Meet Sheryl Mays | Chief Learning Officer, Lean Transformation Specialist, Speaker, Author & On-air Personality

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheryl Mays and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheryl, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I used to believe in work-life balance; but now, I understand it is impossible to achieve a level of balance. Balance is defined as “equal distribution”. You can’t achieve equal distribution in all areas of your life. Not even in two areas of life. When you attempt to do so and are unsuccessful you find disappointment, quilt, anxiety, remorse and stress. Then the negative chatter, or one might use the term “inner critic” surfaces and you have created a negative mindset. So, let’s be clear that a goal of balance is impossible. My studies and practice helped me understand there has to be a work-life integration. We operate in seven areas of our lives. Career, financial, spiritual, social, mental, family and physical. I have learned to use my skills, talents and gifts to achieve a level of success in all areas. How? Well, I have better results when I use the same energy, the same reasoning, and the same processes to allow for a level of success in all areas. I also give myself permission to forgive my past failures. When I seek integration I can give testimony to the achievements of the day and have reason to celebrate. For me, every day I seek continuous improvement. Those are my simple steps for daily success.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called Rise and Shine CF, Consulting Firm. The name came after a rough time in my life when I truly needed to rise and shine. I have been a corporate trainer, and speaker for many years working with several national non-profit organizations and also as a VP of Admissions where I traveled the country leading teams to exceed budgets, and training them to be leaders. All of my experiences combined allowed me to serve in the capacity of today, Business Owner, Corporate Trainer, Public Speaker, Author and On-air Personality. In 2014, the company I had served for more than 10 years shifted directions and the company released from employment an entire division positioned throughout the country. That included me. After that experience I had the opportunity to look at the future using a different lens. I could blame, complain, pout and settle for what happened. But, that’s not in my DNA. After a few years of what I call “wondering the wilderness”, looking for purpose I realized what I loved doing the most. Helping people move beyond their circumstances, providing them with tools and techniques, motivating and inspiring them to fulfill their dreams, to accomplish their goals, to lead, and to succeed. That’s the premise of Rise and Shine CF, LLC. Our area of focus is using Lean Six Sigma in a simplified way to help businesses improve their processes. It’s about process improvement, which eliminates waste and non-value added activities, increases speed and improves quality. For businesses it reduces employee turnover, increases customer satisfaction and increases the bottom line. What sets us apart from others is that we provide an experience for employees to understand how they can assist in the company’s success and at the same time increase their skill set by developing process improvement plans. Making them a more valued employee. In return, companies can increase profits by eliminating waste without needing to increase prices. This leads to customer retention; which is what every business wants for their stakeholders and investors. My biggest challenge was me. It’s a mindset shift that has to take place before you take that leap of faith into entrepreneurship. I am also a continuous learner of human behavior. Success is truly in how you define it for yourself, but it’s something we all want no matter what we do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Live entertainment, not huge concerts but the local eateries that have bands playing outside in the courtyard and we can snack until dinner. There is a great jazz place called Jazz Tastings in Maitland, FL a New York style setting, amazing Mussels Fra Diavolo. Also Pointe of Orlando, they have more than 20 clubs/restaurants that you can walk to including my two favorite places, The Improv (comedy), and BB Kings for great food and live music. We would also go to Howl at the Moon, love the battling pianos and the audience singing and Mangos on International Drive (multiple dance rooms) and then we would have to go bowling at Kings Bowling which is really a night club bowling center. Sleuths Mystery Dinner, for some great laughs and a few speak-easies that I have unearthed. You would need to rest before arriving because I would have tickets/reservations already lined up for each night. During the day we might just need to hang out at the pool and have margaritas until the evening arrives. Then it’s on!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Two people, among many have been responsible for my success. I’ve had read some incredible books, experienced great leaders, mentors and friends in my life. I amend the adage “it takes a village to raise a child” and state it as, “It takes a village to achieve success”. Far too often we have heard the saying alone you can go fast, but together you can go farther. This is definitely a true statement. I attribute my success to my mother who in her insightful and non-filter demeanor always supported me and regardless of what was going on or what I was going through I will hear her say, “just do the damn thing”. I did say she lacked filter. I have watched her start a business that paid for itself within one year, at a time when she could have retired. She supported a community, she supported family, grand kids, kids of friends and great grandchildren, to a name few. Her philosophy is to ensure everyone is taken care of and if you were wrong, she would also let you know it. She has been a cheerleader since I was a child and a bigger cheerleader today. My other supporter is my daughter. An incredible person that has a heart bigger than the great State of Texas. As a child I nurtured her, encouraged her and supported her dreams. As a woman she has encouraged me when I tried to give up, she supported me when I needed it the most and has been in my in my corner at every turn. Without these two phenomenal women in my life I know I would not be where I am today. I also live to my life scripture: Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. God has laid out my path, providing opportunities, and showered me with both favor and mercy. I am thankful and grateful to all that made my journey worth living.

Website: : https://www.rising-and-shining.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseandshinecf/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylmays/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SherylMays11
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riseandshine.success/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RiseandShineCF

Image Credits
Urbizphoto and Alien Bae Consulting