How many Harvard MBAs can say they have as much fun on the job as Keith Clinkscales? "In one day I could be at the Def Jam studios with the hip-hop cats, then at the bank discussing my company, and later at a fund-raiser for a black politician," says the 37-year-old founder and CEO of Vanguarde Media, which publishes
Honey, Heart & Soul and Savoy magazines. Called "the boy wonder of black magazine publishing" by
The Washington Post, Clinkscales became chief operating officer of the hip-hop bible
Vibe at age 29, which gave him a deep appreciation for music, and, he says, "a secret desire to be onstage at a rap concert, rocking the crowd."
On the flip side, the 6'2" mogul also likes "vegging out in front of the TV" at home in Hartsdale, N.Y., says his wife, Gia, 38, who calls him "very romantic. He never forgets birthdays or anniversaries. He sends me unbelievable flower arrangements. He doesn't do anything half-heartedly."
