We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Claudia Barnett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Claudia, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
It is extremely important to BELIEVE in your dream, your passion. Your true desire along with your determination will fuel you as you pursue your goals.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

The lesson that I learned along the way was to be consistent. With me being consistent, I have found a way to impact the lives of individuals on various levels of mentoring through writing and self-publishing my books. “My books: The Dissertation Process: A Step by Step Mentored Guide”, (book and workbook) “Does it matter Who? A gender perspective on Mentoring”, highlights the dynamics of a mentoring relationship on a personal and corporate level), “My Decision to GO Vegan”, shares the personal Veganism quest as I mentor others through journey, and “Mentoring Students effectively towards college”, is a comprehensive guide for students and parents to learn how to navigate the waters as I mentor them in this area.

My course to help individuals tell their story: “Getting your book out of YOU” allows me to mentor first time Authors.  It is extremely important that I am consistent in my attitude, approach, behavior, and integrity. This leaves very little room for questioning.  I also learned along the way to acknowledge that there is a level of personal excellence and accountability that one should have if one is serious about their dream, desire, or task.

Professionally, my tasks, education and skills all lined up with my passion.  Was it easy? No.  At times I had to seek out opportunities that would align my desires. Ultimately, I became a Mentor on various levels as I grew in knowledge and in my career. Because of my desires and passion, I take that responsibility very seriously with those I have a relationship with.

What I desire for people to know about my brand is that IF you are serious about getting to the realization of your dream, or passion as a mentor, I will hold you accountable and I in turn will learn from YOU as well, the act of mentoring IS a 2- way street.

 Another aspect of my practical application of Mentoring is to host a Women in Business EXPO (which I held in Douglas County on an Annual basis prior to the pandemic). With this opportunity, I have created a safe and affordable space for young Women entrepreneurs to showcase their business along with their talents.  My youngest entrepreneur was 8 years old and the oldest was 79! This event allowed me to give a platform to my Doctoral dissertation: “The Effects of Mentoring on Performance of Female Business Owners in Metropolitan Atlanta”. By doing this expo and mentoring these women in Business, I am providing that Mentoring does matter!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friend already would know that we’re going to do something cultural! I would visit the Apex Museum founded by Mr. Dan Moore in 1978. This museum is one that showcase exhibits from a black perspective. From “Women in STEM”, the “African Holocaust” and “Sweet Auburn Street of pride”, which would highlight some of Atlanta’s rich history. Because I am a Vegan, I would take my guest to Slutty Vegan found it by PINKY COLE a vegan eatery that has been acknowledged nationwide. I personally met PINKY when we were both a part of a vegetarian /vegan festival ( The Veggie Taste) in 2018 where I spoke about my book, “My decision to Go Vegan “ and prior to the boom of her business I would also take them to small local businesses (based on their desires )where they can enjoy and support. Lastly, I would seek out something cultural that will allow them to participate in downtown Atlanta life, such as an event at the Fox, or at a local entertainment venue.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my Mom, the late Iris Barnett. Her passion as a Costa Rican,> Jamaican immigrant she had the desire and passion to have and make a better life in the United States, which allowed me to be born in America. Her personal story of sacrifice and resilience fueled my passion most of my life.

Instagram: The Dissertation Process

Twitter: @ PhdMentoring

Image Credits
Photos by Rebecca Stewart, StartATL, LLC

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