Some stories remind us that our past does not have to define our future. For Tiki Davis, the journey from childhood adversity and imprisonment to entrepreneurship, education, and mentorship is at the heart of his upcoming book, The Tiki Factor: 4 Key Principles to Turn Your Losses into Wins. The upcoming book explores four key principles for turning losses into wins, with a foreword by Viola Davis and Julius Tennon.
Scheduled for release on October 20, 2026, through Amistad, the book is priced at $28.99 and features a foreword by Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis and Julius Tennon. The couple, who first met Tiki Davis on the set of Friday Night Lights, is also bringing his story to the screen through their production company, JVL.
From Childhood Adversity to a New Chapter
Before becoming an entrepreneur, earning a master’s degree, or working as an inspirational speaker, Davis was a nine-year-old boy in Odessa, Texas, who survived an attempted murder and learned to fend for himself at a young age.
His journey through poverty, violence, and imprisonment ultimately led him toward a different path. Growing up in a household marked by the absence of his father, a mother who was often unavailable, and the threat of violence, Davis faced significant challenges early in life.
Despite those circumstances, he made the choice not to let what happened to him determine who he would become. Davis went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sul Ross State University, build businesses in oil, real estate, and restaurants, and become a mentor to other young men.
Four Principles at the Heart of The Tiki Factor
In the book, Davis shares the four principles that make up the TIKI framework:
- Total Commitment
- Imagination
- Kindred Spirits
- Invest in Yourself
These principles are drawn from Davis’s experiences and form the foundation of the book’s approach to turning losses into wins.
The Tiki Factor addresses themes of second chances, resilience after incarceration, and faith-driven purpose. Davis’s story speaks to people who have been written off, locked out, or told that their past defines them, offering a practical framework for considering what comes next.
About Tiki Davis
Tiki Davis is an entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and oil and gas expert from Odessa, Texas. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sul Ross State University. Drawing on his difficult past, Davis uses his story to inspire others to make positive choices. He mentors young men and boys and has helped several mentees attend prestigious universities.
About JVL Media
JVL Media is a full-service media packaging firm and independent publisher founded by Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, and Lavaille Lavette. The company focuses on literature that celebrates and amplifies diverse voices and experiences, including projects intended for adaptation from books to film and television.
JVL also collaborates with publishing and media partners to develop a range of intellectual properties. Through its work, the company aims to inspire, enlighten, and entertain audiences worldwide.
Interested in learning more?
The Tiki Factor: 4 Key Principles to Turn Your Losses into Wins by Tiki Davis is scheduled to arrive October 20, 2026.
Visit HarperCollins to learn more about the book and pre-order information.