Jumpmaster Profile
Mark L. Goldsmith, CEO Get Out, Stay Out (GOSO)
Mark Goldsmith is an 80-year-old entrepreneur with a mission. After achieving a high level of success as an advertising executive, Mark employed the same entrepreneurial thinking that enabled his success in advertising on a mission to help transform the lives of young boys and men who had been entangled in the New York City criminal justice system. After spending time counseling young men who were incarcerated at Rikers Island, Mark founded GOSO (Get, Out, Stay Out) in 2003. GOSO is dedicated to helping young men coming out of prison integrate into society and get jobs. With a team of 15 people (as well as a Board of Directors and an Advisory Board), he has developed all aspects of GOSO programming, including coaching, lecturing, and teaching of life skills strategies that focus on post-incarceration education and employment.
Over the past 14 years, GOSO partners have provided employment for over 3000 people. The organization is one of the most effective re-entry programs in the country for justice-involved 16 to 24-year-old men. Fewer than 10% of GOSO participants return to jail, as compared to a national average of 67% for the age group.
In my short interview with Mark, his commitment, mission and focus are undeniable. He realized that there was no reason to wait until kids get released to help them. “They are sitting in jail with literally nothing to do…I represented something unique to young men struggling in the criminal justice system - a real businessman who had achieved a level of success willing to talk to them about their future…I was a symbol of someone they never thought they would even talk to.”
What inspires Mark to go to work every day: “A drive to be successful and motivate others…the concept of collaboration and growth and being able to see the rewards of that...I take a great deal of pride in that and bringing young people along.”
What’s his secret advice to others? “More than anything else, you probably don’t know anyone who works harder than I do. I take great pleasure of seeing the results. Grit and resilience is huge – never giving up. Ever. When things go well, anybody can be a hero. It’s when the s*#t hits the fan…that’s when you really get tested.”
How has his approach changed for the better over the year? “I’ve learned to listen a little more. I think I’ve learned to listen much better and I find that most of my creative ideas come from women rather than men.”
What advice would he give to his younger self? “Take education more seriously at an earlier age.”
Mark’s thoughts lay at the foundation of Entrepreneurial Thinking. If you want make big Jumps in life, hearing Mark talk about his is a good place to start.
To listen to the full interview click below.
