The Power and Potential of Grace

By Dr. Robert L. Wallace

Six months. 900 guests. 300 staff. One ship. One journey that fundamentally changed how I think, what I believe about the world and myself, and how I want to live out my last days on earth.

My recent trip around the world was not just research for my upcoming book, Global Entrepreneurship—it was an odyssey of self-discovery. And in the first week, I had an experience that set the tone for the entire journey.

One morning, I went to the ship’s gym to start my cardio workout. I took a treadmill between two elderly white women who seemed pleasant enough. As we exchanged greetings, our small talk quickly turned into a barrage of questions directed at me. “Who are you? How did you get on this trip? What do you do for a living?” The questions seemed innocent until they weren’t. Then came the two that hit me like a punch to the gut:

“Are you a professional athlete? Are you part of the entertainment group?”

I felt my blood pressure rise. Out of 900 guests, my wife and I were the only African Americans on that ship, and now here I was being reduced to a stereotype. I replied, “No, I am a tech entrepreneur who owns multiple businesses.” I finished my workout, returned to my cabin, and told my wife, “We’re getting off at the next Port of Call, and I’m demanding a refund.”

But later that evening, as I sat on the deck watching the waves, I reflected. What if these women weren’t racist? What if they simply didn’t know any better? What if their experiences had been so limited that they had no reference point for someone like me?

Instead of reacting with anger, I chose grace. I chose to assume the best, to engage rather than retreat. The next day, I saw the same two women. This time, they greeted me with excitement. “Oh, we didn’t know we were talking to someone famous!” They had gone back to their rooms, googled me, and were now fascinated by my life’s work. As we talked further, they confessed they lived in gated communities with no diversity. And at that moment, I thought, Aha. This explains it.

Every day, we all have interactions with people who are different from us. Often, things are said or done that, on the surface, seem offensive, racist, sexist, or just plain ignorant. The question is: How do we respond?

The Definition of Grace

Grace is the ability to extend understanding, patience, and compassion—even when it is not earned. It is choosing to assume positive intent, to educate rather than condemn, and to seek connection rather than conflict. Grace does not mean tolerating injustice or excusing ignorance. It means creating space for growth, dialogue, and transformation.

Entrepreneurs Who Used Grace to Build Success

1. Oprah Winfrey – Despite facing discrimination and skepticism early in her career, Oprah did not respond with bitterness. Instead, she used grace to forge relationships, build bridges, and turn adversaries into allies, ultimately creating a global media empire.
2. Howard Schultz (Starbucks) – When Starbucks faced backlash over racial bias incidents in its stores, Schultz responded not with defensiveness, but with grace. He initiated company-wide racial bias training and open discussions, using the controversy as an opportunity for growth.
3. Magic Johnson – Transitioning from basketball to business, Magic encountered boardrooms where he was underestimated. Instead of responding with resentment, he approached skeptics with grace, proving his acumen and opening doors for other Black entrepreneurs in corporate America.

If I Were You, I Would…

If you are an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone trying to navigate life’s challenges, consider these three ways to harness the power and potential of grace:

1. Assume Positive Intent – Not everyone who says something ignorant is malicious. Many people have simply never been exposed to perspectives outside their own. Before reacting, ask yourself: Is this an opportunity to educate?
2. Use Grace as a Business Strategy – Customers, employees, and even competitors will sometimes frustrate you. How you respond can shape your brand and legacy. Extend grace, and you may turn a critic into a lifelong supporter.
3. Turn Offense into Opportunity – When you experience bias or microaggressions, you can use it as fuel to disengage—or as a chance to enlighten and build connections that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.

Grace is not weakness. It is a strategic tool. It opens doors, changes hearts, and transforms the world. So, the next time you encounter ignorance, ask yourself: Will I react with anger? Or will I respond with grace?

The choice is yours.