500 Pound Media

The 500 Pound Media dinner was nothing short of magical! We gathered with close friends and family to celebrate the release of Derrick Pledger's enlightening new book, "Your Brain Weighs 500 Pounds." The evening was filled with laughter, deep conversations, and an air of excitement as we delved into discussions about the fascinating insights Derrick shares in his book. The dinner table was a feast not just for our bodies but for our minds as well. As we savored each bite, we also savored the knowledge and the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones. This dinner marked the first of many as we step into the New Year, ready to embrace new learnings and experiences. A huge thank you to everyone who made this evening so special. Your support means the world. Here's to a year of growth, understanding, and many more gatherings like this one! #YourBrainWeighs500Pounds #BookRelease #DinnerParty #FamilyAndFriends #NewYearPrep #MindfulGatherings

Collaboration Over Consensus: The Fast Track to Success Too many people waste time waiting for everyone to agree before making a move. But high performers know that collaboration beats consensus—every time. On Procrastinators Pitstop, Derrick Pledger sat down with host Chris Abdey to break down how getting caught up in endless debates kills momentum. Instead of waiting for unanimous approval, focus on aligning with action-takers who bring value to the table. Want to break free from analysis paralysis? Derrick shares how strategic collaboration fuels progress, innovation, and results—without the bottlenecks. Success isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about moving forward with the right people. Listen now and learn how to ditch the delays, build strong partnerships, and make things happen! #500poundmedia

Currently attending the Tech Titans Talk Segment at Howard University.

Are You Avoiding Toxic Environments Avoid Toxic Environments: The Secret to Success If you’re looking to level up but want to stay close to what you know, the key isn’t just WHAT you do—it’s WHERE you do it. Derrick Pledger sat down with Your Brand Amplified host Anika Jackson to share the power of tuning into the right voices and setting clear goals. Success isn’t just about grinding harder—it’s about removing yourself from toxic environments that drain your energy and stunt your growth. Who do YOU listen to? Derrick dives into the environment that fuels his journey and help him focus on what truly matters. Your growth depends on your environment. If you’re ready to make a change while staying in your zone of expertise, it’s time to surround yourself with the right people, conversations, and opportunities. ??? Listen now to gain insights from Derrick’s game plan and start building YOUR path to success! #500poundmedia

Tech Titans Talk is Back – Powered by Maximus! One of MeccaTech’s premier events is returning for its second year—Tech Titans Talk, Powered by Maximus! This isn’t your typical panel. No fluff. Just real insights from top tech executives on what it truly takes to lead in today’s fast-evolving industry. ?? This Year’s Theme: Leading at the Speed of Change: Balancing Now & Next in Tech We’re breaking down how industry leaders drive innovation while managing legacy systems—and what it means for the future of tech. ?? Who should attend? ?? Undergrad, grad, and PhD students ?? Faculty & tech enthusiasts ?? Anyone serious about navigating the tech industry’s rapid shifts ????♂?Why you can’t miss this: ? Get insider knowledge from top executives ? Ask questions & gain direct insights ? Network with industry leaders & peers ? Stay for the exclusive networking reception ?? March 20, 2025 | 6 PM ?? In-Person ?? Live streamed Catch the livestream on @HowardUniversity’s YouTube channel. ?? Register now through the link: https://lnkd.in/eRpweVvD Big shoutout to @Maximus for making this conversation possible!

NEVER STOP PUSHING – LESSONS FROM TOP PODCASTS The fastest way to level up? Surround yourself with bigger conversations. Derrick Pledger sat down with Tim Lessons and asked a simple yet powerful question: “Who do you listen to? What are your goals?” The answer to that question can tell you everything about where someone is headed. If you’re not constantly feeding your mind, learning from top performers, and refining your vision, you’re standing still. And in today’s world, standing still means falling behind. If you’re looking to make a change—but stay within your industry—you don’t need to start from scratch. You need to level up your circle, your learning, and your execution. Who are YOU listening to? Drop a comments and share a podcast, book, or mentor that’s helped you push past your limits. #500poundmedia

**UPDATE: Can't attend in person? Livestream the event here: https://lnkd.in/eHRpqb3u We're proud to sponsor the annual Tech Titans Talk happening Thursday, March 20, from 6-7:00 p.m. Mark your calendars and join us at Howard University for this exclusive in-person event that brings together leading Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to discuss the balance between present challenges and future innovations in technology. Hear from expert panelists, including our own CDIO, Derrick Pledger MBA, PMP, CISSP, as they share their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Stick around after the event for an opportunity to network and connect with industry peers and leaders. Secure your spot: https://spr.ly/60480Vc44 #TechTitans #TechLeaders #Technology

MEET THE TEAM DRIVING IMPACT AT 500 POUND MEDIA! Success isn’t built alone—it takes a team of achievers, innovators, and leaders committed to making a real impact. At 500 Pound Media, we don’t just create content—we craft powerful narratives that shift mindsets, build brands, and fuel success. Derrick Pledger introduces the powerhouse behind 500 Pound Media—a team of visionaries who don’t just talk about making a difference, they execute on it. 1. Creators who challenge the norm. 2. Strategists who turn ideas into action. 3. Leaders who have mastered the pivot without starting over. If you’re looking to elevate, evolve, and expand while staying true to your expertise, these are the people you need to know. ?? Tag someone who needs to connect with us! And check out 500PoundMedia.com to see how we’re changing the game. #500poundmedia

CHOOSE DISCOMFORT – AVERAGE IS THE CLOSE RELATIVE OF COMFORT Most people don’t fail because they lack talent. They fail because they cling to comfort—the job they’ve always had, the skills they already know, the network they’ve never expanded. But here’s the truth: Average lives in comfort. The moment you get comfortable, you stop growing. And when you stop growing, you start settling. If you’re thinking about making a change—but staying within your field—good. You don’t need to start over. You need to level up. You need to stretch beyond what you already know. - Instead of looking for the easiest transition, look for the move that makes you slightly uncomfortable. - Instead of staying in a role that “feels safe,” step into one that forces you to grow - Instead of waiting for permission, bet on yourself. The difference between “staying in your field” and “staying stagnant” is how much discomfort you’re willing to embrace. Ready to make the leap? Drop a comment and lets connect. #500poundmedia

?? Congratulations, Derrick Pledger MBA, PMP, CISSP! ?? We are excited to announce that Derrick Pledger MBA, PMP, CISSP, EVP and CDIO at Maximus, has been named a 2025 Winner of the HMG Strategy Global Leadership Institute Awards! Join us in celebrating Derrick and his achievements at the HMG Washington D.C C-Level Technology Leadership Summit on April 22. Click here to register: https://lnkd.in/eq6uhbuS Let’s come together to honor Derrick and other remarkable leaders who are driving innovation and shaping the future. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and get inspired! #Awards #GLIA #Technology #AI #Cyber #EventsTech #HMGStrategy