Forty under 40 Q&A: Donald Chube

Author Profile Image
Sign up for the free Daily Report email – local news about the people, companies and issues that impact business impact business in Baton Rouge and beyond.

Donald R. Chube Jr., 38

Community Relations-Sponsorship Activities, Louisiana Lottery Corporation

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Creating and implementing Louisiana Lottery’s first corporate wellness program, “Winning with Wellness.”
  • Member of the 2017 Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program.
  • Selection as a 2018 Forty Under 40 honoree.

COMMUNITY:

Serves on the board of directors for Volunteers In Public School and New Venture Theatre, as well as on the advisory council for Dream Teachers; also an active member of Big Buddy Program, Baton Rouge Leadership Alumni and Forum 35.

Advertisement

WHAT IS YOUR BIRTHDATE?

January 28, 1980

NAME ONE BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU PROFESSIONALLY

I must name two books. First is “Letters to a Young Brother: Manifest Your Destiny” by Hill Harper and the second is “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.  Both are GREAT reads.

WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

Excelling as a child athlete I had my share of injuries that resulted in me wanting to become Physical Therapist.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, HOW OLD WERE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?

My first job was at 17 years old working in the shoe department of Mervyn’s in Cortana Mall.  I learned that I never wanted to work in a shoe department nor retail ever again.

WHAT IS THE STRANGEST JOB YOU’VE EVER HAD?

I am a Licensed Massage Therapy part-time and some would think massaging strangers can be pretty strange.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH IN BATON ROUGE, AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH THERE?

Bistro Byronz would be my place of choice and you must get the Back of the Stove Chicken.

Forty under 40WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?

My greatest achievement is balancing working two jobs, still making time to contribute to the community and spending time with family and friends.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST FULFILLING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I haven’t had that moment as of yet, so I’ll stay steadfast and prepare myself for when it comes.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL “AHA” MOMENT?

Learning how emotional intelligence and office politics play a vital role in leadership capability.   

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THE HARD WAY?

I have learned that I can’t do every single thing by myself and to delegate tasks to others.

WHAT GIVES YOU PROFESSIONAL INSPIRATION?

Having “Champions” in my corner that push me to be the best of my potential and beyond.

WHAT IS THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN FROM A COLLEAGUE OR BOSS?

I was told once that my smile and personality will open many doors.

ARE YOU ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA? IF SO, ON WHICH PLATFORMS ARE YOU MOST ACTIVE?

I am active on social media.  My platforms of choice are Instagram and Facebook.

HOW MANY TEXTS DO YOU SEND ON AN AVERAGE DAY? HOW MANY EMAILS?

I send approximately 50 – 75 text messages on an average day and about 30 – 40 emails a day.

HOW LOW WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR REMAINING PHONE OR COMPUTER BATTERY LIFE GET (IN %) BEFORE YOU HAVE AN ANXIETY ATTACK?

70%. Yeah, I’m that guy.  I see my phone battery life as my own life line and I keep it close to fully charged at all times.

HOW MANY UNREAD MESSAGES ARE IN YOUR INBOX RIGHT NOW?

Zero. I try my best to read messages promptly even though I may not respond back as fast.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE APP AT THE MOMENT?

Pandora.  I love music and need it to get through life.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE PAST DECADE?

DVR. Having the ability record multiple TV shows at the same time and to fast forward through commercials is awesome.  

WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO YOU WISH WAS NEVER INVENTED?

Social Media, because I’m addicted.

WHAT TIME DO YOU GET UP ON WORKDAY MORNINGS?

Somewhere around 6:30 a.m.– 6:45 a.m.

BREAKFAST AT HOME? BREAKFAST ON THE GO? BREAKFAST AT YOUR DESK? NO BREAKFAST AT ALL?

It’s either breakfast at the desk or no breakfast at all.

THE SAYING GOES: “BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.” SPECIFICALLY, WHAT ARE YOU “BEING” TO MAKE BATON ROUGE BETTER?

I’m passionate about community service and donating my time and stills set to help foster positive examples for our youth.

WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE “GROWN UP”?

When reoccurring bills started to come every month with my name on them.

WHAT WAS THE BEST VACATION YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN?

I haven’t taken it yet.  Although, Puerto Rico for my cousin’s 30th birthday celebration comes in a close second. 

FAVORITE GIFT YOU WERE GIVEN AS A CHILD?

My parents brought me a Sigma Bicycle for my 7th birthday.  It was grey with white wheels.  I thought I was “The Man” in my neighborhood riding it.

WHICH TALENT OR SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE AND WHY?

I would love to have the superpower of teleportation.  I would teleport to different places all over the world with just the blink of an eye.

WHAT’S A NICKNAME YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE FOR YOU?

Taco.

WHAT ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS ABOUT?

Karma! I am a strong believer that what goes around comes around.

WHO FASCINATES YOU?

People with an infectious laugh and a lust for life who live in their truth. 

WHICH FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?

Marvel’s Black Panther.

FAVORITE DRINK?

Barq’s Rootbeer, because it has bite!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND OR SONG?

I love all kinds of music especially 90’s R&B, but lately I have really been into the band Tank & The Bangas from New Orleans.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

I don’t have a favorite movie. I’m good with any type of movie except Horror. I don’t like to be scared.

WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE?

Michael B. Jordan

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Stay the course and don’t rush things.   

PETS?

One, an eight year old Yorkie named Pharaoh.

HOBBIES?

I enjoy craft projects, decorating, yard work, painting and hanging out with friends.

TELL US ABOUT A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE.

Winning a dream home in 2015 drastically changed my life.  I was in the process of looking for a home and decided to purchase a single ticket for the 2015 Home For Good Raffle.  On the day of the drawing I had a conversation with God and told him if he really wanted to show out in my life he would let me win the house.  Four hours later God’s Favor was granted to me and my name was drawn as the winner.

WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG PERSONAL OR CAREER CHALLENGE YOU PLAN TO TAKE ON?

I don’t have a clue; however, I do know that I’m ready to conquer it.

WHAT CONCERNS YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE?

The current political climate and how divisive it is.

WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST HOPE ABOUT THE FUTURE?

Our youth gives me the most hope about the future.  Their resilience, love for one another and celebration of diversity will prove to be our greatest assets.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR FUTURE FORTY UNDER 40 HONOREES?

Sow as many seeds as you possible can to ensure an abundant harvest.  Because, when you do your part God will do his.

DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN THE CAPITAL REGION FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? WHY OR WHY NOT?

Absolutely, Baton Rouge is home.

IF NAMED KING FOR A DAY, WHAT IS ONE CHANGE YOU WOULD MAKE IN BATON ROUGE?

I would revitalize North Baton Rouge with corporate businesses, chained grocery stores, high preforming schools and a functional hospital to meet the needs of the community.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN BATON ROUGE; WHAT WORKS AND WHAT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT?

I would describe the quality of life in Baton Rouge as GOOD. However, Baton Rouge needs more diverse venues for young professionals to patronize and socialize.

DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 THINGS ON IT?

My three top things include: sky diving, scuba diving and traveling the world.

See the entire 2017 Forty under 40 class

Comments (0)

From Our Partners

Daily Report Poll

ASK AI

Ask anything about Baton Rouge business