Areas of Career Focus for Participants

We place an emphasis on non-performance based career opportunities, these areas include:

(Job Description Sources Wikipedia)

Structure

With a three-tier approach participants will follow a process leading them to there individual goals.

The Opening Act

Consisting of educational and informational platforms, youth participants will be exposed to leaders in entertainment through speaking, lecture series, seminars, and boot camps. Providing insight into “behind the scenes” career opportunities in the fields of music, sports, television, film, and fashion highlighting the subtle nature of the jobs not so obvious in the entertainment industry.

The Main Event

This process focuses on mentorship. By providing series participants with the knowledge to make informed career choices, we will invite professionals from different entertainment fields to share their journey to success.

Mentors will share career advice and direction as well as coach life skills. Topics will include the following:

  • Business/ Personal Etiquette
  • Résumé/CV Construction
  • Public Speaking
  • Dressing for Success
  • Personal Finance
  • Whole Life Wellness
  • Team Building
  • Philanthropy Opportunities

Post Production

We will focus on the maintenance of skills learned throughout the entire program, future networking, team building, and outreach of other potential participants. Our “each one, teach one” philosophy will be instilled and practiced in order to increase growth in all sectors moving forward.

About Our Founder

Behind and Beyond the Mic seeks to provide education and mentorship opportunities to young people interested in careers in the entertainment industry. Our organization was founded by Azim Rashid, a storied industry professional.

Azim Rashid
Azim Rashid

Azim Rashid is an entertainment executive, strategist, and marketing specialist who has spent his career alongside chart-topping artists, executives, cultural icons, and industry leaders at global brands, including Motown, Universal, Atlantic, Capitol, Roc Nation, and Columbia Records. As an entrepreneur, he serves as CEO of lifestyle clothing brand Alum Apparel and Founder of Behind and Beyond the Mic, his philanthropic foundation that fosters mentorship and coaching to up-and-coming entertainment executives.

A native son of Cleveland, Ohio, and a Texas transplant, his journey began with the Profile Records Rap group NEMESIS, which he co-founded in Dallas. His post-rap career led him into commercial radio, retail, and lifestyle promotion before forging into music and entertainment marketing, where he is best known for his input on the brand strategy for key clients that include Mary J. Blige, Sam Smith, NE-YO, Katy Perry, MIGOS, Sean "Diddy" Combs, T.I., Jaden Smith, Russ, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Raphael Saadiq, The Carters (Jay-Z and Beyonce), Lil Nas X, Lil TJay, Polo G, John Legend, Tyler The Creator, Chloe x Halle, Adele, and other legendary artists and influencers.A recognized graduate from The University of North Texas, Azim lends his time and resources to charitable and civic organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center, The Living Legends Foundation, and the National Museum of African American Music as well as an active voting member of The Recording Academy (The Grammy's), Music Business Association and the Project Management Institute.