Meet Taylor Bryant | Professor, Coach, and Speaker
We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Bryant and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Taylor, how do you think about risk?
Anytime you want something in life or a career, it’s going to require that you make significant sacrifices. More often than not, that sacrifice is in the form of risk. Generally, there is always a chance that you can fail anytime you take a risk. Personally, I’ve always been willing and sometimes forced to take a risk in my career because it was required to progress from one level to the next. Instead of viewing it as a risk, I’ve considered it a leap of faith. Both risk and faith simply mean there is a level of uncertainty or unpredictability in the outcome. Viewing it as faith is a spiritual anchor that even when it doesn’t seem like a positive outcome during the transition, in the end, everything will work out for my good. Over the last several years, my risks involved being willing to walk away. Whether it was changing careers from radio to higher education, after I successfully built a brand as an on-air reporter, or leaving great paying salaries for more freedom to be more present with my kids. I’ve even taken significant pay decreases to jump-start careers, creating a financial risk at times. You can’t run from taking risks, so it’s best you have a positive perspective on risks and be prepared to take them. I don’t think it matters what you aspire to do in life or your career; if you want to progress, you will have to take risks.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Career Challenges
My professional career began with many uncertainties. I graduated from Alabama State University without a real plan for what was next. The only thing I was sure about was that I didn’t want to work in business education. In my senior year of college, a close friend invited me to visit her in New York City at Columbia University. After the visit, I applied and got accepted. I decided I would use this opportunity to pursue my dream of working in radio. I interned at 2-3 radio stations per semester during the day and attended classes at night. After graduating, I gained my first radio job and was soon promoted to news director at Hot 105.7 in Montgomery, Alabama.
My professional career began with many uncertainties. I graduated from Alabama State University without a real plan for what was next. The only thing I was sure about was that I didn’t want to work in business education. In my senior year of college, a close friend invited me to visit her in New York City at Columbia University. After the visit, I applied and got accepted. I decided I would use this opportunity to pursue my dream of working in radio. I interned at 2-3 radio stations per semester during the day and attended classes at night. After graduating, I gained my first radio job and was soon promoted to news director at Hot 105.7 in Montgomery, Alabama.
After five successful years in radio, I survived multiple layoffs but recognized it was time to make a career change. Syndication was essentially replacing local on-air personalities. While I loved working in radio, I didn’t see a lot of growth opportunities. When I finally made the change, it was tough. The biggest challenge was taking a significant pay cut ($27,000 to be exact) to start over. I went from being in mid-level management with a flexible schedule to the bottom of the totem pole at an 8 to 5. During this time, I learned the importance of identifying weaknesses within a team, company, or organization to use my strengths to make the necessary changes. This discovery was instrumental to my success. I received one promotion per year for the next five years. While I loved the progress I made, I wanted to tap into my purpose as an educator while balancing my life as a mother. While working as the Director of Communications at the University of Alabama, I received a call about a clinical assistant professor position in public relations at the University of West Georgia. I’ve always wanted to be a professor, but I didn’t see it being possible without a Ph.D. Having this opportunity taught me the importance of networking and mentors. Building lasting relationships of high quality has made the most significant difference as I progress as a professional. Being a clinical professor continues to open new doors of opportunities for me as a coach and speaker.
Most importantly, it allows me to walk out my purpose at all levels – as an individual, a mother, and an educator. So, what’s next for me? I no longer have a particular job I want. My professional goal is to expand my bases as a speaker and professional coach and make a difference while doing so.
Most importantly, it allows me to walk out my purpose at all levels – as an individual, a mother, and an educator. So, what’s next for me? I no longer have a particular job I want. My professional goal is to expand my bases as a speaker and professional coach and make a difference while doing so.
Lessons Learned
Anything is possible—network and build connections for where you want to be in your career, not where you are.
Speak up for what’s right. A purposeful career is not only about you, but it’s also about seeking positive change for those who will follow you.
Aim to leave your mark everywhere you go. Whether I implemented a media policy or created a community event, it brings me joy to know that years later, the work I created still has meaning for those companies and organizations.
Money can be replaced; time cannot, so use it wisely.
Speaking of time, don’t treat your career or business like you will have forever to progress or start a new project. That’s an arrogant assumption. Start now while the opportunity is present.
Bonus lesson: Ask for what you deserve.
Anything is possible—network and build connections for where you want to be in your career, not where you are.
Speak up for what’s right. A purposeful career is not only about you, but it’s also about seeking positive change for those who will follow you.
Aim to leave your mark everywhere you go. Whether I implemented a media policy or created a community event, it brings me joy to know that years later, the work I created still has meaning for those companies and organizations.
Money can be replaced; time cannot, so use it wisely.
Speaking of time, don’t treat your career or business like you will have forever to progress or start a new project. That’s an arrogant assumption. Start now while the opportunity is present.
Bonus lesson: Ask for what you deserve.
My Brand
I’ve worked hard to be authentic in every aspect of my life, so whether I’m with my friends, family, or students, I want the experience to be consistent. That is my brand. Identifying and committing to that brand has made life so much more joyful. I’m naturally a teacher, motivator, and tough-love coach in every hat I wear, so the experience is the same regardless of the role. I used to think that a brand was about being the look and feel when I show up or when others see me on social media platforms, and while those are important to creating a brand, a genuine brand is really about the experience. What do people get when they experience me – and that is a brand that I’m incredibly proud of because who I truly am and how others experience me beautifully overlap, and it’s real! I love that.
I’ve worked hard to be authentic in every aspect of my life, so whether I’m with my friends, family, or students, I want the experience to be consistent. That is my brand. Identifying and committing to that brand has made life so much more joyful. I’m naturally a teacher, motivator, and tough-love coach in every hat I wear, so the experience is the same regardless of the role. I used to think that a brand was about being the look and feel when I show up or when others see me on social media platforms, and while those are important to creating a brand, a genuine brand is really about the experience. What do people get when they experience me – and that is a brand that I’m incredibly proud of because who I truly am and how others experience me beautifully overlap, and it’s real! I love that.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m planning for a friend and her husband to visit in a few days, and I’ve been stressing over it. Where I take friends really depends on the friend and her interests. As a Decatur, Georgia native, I’m not as familiar with popular spots as I one would expect. That said, here are a few of my go-to places.
1. Poor Calvin’s restaurant is my absolute favorite. The cuisines are always phenomenal.
2. Other favorite restaurants are Flying Biscuit (great breakfast), Paschals (rich in black history), Six Feet Under (quick seafood spot), Garden Parc (brunch vibe with music), and Slim and Huskies (best pizza).
3. I’m a spa and red wine girl, so I love Chateau Elan Spa and Winery. The Atlanta City Winery Annual Wine Festival is also lots of fun. JeJu spa is also a favorite of mine.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Anyone who has mentored me spiritually and professionally throughout my career is appreciated. There are so many people who have sown tiny seeds of wisdom and guidance in my life to help me get where I am that I could not name them all. My consistent mentors have been Dr. Michael Hester, Dr. Hazel Cole, and Dr. Melvin Norwood. They have always made themselves available to offer advice and guidance anytime I prepared to make a major career move or had moments of uncertainty in my career. I am so grateful for them. I also have a prayer circle of women. These are five women that I go to when I need prayer and vice versa. When I ask for prayer, I know without a doubt that they are calling my name in prayer. Lastly, my family’s support is vital. I’m a mother of two, so having a village of support allows me to live a balanced life. They invest time and energy when I need it most. To my mentors, prayer circle, and family – thank you.
Website: https://prprotaylorbryant.weebly.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorbryantsolutions/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorbryantsolutions/
Image Credits
Professional Photos taken by Grapefruit Creative
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