Meet Tameka Neely-Dudley | Technology Professional and Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tameka Neely-Dudley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tameka, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Whew! Just looked at my watch…I got time TODAY…lol! Work life balance….where do I start? I read an article that resonated with me ““Work Life Balance is not an entitlement or benefit. Your company can not give it to you. You have to create it for yourself.” – Mathew Kelly (Author)

I thought I had it all figured out during the initial phase of the pandemic. The start of my day would consist of waking up at 6am, workout from 6:30am – 7:30am, cook breakfast, wake the kid up at 8am and log on for work by 9am. Only in the most perfect world would this plan work out. Now, don’t get me wrong, it started out this way for about 3 weeks, I was on a roll until reality set in and I notice work was never ending. Working in the Technology Industry makes you accessible around the clock. Work would carry on literally until the late evenings and sometimes night. I would answer any and every one call to answer questions about budget, contracts, technology needs – it had gotten so bad coworkers would call me just to vent. I was internalizing all these conversations but at the same time thinking I’m helping. My mindset was that if I comfort or just listen to others vent – this would make me feel good or help me because I’m doing a good deed, right? WRONG – I was burnt -out.

Friday evening and Saturdays were my time to unwind in the most unhealthy and unproductive way possible – I didn’t want to think about work or anything. This help me to not focus on the pandemic and still feel a sense of normalcy in my life. I was literally breaking down but didn’t even realize it.

You ever heard the saying “ Sunday is the perfect day to refuel your soul” ? This is exactly what help me to form a “work life balance”. Sunday was my day to be refuel with Gods word, refuel with positive affirmations that gave me mental energy and a different mindset I needed to have going into the new week. I was able to develop a plan that would allow me to create a 30 day schedule to carve out time for work, my business, family, personal needs and even throw in a little “self care” time. My thought process was if it didn’t align with my schedule for that month – it would have to take a number and wait to be called….. LOL. I cut off work at a certain time so that I wouldn’t feel drained or overwhelmed. I worked on my business need’s, skill development and obligations on certain days of the month and when it came to social outings with friends, it had to be coordinated in advance. I had to realize in order for me to have a fulfilled and purposeful life, I needed order.

Society has programmed women to think we are built to handle any and everything because of that extra rib in our body but truth is we are like any other human anatomy and because we have been told this for so long, we have programmed this in our thinking that our bandwidth is sufficient to handle any and everything.

Implementing this work/life balance has helped me tremendously with changing the structure of my life by fostering a healthier lifestyle, establishing bonding time with my husband, daughter, family and friends and even creating a space for monthly self care rituals. I now get to do the things I love without feeling obligated to work or anyone because it is planned accordingly.

Work Life Balance is something that has to be established by the individual. Your time on this earth is unknown, so balancing your professional and personal life is essential for purposeful lived life.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve established my own small business called BRAITCS, where I offer Technology Resources and Advisement as a service.

What set BRAITCS apart is that my small business was launched during the pandemic as a result in providing business resources and technical advisement to many people navigating through the crisis where technology use is at it’s highest peak.

I was able to offer technology resources for not only for small businesses and entrepreneurs but position families and individuals with resources to think forward when it comes to choosing the right technology and solution tools required to advance, sustain and expand in our new norm.

I’ve been in technology for over 20 years and it has not been an easy road. My career path was not traditional as I took the scenic route which is why I’m passionate about this field as there is still a gender gap when it comes to Women In Technology.
I’ve been blessed to have both men and women leadership to inspire and motivate me to excel and further my career in the technology arena.

My goal is to pay it forward by inspiring more young girls to pursue a career in STEM Technology. I want to share my journey and let other young girls know that it is okay to BE YOURSELF. It is okay to NOT take the traditional route when thinking about your future or career. Just stay in the GAME because everybody journey will look different, which is what will make it unique and colorful.

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?
Sooo, I’m definitely an ATLien…..F.I.L.A … there are so many to choose from. My go to spot probably would be the Atlanta Belt Line, rent a bike from Atlanta Bicycle Barn and do a bike tour or ride the trail at your leisure. There are so many eatery’s and scenic views along the way. Other funspots: The Painted Pen, Puttshack Atlanta, Selfie Museum

Ponce City Market is a cool spot too for food, amusement and great skyline views of ATlanta.

I would be remise if I didn’t recommend Downtown College Park, Main Street Business District. This area is growing and progressing daily with new eatery’s, attractions and entertainment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yasss! Shout out to my daughter, Tameia Monet – she is definitely my motivator and inspiration and the one who wrote your magazine to get me featured. She genuinely believes in my passion and will challenge me constantly but keep me grounded.

Shout out to GOE (Girls of Excellence) and Girls in Tech – these organization’s truly has a passion for uplifting our young girls and introducing them to the tech world,

Shout out to everyone who I encounter daily whether good or bad because I learn and grow from EVERY encounter.

Raising Significance by Michelle Taylor Willis would be my book dedication because it is helping me to redefine how I’m showing up in my daughter’s life by including her in mommy’s world.

Website: www.braitcs.com

Instagram: meek_braitcs

Twitter: @braitcs (theesavvybiztech)

Image Credits
Tameia Monet