Meet Wendy L. Alexander | Cross-cultural Consultant and International Business Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy L. Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy L., looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I had to make was leaving the country and moving to Dubai by myself without my family. My children were in college and my husband was living in Afghanistan doing contract work. He came home every 90 days for 30 days. We have lived as a global family for over 20 years. I have always traveled to and from Dubai for short periods of time over the years. One day I prayed and said it out loud. ” I will have a longer contract, living in Dubai after my son, DeAndre graduates from high school.” My daughter Ariell was already in her second year of college. The day my son graduated, I received a contract to live in Dubai. It was bittersweet because the first thing I thought about was my children. My husband and I would be fine, because I was able to see him more if I moved to Dubai. As a mother, even if they are young adults, you still have worry and guilt. One thing I always did was make that my children were okay with me traveling and building my international business. They understood that I would be gone but, at any time if they had a problem with it, we would discuss it. Depending on their response, I wouldn’t go. This never happened, and that is because my husband and I communicated our career and business goals. Also, in life sometimes you have to make sacrifices and difficult decisions. When I sat down and spoke with my kids about the opportunity, their reply was, “no, go, it’s okay, live your dreams. ” That moment I knew I had done something right as a mother, I didn’t raise selfish kids and they understood that this was a sacrifice I am willing to make for them and our family.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have a business called Inspirng-Decisions, LLC and Global Success Society. What sets me apart from other companies, is that I have a brand that focuses on minority women building a global business

My husband started working in the Middle East, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We needed a place to meet because I wasn’t going to either of those places. When he asked me to come to Dubai, about 21 years ago, I said no, because I had never heard of it, not like you do today. Well, one day I gave in and I said, yes to meet him in Dubai. Not even three hours after landing, I looked up at my husband, who is 6’7 and I am 5’5, and said ” I am going to have a business here.” Fast forward, I landed my first training contract a few months later, and never looked back.
No, it wasn’t easy, because I didn’t know what I was doing, honestly. I just knew that God had called me to that country and he would order my steps. I didn’t know anyone, the language, nothing. But I knew that I could train, I love networking and learning about a new culture.
In order to overcome the challenges, I had to learn about the culture, how they do business, and connect and collaborate with people there. I knew that the only way I was going to overcome these challenges was by asking for help and investing in my professional development by taking risks.
I have learned so many lessons. The biggest lesson would be to put me in uncomfortable situations in order to grow. What I mean by that is, surrounding myself with people who knew more than me, were more successful with me, and had more money than me. Their mindset, determination, and discipline are different, and I wanted all of that. I still put myself in rooms like that today. I also learned that everyone can’t go with you on your journey. Some people in your life are only there for a season, and that’s okay.
I want people to know that I want to see more women who look like me building global brands, buying real estate, and living abroad. Black women are very successful overseas, especially in the United Arab Emirates. Doing business in the United Arab Emirates opened doors for my company in India, South Africa, Ghana, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and London to name a few. Now, we are in a position to help others and provide the needed tools and access needed. Tip before trying to go global, make sure you understand the laws, culture, and how they do business in that country first, we can help you with that. We are also in the mental health space, where we provide cross-cultural training for mental health. It’s important to understand a person’s culture as well as your own.
My women’s networking group is called the “The Global Success Society. ” we host local and international events. This year we are going to London, and Cape Town, South Africa October 30-November 6 and would love for people to join us. It will give them an opportunity to also hear personal stories from the Fearless Visionaries, who wrote the book with me.

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?
I love getting facials and massages, listening to music and wine, and eating at different restaurants. I also like going to cigar bars and listening to music. My favorite spot is Cigar City Club on Roswell road; they have been around for years. I love the old-school music, the vibe, and Ladies’ night on Wednesday. I have even thought about hosting one of my events there. So, a week with my best friend would be Monday, shopping, Tuesday, Spa Jeju Sauna, Wednesday, Cigar City Club, Thursday, Rays on the River for lunch or dinner, Friday, Winery in Dahlonega, Ga., Saturday, Breakfast at Barney’s. and Sunday, worship, self-care, and rest.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout to Dr. Princess Fumi Hancock, Psychdnp. she is my mentor, and I call her my sister. She has helped me grow both personally and in business. I had never shared my personal story until she invited me to write a chapter of my story in a book called “Tier the Veil.” I became an Award-winning bestselling author. She freed me… I no longer need to hide behind the veil or feel judged; I can be my authentic self. She was able to help me see that my personal story would help and inspire others. I am forever grateful.

Website: www.inspiring-decisions.com

Instagram: Inspiring.decisions

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

Twitter: WendyLAlex

Facebook: : www.facebook.com/inspiringdecisions

Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/WendyAlexanderCrossculturalexpert

Other: Clubhouse wendyalexander

Image Credits
Faiz Backer Hud Creations in Dubai Ese’ Morrison 365 Media Group Nashville, TN