We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique A. J. Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique A. J., can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I received a pink slip and a good friend, Michelle Larkin walked me through the process of making my part-time consulting a full-time gig. So my “pink slip became a pink bow”, the gift I didn’t know I needed.

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?
I have spent over 30 years in Athletic Administration, from Intern, Sports Information Director, Interim Athletic Director, Compliance Director, Conference PR Director, Director of Championship, Director of Governance, Consultant, Podcast Host, Adjunct Faculty, and Magazine Publisher. Therefore, I have knowledge that are categorized in several volumes of experiences. Also being an adjunct in the field also keeps me relevant.

My initial gift is leading, my secondary gift is promotion. From the 30 years in the business I most enjoyed professional development training. I combined all of this to mean “Planting seeds of empowerment, that lead others to Greatness. I seek Significance not Success, the first refers to legacy the latter is defined by society not by self.

It was difficult to go from an educator to an entrepreneurs. You don’t know what you don’t know. I took my inheritance and invested in learning to be in business. I thought getting a PHD wasn’t a guarantee of a job but learning how to create my own framework would create the income to live. Therefore when I learned how to package and monetize my specialized knowledge, I was off to races.

Just like investments it is important to diversify your offerings to be sustainable.
I provide leadership consulting in the form of executive coaching, group masterminds, staff retreats and. Student-athlete workshops. I promote the careers of Black Women in Athletic Administration and Sports through the weekly podcast www.chatinthegarden.com and bi-yearly Magazine “Significance in Athletics and Sports” In addition we have a virtual store that has additional books, ebooks, t shirts and masks.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Based on my world that could be any sporting event, based on my network more than likely it would be VIP good seats or suite status. Good food and great introductions. Hopefully a good game but if not they will still have the time of their life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First my husband Thomas Smith, he had believed in me from the first. He bought me full L shaped desk with cadenza to say “You need clear space for your creativity”

Second Michelle Larkin, who walked me through the process and partnered with me to bring my first 10 Live LeadYourShip Retreats that were successful in guiding individuals to their next. Most importantly creating live long friendships in Athletic Administration Industry.

Nikki Curry, Publicist who introduced me to Klarque Garrison CEO of the Survivor Radio Network. I began my podcast with him 8 seasons ago. We are now internationally known and gave a 2.4k following in our companion Facebook Group, A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith “Where Significance Blooms in Athletics and Sports”

Website: www.seedsofempowerment.info

Instagram: @seedsofempowerment

Linkedin: @MoniqueAJSmith

Twitter: @Hostofchat

Facebook: Monique A.J. Smith

Other: Www.payhip.com/seedsofempowerment www.chatinthegarden.com Www.advancewithMoniqueAJSmith.info

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