Meet Dr. Tina Woodard | Founder & CEO, Speaker, Executive Coach, Consultant

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

Hi Dr. Tina, what principle do you value most?
One of my company’s core values is excellence. Given my academic credential in industrial engineering with a concentration in quality, I am particularly interested in continuously improving processes, programs, services, and products to exceed the expectations of the end user. Personally, I believe it is important to consistently do your best work and apply your best effort. Our work is a testament to who we are and what can be expected of us; therefore, it is critical to leave a great impression on those whom we serve by honoring our word and following through to keep our commitments.

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?
Capstone Performance Solutions, Inc. (CPS) helps organizations improve performance and profitability by delivering exceptional Human Resource and Systems Engineering solutions that Make Daily Excellence Possible! CPS is a thriving consulting firm that delivers Leadership Development, Talent Management, Organizational Development Consulting , and Coaching for government, higher education, and healthcare organizations. Our research-based solutions help organizations to develop excellent leaders, eliminate barriers that erode employee engagement, and infuse innovation and clarity, and accoutability into strategy.
Our clients appreciate our agile and reliable service delivery, combination of industry experience, credentials, and relevant knowledge, scientific approach built on adult education, human resources, and systems engineering practices and tools. As a results-based and excellence-focused firm, we establish long-term partnerships and professional affiliations with our clients that build trust and foster collaboration to measure the progress of solutions to ensure maximum return on investment.

We are excited to bring more learning experiences to leaders in various industries through our virtual and in-person Leadership Excellence Forums each month. We are most proud and excited about our upcoming Global Leadership Excellence Immersion Experience, which will assemble a cohort of middle-level to senior-level U.S.-based leaders to engage in executive development in Dubai, the technology hub of the world, on Oct. 25-Nov. 3, 2024.

The entrepreneurial journey is not easy. As the founder and a lifelong learner , I frequently participate in business ownership development programs such as the outstanding program at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta. In this program, I receive coaching, training, support, and connections that help me innovate and scale my business.

I am a former quality engineer who changed careers and became a human resources executive. I sensed that I was made for more and desired to have a greater global impact so eight years ago I resigned my six-figure job and became a full-time entrepreneur. Prior to starting my business, I frequently wondered what life would be like as a full-time business owner. I imagined having unlimited freedom to do what I love. I thought my days would be spent reading, researching, writing, speaking, and traveling. Eight years into this journey as a full-time entrepreneur has proven a host of other duties and responsibilities that challenged my original thoughts. I have learned many lessons that paint a fuller picture of what entrepreneur life really entails! Following are lessons I learned in seven years as a full-time entrepreneur.

1. Business ownership is challenging so you must develop the right mindset. It’s important to start a business doing what you love because when times are challenging your passion for your work will fuel your motivation and keep you moving forward toward your goals.
2. Agility is a must! You must be willing and able to pivot instantaneously as needed to continue staying in and growing your business. From business development to service delivery and operations management, I wear every hat in my company. I often say I am the front office, middle office, and back office every day of the week.
3. Expect ambiguity. Risk is an inherent part of business ownership. Many discovery meetings will not materialize as contracts. You will eventually get a yes, but you must be comfortable with the unknown and stay the course until you get your next yes.
4. Think big and small. Constantly scan the environment for what’s shifting and trending. This is where you will get your next big idea to add or improve upon a product or service. You also must simultaneously plan meticulously for what’s presently in front of you to deliver exceptional services and products to your existing clients.
5. Relationship building is business building. A strong diverse network is vital for creating and sustaining opportunities to grow your business. Partnerships allow you to win and keep customers. You must also build a core team of individuals who are equally as passionate about the work as you.
6. Build and respect your brand. Wear your colors and logo proudly. Take the steps to protect your brand long-term. If you don’t respect your brand by continuously improving it internally and externally no one will take your company very seriously. My company has been awarded multiple certifications because we care enough to build a brand we can be proud of.
7. Brake or break! Business ownership means having an unending to-do list. You must apply the brakes at some point or you will break down and burn out. My mother asks me at the end of the day “Did you finish all your work?” I always chuckle at the thought and say “Entrepreneurs never finish our work, we just take breaks”! Put the brakes on work or work will break you. Schedule self-care and time away to relax and rejuvenate your soul. Celebrate wins and enjoy the fruit of your labor with people you love!
8. Become a perpetual student. It helps to love learning. Learn all you can about your industry and adjacent industries to stimulate innovation and creativity.

The bonus lesson is to always deliver more than the client expects you to deliver. Go beyond the expected to wow your customer and they will appreciate your extra effort and trust you to provide additional services or products. Many of our customers award us with repeat business and I believe it is due to our commitment to excellence.

Entrepreneurship is NOT what I thought it would be. It is MORE than I thought it would be. I have more freedom to do what I love doing – developing leaders and helping people aspire to excel in life. I read, research, write, and speak extensively along with a host of other duties as needed. This journey has challenged me, grown me, upset me, stretched me, fulfilled me, gratified me and excited me and for all of this I am immensely grateful and as Maya Angelou stated “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now”.

Inspite of the challenges of entrepreneurship, I remain committed to our mission to deliver high-impact human resources and talent management solutions that transform people and organizations to effectively achieve their strategic vision. Our vision is to be the global HR partner of choice to make daily excellence possible for our clients through stellar solutions and our adhering to our corporate values, Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Innovation, and Community will enable us to exceed our own expectations!

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.
We would begin the day by climbing Stone Mountain then have brunch at Toast on Lenox. Then travel to Roswell for an unforgettable massage at TBK Wellness Spa. For dinner, we would go the Stoney River Steakhouse in Duluth. The following day we would walk and shop at the Beltline then have dinner at Roc South Cuisine. We would hang out at Atlantic Station and see a movie while there. The next day we would visit the High Museum and the Civil Rights Museum and have dinner at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle. The following day we would travel to Amicolola Falls and hike to the top, take in the view, and walk down again. then have brunch at Just Brunch in Duluth. The final day we would spend the entire day at Chateau Elan for golf lessons, lunch, massage, and dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am deeply grateful to my first cheerleaders, my beloved parents Carnell & Etta Collins. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been a guiding light in my life. I am also immensely thankful for the love and support of my family, close friends, business partners, clients, and mentors. In particular, my husband, confidant, and lifelong companion Jonathan Woodard plays a crucial role as my business advisor and chief financial officer. His astute business acumen and invaluable insights have been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial path. Importantly, I thank God for every blessing.

Website: https://capstonesolutionsinc.com/

Instagram: @drtinawoodard

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capstone-performance-solutions-inc

Twitter: @capstoneleading

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capstoneperformance/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1c1OJbS694

Image Credits
Mauri Elle Horsey Lauren Thompson Steve Mason