We had the good fortune of connecting with Nalani York and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nalani, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
York + Co. is a professional development company for emerging talent and rising leaders. My thought process behind starting York + Co. was my belief that everyone should have access to coaching and development, and I am passionate about helping underrepresented talent at the intersection of life and career.

 We Coach: We specialize in 1:1 coaching to accelerate underserved talent. This is not your usual career readiness modeling, but workforce development framed around identity and excellence.
We Teach: Our focus is developing customized professional development and workplace navigation courses to prepare the most competitive yet forgotten about talent the market has to offer.
We Consult: We work with organizations to help them identify what the meaningful work experience means to their underserved talent and ensure they feel invested in and have the skills and knowledge required to succeed.

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 am the Founder and Leadership Coach at York + Co. We provide individualized leadership development programs for emerging talent and rising leaders. We do this by providing practical and real-world application of manager training skills because that is where the change happens. 

As a Black woman, my journey up to this point hasn’t been an easy one. I faced many challenges along the way and I overcame them to become who I am today. Now I use my experience to help people like me thrive in life, excel in their careers, and become future leaders.

My goal is simple; to teach people how to rewire their thoughts, and learn how to create a life and career that fits their own, not everyone else’s.

As a coach, I consider it an honor to be part of someone’s personal growth and change. In my work, I bring the deep knowledge of my client’s own history, lived experiences, and intersecting identities. I intentionally create space to learn from my client’s in this way, while using my professional knowledge and personal experiences to be a source of support, perspective, and guidance. In this way, I view the work as a collaborative effort, built on a solid foundation of warmth, trust, and connection.

Service is a big part of my why, and there’s no greater sense of accomplishment than contributing beyond yourself. I built York + Co. with the deliberate intent to give back, make a greater impact, and to transform lives.

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.
If my best friend was visiting ATL and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I’d take them to:

Spaceman at the Hyatt Lenox for rooftop cocktails and views.

The Interlock: Drawbar for appetizers, LOA for rooftop vibes and cocktails, and a little competition after dark at The PuttShack (I’m good at miniature golf!).

Getting our steps in walking the Beltline, while sightseeing, eating, and shopping!

Breakfast at Highland Bakery and chasing murals around the city for photo Ops, definitely stopping though Little Five Points.

A night cap with dessert at Intermezzo’s Midtown on a nice summer night outdoors watching the traffic go by.

Some other fun, interesting, exciting places or things to check out are the Trap Museum including Escape the Trap, The James Room speakeasy, St. Julep, Politan Row, Ponce City Market, Forum Cocktail, and SO MUCH MORE!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my #1 fan, Richard York, my better half and my rock. He encourages me to walk by faith, stand in my authenticity, and to keep going. I also want to thank my friend Shundrika Williams whose been my cheerleader every step of the way. Last but not least, I want to shout out my son, Taj York, who gives me the strength to keep going. His advice to me is, “like Nike, Just Do It.”

Website: yorkandcompany.com

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

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