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

Hi Tiffany, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance begins with self-care. I can’t effectively show up for work or life if I am not here. There was a period of time when our children were younger that the balance was not there. I worked full-time while also caring for our three girls, attending all their activities, and many other obligations. I did not reach out for help because there wasn’t much available; therefore, I got lost in it all. I had to learn how to prioritize myself so I could effectively balance the rest. Since I started regular self-care and our children have aged, I am able to pursue more of my creative endeavors which includes writing, traveling, and speaking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated in Fall of 2000 ranking #1 in my class from Grambling State University with my BA in Psychology and being the first in my family to attend college. That opened up many roles for me to serve others. I worked with male teens in a a wilderness camp, counseled elderly patients in a senior care facility, and supported therapeutic foster care families. My path eventually led to my career as a school interventionist and school counselor. I earned many awards for my hard work and diligence including being honored Star Citizen and Teacher of the Year. My passion was always Psychology, which led me to return to school in order to teach Psychology at the college level. For a few years I balanced both counseling and teaching until transitioning to full-time professorship. My first year as a full-time instructor, I was voted Favorite Professor! This happened consecutive years. My teaching, speaking, and writing opportunities increased as I pursued and completed my PhD. All of these experiences and opportunities have taught me the power of resilience and of sharing my story. With every position, I have been able to combine my life experiences with supporting and servicing each individual I have been connected to. The title Dr. Tiffany summarizes the “divine resilience” that carried me through each part of the journey and caused me to continue to excel in every venture I pursue. More important than how it starts is the continuing until the finish! I am just getting started and am excited about all the new author and speaking opportunities my career is yielding.

If there was any recipe to my success it is that I relied on God and the support He provided through others in every season. I am also always willing to learn from and serve each individual in excellence no matter the role or title. I am forever committed to learning and serving.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in a small city near Birmingham, Alabama. I love walking beautiful trails and visiting educational sites. It is also fun to sip and chat in a nice and esthetic atmosphere while listening to relaxing tunes. In this season, fun is found in the simple, beautiful, and relaxing places and spaces that lend to 1:1 connections. Riverboat rides are also an added bonus.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I attended Grambling State University in Fall 1996 and there I experienced a rebirth. I was far from home for the first time and was fortunate to be connected to a great group of students but most importantly, my Professor Dr. Stacy Duhon. She was a young African American professor, well spoken, and became my mentor. I was a first generation college student whose only goal was not to go back home. Dr. Duhon inspired me to dream and encouraged me that I too could finish my bachelors degree and ultimately my PhD. I believed her and I followed her footsteps, even with many detours and delays. My three daughters were born during the interim and became my inspiration to finish what I started. As a mother, my passion grew and provided content for me to grow as a scholar, educator, writer, speaker, and self-care advocate. I believe Dr. Duhon encouraged May journey to begin and my girls~Willow, Willany, and Willay~provided me the wings to soar until the end.

Instagram: Drtsayles

Linkedin: Tiffany Sayles PhD

Facebook: Tiffany Sayles

Other: Tiffanysayles2024@gmail.com

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