Devoe Sherman and a Holistic Approach to Business

Devoe Sherman and a Holistic Approach to Business 11/5/23

If you are a part of the urban business scene in Cincinnati, Ohio, then more than likely you've heard the name Devoe Sherman. Sherman’s network and reach actually extend beyond urban communities and his mission is to build bridges for minorities by teaching them business structure. Sherman says he has a holistic approach to business which includes financial, social, emotional and health awareness. Sherman says his holistic approach has helped him stay strong in business.

Sherman started Sherman’s Consulting 8 years ago when he was 22 years old and since then he has been gaining recognition and awards for his service. A list of his nominations and recognitions can be found at About - Devoe Sheman​ (weebly.com) and as he continues to add them, this list may need to be updated.

Sherman got his start in business through politics. As Sherman says, politics and business actually go hand in hand. While he was studying Political Science at the University of Cincinnati and making his way through the political scene, an acquaintance referred him to what became his business mentor. Through that mentorship, Sherman says he gained the business knowledge he needed to empower himself as a businessman.

Sherman has tackled obstacles that many don't learn to overcome. Abuse and poverty for some are a life sentence. However, Sherman found the strength to find his way out of poverty, and now he says his work is to help other like-minded entrepreneurs find their way too.

Through his holistic approach and knowledge, Sherman is looking to give back and raise up urban communities. Some of his work has been free business workshops, credit mentorship and youth programs. He wants to inspire others to put their health and wellness at the forefront. He even has a podcast called “Wealth and Wellness”. He says he has seen too many loved ones perish away from lifestyle choices that took them away too soon. He says, “we must be holistically armed and ready to go at all times and on point”, which is why he stays away from fast food, practices yoga and meditates. He understands that the way you nourish your body will affect the way you nourish everything.

When I asked about his relationship status, Sherman said, “I’m single”. One of the questions he asks women is “do you want equality or equity”.  He says, “when a woman says equality, it's kind of a turn off” and I felt a strong emotional energy when he said this.

Although, I agree with Sherman, and I think it is noble. I think it is necessary to express why many women, especially African American women may initially think they desire “equality”. Culturally and generationally, women, especially African American women haven’t experienced equality. It is deep rooted in history and our DNA to think equality is enough. The idea of equity is leveling up. In order for a woman to say she desires equity, then she has had a mindset shift and equality has already been her norm.

Sherman has an equitable approach to relationships. As Sherman elaborated on why he feels this way it made complete sense. After all, relationships are like business, they are about growth, finances and communication and there should be a contract and an agreement.

Sherman says in business “you have to have a strategy” and I see that same idea recurring in how he views a relationship. He says he looks for how he can “pinpoint where you are, and help you get to where you need to get to… he’s looking for someone who can look at things from an equity lens”. As he is an all-around businessman, Sherman is looking for partnership.

He is focused on his health, wellness, finances and business(es). His holistic approach to business is his lifestyle.