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Terrence Cummings
Terrence Cummings
00:49

Terrence Cummings

Guild

Costa Mesa, CA USA

"It matters to me as a human that people feel like they have the same opportunity as other people."

Career Roadmap

Terrence's work combines: Business, Education, and Upholding a Cause and Belief

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Day In The Life

Chief Opportunity Officer

I drive economic mobility for marginalized communities.

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Day In The Life Of A Chief Opportunity Officer

My Day to Day

I work to eliminate the wealth gap by empowering America's workforce. My day involves strategizing with employers like Walmart and Disney to enhance their talent and economic mobility. I lead a team of coaches who guide career transitions and connect individuals with necessary skills. I also consult internally to align efforts with our mission. Hearing success stories of people overcoming challenges and achieving excellence fuels my passion, making every day about creating equal opportunities.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Finance

    University of Colorado Boulder

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Growing up in an environment with scarce resources, I learned the importance of a strong foundation early on.

  • 2.

    At eight years old, I moved to live with my aunt who instilled in me the value of coaching through questions and critical thinking.

  • 3.

    Inspired by reading "The Intelligent Investor," I developed a passion for finance and understanding the power of capital.

  • 4.

    I faced financial obstacles in college, but a friend’s father co-signed a loan, allowing me to continue my education at the University of Colorado.

  • 5.

    While working at Red Robin, I met Jim Collins, a renowned business author, who offered me a job after frequent discussions about values and business.

  • 6.

    My journey took me to McKinsey & Company where I navigated the corporate world, thanks to mentorship and a backdoor opportunity.

  • 7.

    I experienced setbacks, including starting a company that put us in debt, but these challenges reinforced my resilience and strategic thinking.

  • 8.

    Now, as Chief Opportunity Officer at Guild, I focus on eliminating the wealth gap and driving economic mobility for marginalized communities.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I grew up in an abusive household, with financial struggles, and my dad was in jail. I had to figure out a way to circumvent the path that society seemed to already lay out for me.