Meet Dr. Pamela Gurley | Business Strategy Expert & Author

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

Hi Dr. Pamela, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work-life balance has evolved over the last few years, but most of all over the last two years. I used to work 14-15 hour days, and now not so much. I am much more intentional about how I spend hours in my days and place boundaries in place as a business owner. I used to feel that in order to be successful, I had to constantly put forth work when that was hardly the case. Don’t get me wrong, I used to have great balance in the past, but it is not like I have now – mostly because I extend grace to myself when I want to lay in bed a little longer, go to bed a little earlier, work half days, etc. I guess I started seeing that just because you are working does not equate to productivity (meaning if I am drafting ideas because I am in a mental rut).

The way I view balance changed for me. I now view balance as grace, self-care, and boundaries. It is being intentional about my health and well-being. It is unplugging, vacationing, and caring for my family. Calendar life matters, but it does not have to be filled either.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
While my leading company, Clark and Hill Enterprise, has had much of my time for the last 6 years, I recently launched my nonprofit, Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation. It was birthed from my children’s book series and Kid’s Red Carpet Book Tour and Literacy Festival. Creating everything for my nonprofit has made me the most excited I have been in a long time.

The Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3), works to bridge the critical literacy gap afflicting our youth. By transcending mere word recognition and understanding, our dynamic, activity-rich programs and events are designed to bolster literacy and impart invaluable life lessons and skills. Literacy stands as the cornerstone of all future learning and achievement.

Nothing is easy when building a nonprofit (very different from my for-profit companies). There are so many resources on the IRS website and in books that can quickly help you better define how to operate as a nonprofit. You have to be open to putting in the work to educate yourself. Success is much slower, so you have to celebrate small wins intentionally.

I want the parents in the world to know to how vital it is to pour into our children. My nonprofit offers a lot a lot free events and workships to help children have availiabilty and accessibility to books, information, and other resources.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is always so difficult for me because I like to eat, which is how I hang out now. So, I will share my top three places I like to take people. 1) Cuts Steakhouse in Gwinnett. The one in downtown Atlanta is equally good, but the one in Suwanee is stunning and more elegant. 2) Steak Market is my second go-to. And if you like cigars, this is definitely the place for you. The food and drinks are good, and they have a speakeasy downstairs where you can smoke cigars. 3) Last but not least is The Vault. This place is nice. The customer service is what really makes it what it is. I have not been there for the nightclub, but the food is really great. If you have an occasion, that is the place you want to celebrate!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom, sisters, and husband are the ones who deserve a great deal of credit for my success. Being in business is hard, so having a family that supports your dreams and stands by your side is something that can never be repaid. My mother attends everything I host (I don’t think she has missed anything in the last 6 years). My sisters are my number one supporters, and they also show up as a part of the event team and encourage me when needed. My husband is exceptional at being patient with all I have going on and pushing me to continue pursuing my dreams (even if it means being away from home for 2-3 weeks at a time). His love and support have been unwavering.

Website: www.bgbblit.org

Instagram: @bgbbliteracyfoundation

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgurley/

Twitter: @iamdrpgurley

Facebook: @bgbbliteracyfoundation

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BGBBLiteracyFoundation/featured

Other: www.iamdrpgurley.com

Image Credits
Deaisia Photography Deodrick Jackson