
Discover how entertainment pioneer Renny Roker transformed adversity into triumph. The man who worked with Nat King Cole and founded "Teens on the Green" reveals his secret: positivity isn't just an attitude - it's the ultimate competitive advantage in life's toughest moments.
Renny Roker, author of POSITIVITY – Your Key to Success, is a trailblazing entertainment pioneer, actor, and entrepreneur whose multifaceted career spans music, sports, and television. Born in New York City in 1942, Roker’s memoir blends self-help wisdom with his firsthand experiences as one of the first African Americans to produce sports series for ESPN and NBC, promote iconic musicians like Nat King Cole and Parliament Funkadelic, and star in over 50 films and 400 TV episodes, including Deliver Us from Evil and Hill Street Blues.
A founding figure in BMX racing and the creator of the global Teens on the Green initiative, his insights on perseverance reflect his groundbreaking work in breaking racial barriers across industries. Related to media luminaries like Lenny Kravitz (nephew) and Al Roker (cousin), Roker’s book distills lessons from his 70,000-attendee Funk Fest events, Coca-Cola’s international youth outreach, and his induction into the BMX Hall of Fame (2023).
POSITIVITY merges humor and actionable advice, anchored by Roker’s legacy of empowering 40,000+ youths through golf and sports. The book is available on Amazon and Kindle, offering readers a roadmap to success forged by a lifetime of innovation and optimism.
Positivity: Your Key to Success chronicles Renny Roker’s career in entertainment and sports, blending personal stories like rebuilding after Hurricane Hugo destroyed his studio with inspirational tales like a janitor’s rise to company president. It emphasizes resilience, self-belief, and maintaining optimism during adversity, offering practical lessons on turning setbacks into opportunities through mindset shifts.
This book suits entrepreneurs, professionals facing career challenges, and anyone seeking motivation. Roker’s anecdotes about overcoming financial ruin and fostering hidden talent resonate with readers navigating setbacks or leadership roles. Its actionable advice makes it ideal for personal development enthusiasts.
Yes, reviewers praise its blend of humor, wisdom, and relatable stories. Roker’s firsthand accounts—like losing $6M to a hurricane but rebounding stronger—provide tangible examples of resilience. The book’s focus on attitude over circumstances offers lasting value for those seeking mindset tools.
Key lessons include:
Roker frames positivity as proactive resilience—staying solution-focused during setbacks rather than passive optimism. His mantra, “make something positive happen” after recognizing adversity, highlights actively shaping outcomes through attitude and effort.
Some may find Roker’s emphasis on mindset overly simplistic for systemic challenges. His 2007 bankruptcy and mixed business outcomes could raise questions about balancing optimism with pragmatic planning, though the book addresses these as learning experiences.
Unlike theoretical guides, Roker uses autobiographical highs (working with Nat King Cole) and lows (bankruptcy) for credibility. It focuses less on step-by-step systems and more on mindset narratives, aligning it with memoirs like Shoe Dog but with a resilience lens.
Roker’s strategies include reframing failures as growth moments (e.g., post-hurricane rebuilding) and advocating for oneself (as Jesse did). The book teaches maintaining professional composure during crises to attract opportunities.
Yes, he details losing his studio to Hurricane Hugo and subsequent bankruptcy, framing these as catalysts for reinvention. His comeback in BMX and entertainment underscores adaptability and persistence.
Roker’s dual perspective as entertainer and entrepreneur provides diverse case studies, from Hollywood resilience to sports promotion grit. The blend of autobiographical candor and universal lessons distinguishes it from generic self-help guides.
Feel the book through the author's voice
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Positivity isn't just a feel-good concept; it's a practical tool.
The recession of your life can become the best times of your life.
Positivity means embracing these qualities and having the confidence to put them to use.
Positivity is contagious.
Positivity is a skill that can be developed with practice.
Break down key ideas from POSITIVITY into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Distill POSITIVITY into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

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Welcome to "Positivity: Your Key to Success." I'm Renny Roker, and I've lived what many would call a charmed life. Throughout my career, I've worked with music legends like Nat "King" Cole and Donna Summer, appeared on popular TV shows, and even created the World Championship of BMX Racing. But my journey hasn't been without its challenges. In this book, I want to share with you the secret that has propelled me through both triumphs and setbacks: the power of positivity. Positivity isn't just a feel-good concept; it's a practical tool that can transform your life. I've seen it work wonders in my own experiences and in the lives of countless others I've encountered. Whether you're facing personal struggles, professional hurdles, or simply seeking to elevate your everyday life, cultivating a positive mindset can be your key to unlocking success. Throughout these pages, we'll explore real-life stories, practical strategies, and insightful lessons that will help you harness the power of positivity. My goal is not just to inspire you, but to equip you with actionable techniques that you can apply immediately to your own life. So, let's embark on this journey together and discover how positivity can become your greatest asset in achieving your dreams.