been the president of FAMU, Dr. Barge replied, "Absolutely." This confidence, along with Dr. Barge's mantra, "A life of service is a life that counts," became a guiding principle. Powell asserts that selflessness is key, because "when you serve others, God will take care of you."
Wisdom from Elders: He emphasizes that young leaders must always seek out the wisdom of those who have lived longer, recognizing that "people who've walked on this earth longer than us have been places we haven't been."

Urban Planning and the Housing Crisis

As the only current urban planner on the County Commission (and the first in the State Legislature and Senate), Powell brings a unique lens to managing Palm Beach County's massive growth.

Urban Planning Expertise: Powell is AICP certified and specializes in land development and government approvals, using his expertise to "really understand the language and understand the backside" of zoning hearings and development projects.
Addressing Growth and Housing: Palm Beach County's population is projected to grow by roughly 260,000 people by the year 2030, reaching about 1.75–1.8 million residents. Powell is focusing on two critical issues:
1. Transportation: Working on a countywide transportation master plan with all 39 municipalities to ensure a smooth network.
2. Housing Affordability: He is focused on strategies to help people who are already in Palm Beach County afford to live there. He notes that the average rent for a two-bedroom is over $2,000, making it nearly impossible for young professionals (like a teacher making $55,000–$60,000) to save for a home.
Financial Strategies for Youth: Powell offers specific advice for young people ages 18–22 trying to build wealth:
- Utilize Social Capital: Use family members (like he did with his father) to temporarily save money. The caveat: "Don't be a bad guest," help with bills, and don't overstay your welcome.
- Group Economics: Consider living with a group of friends with a "commitment to do what we have to do, live together, stack our cheese, and then be able to separate." This requires discipline to avoid self-sabotage over perceived unequal contributions.
- Seek Additional Income: Teachers, in particular, should use their skills to offer tutoring on weekends, which people will pay "good money" for to ensure their child's success.

The New Political Landscape

Powell noted that the political landscape for Black elected officials in Palm Beach County has shifted from one that was primarily older and women-dominated (like Priscilla Taylor and Addie Green) to one that is younger and more diverse.

Today, the Palm Beach County Caucus of Black Elected Officials has 45 members who are actively working together and recently gave out $77,000 in scholarships in one year.
The age of leadership has dropped, with many officials now in their 30s and 40s (such as State Attorney Alexia Cox). Powell's entry into the scene at age 30 challenged the old notion that one must wait until retirement to run for office.

Key to Success

Powell closed the conversation by sharing his personal code for success, reminding listeners of the words of Black Enterprise founder, Earl Graves:

Live by the concept of Kanai (constant and never-ending improvement). Be strong, work, be consistent, dedicated, dependable, and disciplined. Reading books is an invaluable act of continual learning... A self-education, an eye for opportunity, and the ability to innovate is quite simply the universal law for lasting success and wealth.

Watch the Full Episode