Meet Sylvester Jenkins III | Personal Development Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sylvester Jenkins III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sylvester, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Thank you for your question. My decision to pursue entrepreneurship was driven by a combination of personal and professional factors. Here’s an insight into my thought process:

Passion for personal growth: Throughout my military career, I developed a deep passion for personal growth and overcoming challenges. I realized that my experiences and lessons learned could benefit others who were facing their own battles of adversity in civilian life.

Desire to make a difference: Having witnessed firsthand the struggles individuals face when transitioning from military to civilian life, I wanted to create a positive impact and help them navigate the challenges they encountered. By starting my own business and writing a book, I saw an opportunity to reach a broader audience and provide guidance and support.

Sharing knowledge and experience: After retiring from the army, I had accumulated a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences that I believed could be valuable to others. Starting my own business allowed me to share this expertise, providing practical strategies and tools for personal development and resilience.

Independence and fulfillment: The decision to start my own business offered me the freedom and independence to pursue my passion on my own terms. It provided an avenue for personal fulfillment, allowing me to create a meaningful and purposeful career after my military service.

Creating a legacy: I wanted to leave a lasting impact beyond my military service. By starting my own business and writing a book, I aimed to build a legacy of helping others overcome adversity and achieve personal growth long after I retired from the army.

Ultimately, the thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a genuine desire to serve others, share my knowledge and experiences, and make a positive difference in people’s lives. It allowed me to combine my passion for personal growth with my commitment to supporting individuals facing life’s battles of adversity.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Thank you for your interest in my business. I’m excited to share more about what sets me apart, what I’m proud of, and how I’ve overcome challenges to get where I am today.

Unique Approach: What sets me apart from others in the personal development field is my military background and the unique perspective it brings. I blend the principles of leadership, discipline, and resilience that I learned in the army with proven personal development strategies. This combination allows me to offer a distinct approach to personal growth, emphasizing practical techniques, goal-setting, and overcoming obstacles.

Client-Centered Focus: I prioritize the individual needs and goals of my clients. Each person is unique, with their own aspirations and challenges. I take the time to understand their specific circumstances and tailor my services accordingly. By providing personalized guidance, support, and strategies, I aim to empower my clients to overcome barriers, unlock their potential, and achieve sustainable growth.

Results-Oriented Approach: I am deeply committed to delivering tangible results to my clients. While personal development is a journey, I believe in implementing practical action steps and measurable milestones along the way. I help clients set clear goals, develop action plans, and provide accountability to ensure they make progress and achieve their desired outcomes.

Continuous Learning and Growth: I strongly believe in the importance of continuous learning and growth. To stay at the forefront of personal development practices, I constantly update my knowledge and skills through research, training, and professional development. By incorporating the latest insights and techniques, I offer clients the most effective and relevant strategies for their personal growth journeys.

Overcoming Challenges: Building a business is rarely easy, and I faced my fair share of challenges along the way. However, my military background equipped me with the determination, adaptability, and resilience needed to overcome obstacles. I embraced a growth mindset, seeking solutions, and learning from setbacks. Additionally, I sought support from mentors and peers in the personal development industry, leveraging their expertise and guidance to navigate challenges effectively.

Lessons Learned: Throughout my journey, I’ve learned several valuable lessons. One is the importance of building strong relationships and networks. Collaborating with like-minded professionals and establishing connections with clients has been instrumental in growing my business. Additionally, I’ve learned the significance of maintaining a clear vision and staying true to my values. By staying focused on my mission and consistently delivering value, I’ve been able to build trust and credibility in the industry.

Brand and Story: I want the world to know that my brand is built on authenticity, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. My story, as a retired military professional turned personal development consultant, showcases my dedication to growth, service, and helping others succeed. I am proud of the transformational journeys my clients have experienced, and I am committed to continuing to empower individuals to reach their full potential.

I am proud of the progress I have made and the impact I have had on the lives of my clients, and I am excited to continue making a difference in the personal development space.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I would ensure they have a memorable and enjoyable time. Here’s a suggested itinerary with some of the most fun, interesting, and exciting places to check out:

Day 1: Arrival and Local Cuisine

Start the trip with a taste of Nashville’s famous hot chicken. Hattie B’s or Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack are excellent choices.
Explore the Gulch neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere and trendy shops.
Enjoy live music at one of the iconic honky-tonks on Lower Broadway.

Day 2: Music and History

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville to learn about the rich history of country music.
Take a stroll down Music Row, where many recording studios and music industry offices are located.
Experience the soulful sounds of live jazz at the Frist Art Museum during their Jazz on the Lawn event.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

Head to Radnor Lake State Park for a scenic hike and wildlife spotting.
Visit Percy Priest Lake for water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating.
Enjoy a picnic at Centennial Park and visit the iconic Parthenon replica.

Day 4: Cultural Exploration

Explore the Fisk University campus and view their renowned art collection, including works by African-American artists.
Visit the National Museum of African American Music to learn about the rich contributions of African Americans to American music.
Indulge in Southern comfort food at Arnold’s Country Kitchen or Monell’s.

Day 5: Murals, Markets, and Museums

Explore the vibrant street art scene in Nashville’s Gulch and East Nashville neighborhoods, including the iconic “I Believe in Nashville” mural.
Visit the Nashville Farmers’ Market for local produce, artisanal goods, and international cuisine.
Immerse yourself in African-American history at the Tennessee State Museum.

Day 6: Franklin and Civil Rights

Take a day trip to Franklin, a charming historic town. Visit the Carnton Plantation and the Carter House to learn about the Civil War history.

Explore the African-American Heritage Trail in Franklin, which highlights the contributions of black residents to the community.
Enjoy a soulful dinner at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant.

Day 7: Nature and Farewell

Take a scenic drive to Fall Creek Falls State Park, known for its beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails.

Enjoy a final night out in the lively district of East Nashville, known for its diverse dining and music scene.

This itinerary offers a blend of Nashville’s vibrant music culture, rich history, outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and cultural experiences. Middle Tennessee has so much to offer, and I believe this itinerary would provide a memorable and enjoyable trip for my best friend, showcasing the diversity and excitement of the area.

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 extend a heartfelt and enormous thank you to Denise J. Jenkins for her unwavering support throughout this journey. Her guidance and encouragement have been invaluable, and I am forever grateful for her belief in me.

Website: www.sylvesterjenkins.com

Instagram: instagram.com/sylvesterjenkinsiii/

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/sylvester-jenkins-iii

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sylvesterjenk03

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sylvesterjenkinsiii

Other: https://drum.io/sylvesterjenkinsiii

Image Credits
Andrew Hanson Photography