As a member of Detroit’s inaugural cohort, Basheer Tate joined The Hidden Genius Project with a passion for entrepreneurship and a knack for finance that quickly set him apart. During the program, he refined his business venture, Funding Monday, while building deep connections within a supportive brotherhood. Known among his peers as “the Genius versed in financial literacy,” Basheer not only gained invaluable skills but also found a platform to expand his horizons—traveling as a Youth Educator to support Geniuses in Baltimore, connecting with fellow Genius Alum in Los Angeles, and facilitating workshops at our Tech Slam UK 2024 program in London.
How have you been?
Life is overall going well. I’m just trying to continue the momentum in a positive direction. I’m trying to figure out what I need to do to make my existing business & some future business ideas as successful as possible. Especially getting valuable connections. My current business is called Funding Monday, which is a business management label.
How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?
Originally it was my mother who wanted me to join The Hidden Genius Project and I never asked her how she found it. I think it was through Facebook. Before joining, I thought the 15 months would be a big commitment. However, once I joined I became impatient and kept wanting to learn more, especially about entrepreneurship. Technology wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed the business track. Because I loved entrepreneurship so much, I became known as the Genius who was versed in financial literacy, so everyone would come to me with financial questions.
What was your experience in the program like?
Detroit’s first cohort had a lot of different unique experiences, as the Detroit site was new and there were a lot of changes happening rapidly. Thankfully, through all of that, we knew that no matter what we had each other. Having each other was extremely valuable, especially when you consider the fact that we come from different backgrounds. I made sure I showed up every day and engaged in the learning. One thing I enjoyed about The Hidden Genius Project was that I felt as if everything else had gone wrong or didn’t work out for me, I would have somebody who was within my reach and willing to help me with whatever I needed.
Describe the website you designed during your time in the Immersion Program.
I made a website for my business Funding Monday, which was a great learning experience. This website highlighted my business goals, objectives, and overall purpose. Funding Monday is a business management label that helps up-and-coming entrepreneurs get their feet off the ground. It is similar to a record label, where I help businesses with their marketing and management. I also give them a money advance upfront.
How is The Hidden Genius Project different from other mentorship or training experiences you’ve been involved in?
I think The Hidden Genius Project offers a wide variety of different things, but the most important thing is brotherhood. I couldn’t stand school and for that reason, I never engaged in school or was interested in other mentorship programs. I think the brotherhood aspect makes the program unique, and it’s a great thing to be a part of because of the sense of togetherness.
What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you?
In The Hidden Genius Project, I learned many things throughout the program but the most important thing I really learned was execution. That was, trying to execute the information I already had coming into the program, figuring out how to put whatever was in my mind into a website, and continuously practicing properly communicating whatever was in my mind to my educator. I also challenged myself to try to stick with the timelines and plans I had in my mind.
What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level from participating in The Hidden Genius Project?
On a personal level, I learned a lot about brotherhood and community. Because I grew up as an only child, I never had an idea of what being around peers looked like, besides in public school. I still talk to everyone that I was in DET1. I even talk to some of my brothers regularly, like multiple times a week. Other people I will catch up with only once in a while but when we talk it never feels strained or awkward. I don’t know who did the recruiting for DET1, but the group that was selected was a really great group. Everyone was easy to talk to, everyone clicked together really well, and it’s easy to stay connected to them today.
If I hadn’t participated in The Hidden Genius Project, my life would likely be drastically different—so much so that it’s hard to imagine what it might have looked like. I probably would’ve faced more criticism and backlash for not showing consistency, independence, leadership, or initiative. Family and friends might have been quick to point out what I should be doing, while I struggled to put in the effort to make those things happen. This experience truly changed that trajectory.
At my core, I am the same person as I was before I joined The Hidden Genius Project. However, many aspects of who I am have improved. I’ve grown to be more willing, more capable, and more open to taking on new challenges. The foundation of who I am remains the same, but I’ve become a better version of myself in many ways.
In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program?
Well, as of right now, I am a Youth Educator. Even if I’m not officially working, I still attend programming just to positively contribute the best I can. This year, I got to be a Youth Educator in the UK. This was my first experience outside of the United States, and I don’t think I would’ve had that opportunity without The Hidden Genius Project. In fact, the first time I ever flew on a plane was this year with The Hidden Genius Project. I was selected to be a Youth Educator for Tech Slam Baltimore. It’s hard to put into words how it feels to have opportunities like these.
In what ways has the staff of The Hidden Genius Project continued to support you since graduating from the program?
In May, I got to attend the Genius 4 Life Summit [The Hidden Genius Project’s inaugural convening of Genius Alumni from across all cohorts] in Los Angeles. It was an amazing experience and I am excited for the next one. I’ve already started saving money for the next trip so I can treat myself to room service. I hope The Hidden Genius Project has more opportunities like that in the future. It was cool meeting and linking up with a lot of the Alumni. I got to actually speak face-to-face to a lot of the people I have only seen on the computer, and it was nice to meet some of the older Geniuses who have acted as mentors.
If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say?
If I could go back and say anything to myself before applying, I wouldn’t say a word. Some things are best left to experience, and The Hidden Genius Project is one of them. The journey I’ve been on and the lessons I’ve learned speak louder than any words ever could. Experience truly is the best teacher, and this one needs no introduction—it reveals its value in its own time.
What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses?
Success looks different for everyone; never feel pressured to conform to others’ standards. Think outside the box. The system we live in has failed so many people of color, people with learning disabilities, low-income families, and unfortunately… our youth. Work to not only improve it but to create a new system that will be better for everyone. However, that starts one step at a time. The first thing you should consider doing is joining a brotherhood and positively contributing to a movement like The Hidden Genius Project.
Since 2012, nearly 11,400 students have revealed their genius through our Immersion, Catalyst, and Community Partner Programs, and so many more are waiting to shine.
HELP NEW GENIUSES STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT.
Click HERE to make a donation to The Hidden Genius Project.