Meet Dr. Pia L. Scott: Counselor, Speaker, Consultant, Community Servant, and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Pia L. Scott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Pia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The days of working a 40 hour work week are over for me. I decided that I no longer wanted to answer to anyone. I got tired of asking for days off or asking permission to go get lunch. I am an adult and have the right to do what I need to do for myself. Overtime, I learned the importance of work life balance. Working in mental health made me realize how many people were impacted by their work environments and stressors like their toxic supervisors, coworkers, and the work itself. Thinking about my own experience, I saw how I was overworked, underpaid, and treated. I found myself barely having time to care for my personal needs and one time I had gotten so sick, that I had to go to the ER due to severe dehydration. I was working over 40 plus hours and still was experiencing work-related stress. I decided that I no longer had to take this type of stress. I found my own work-life balance by making sure I can create my OWN schedule and maintain my self-care. Work life balance allows me to define and take charge of my own life. It is healthy and it is necessary.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The P L Scott Group provides the 3C’s approach to: Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting in the areas of mental health and professional development through continuing education and training. The organization provides mental health, professional development and other services focused on improving sustainable outcomes for groups and individuals to include college students, professionals, and women. As a consultant, I have expertise in grants, research, and program development. As a coach, I mentor professionals providing one-on-one and group trainings for counselors. I work in other states focusing on mental health and college to career programs. I am most proud that this business has been able to cross state lines and building a brand that shares real live stories of how individuals overcome challenges in life but they also provide solutions. The “How I Got Over” brand stems from the 3C’s approach because we counsel, coach, and consult to help people realize their purpose and pursue it. With the help and support of family, friends, and the community, the P L Scott Group has been able to work with young adults through mentorship. The business idea was easy but the biggest challenge lied in access to capital. I overcame the challenge through networking and really branding the P L Scott Group in a way that connects with people that support the brand and the vision. I have learned to be mindful of surroundings and staying focused on the vision of where I want my brand to go. I have learned to understand the market and that branding is a continuous process. I want the world to know that FEAR is the false evidence appearing real, so don’t allow FEAR to stop you from pursuing your dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Atlanta area has so many eateries and places to explore. I love the Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park. These are great places to get some sun and much needed peace of mind. I absolutely love food and enjoy taking advantage of the local dining in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Kennesaw and Midtown. Metro Atlanta has many tasty places to dine. A few of my favorites are Capers in Kennesaw and Virgil’s Kitchen.  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?
I want to Shoutout my mother and late grandmother. They have always supported me even in my mistakes. I want to thank Dr. Latinia Shell, Dr. Sharon Porter, Dr. Kennedi Dixon and Dr. Joyce Pittman. These women have been such an inspiration and have given me the mentorship and support that I needed. Whenever I had to vent, ask a question, or get their opinions, they were always there to shower me with their love, support, and mentorship. I want to thank the ladies that participate in the vision and execution of my book “How I Got Over: The Educational Pursuit of Black Female Scholars.” I want to also thank Dr. Staten and Dr. Hollis-Staten at South Carolina State University for their continued support, love, and encouragement. It is important to thank people while they are still living and each of these individuals has stuck by me throughout the most difficult times in my life. I want to thank my love, Juan for his support and love. I would also like to thank my friends Danielle and Jill.

Website: https://plscottgroup.com/
Instagram: piathadocscott
Linkedin: Dr. Pia L. Scott
Facebook: plscottgroup