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OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW with Victoria Odekomaya
Welcome to the OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW where you'll learn how to own and grow your brand and market your business. Every week I interview entrepreneurs and/or share branding, marketing and business tips to grow your influence, build a profitable business and make an impact.
Victoria Odekomaya is an award winning photographer, brand & marketing strategist with over a decade of experience. She is passionate about helping women fulfill their dreams and purpose effortlessly.
Click to be featured, advertise on the show or connect with Victoria: hello@thelimstudios.com
OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW with Victoria Odekomaya
Build Your Village: The Power of Intentional Community in Business | Epi 55
In this episode, we sit down with Jamyce, President of NAWBO Indianapolis and CEO of Whatever It Takes Consulting, to discuss how building an intentional village is key to sustainable business growth. From mission alignment to authentic relationships, Jamyce shares wisdom every woman entrepreneur needs to hear.
//ABOUT
Victoria Odekomaya is a Nigerian American and former drug research scientist turned brand and marketing expert. Through her Creative Agency, LiMStudios, she specializes in brand photography, video creation, and strategic marketing. Victoria's mission is to empower female entrepreneurs to be SEEN, KNOWN, and HEARD, enhancing their visual presence and attracting their ideal customers to build a BANKABLE PERSONAL BRAND. Victoria's scientific background has honed her analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, which she integrates into her branding strategies. Her 23-year journey to U.S. citizenship reflects the perseverance female entrepreneurs need to overcome challenges in branding and marketing. This fuels her dedication to empower women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
In 2022, Victoria launched the BOSS LADIES CAMPAIGN, giving participants a celebrity photoshoot experience to enhance their confidence and brand visibility. The campaign promotes these women through features in BOSS LADIES magazine, appearances on Victoria's 'OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW', and recognition at the BOSS LADIES GALA. The gala not only celebrates women but also raises funds for local non-profits, so far raising $19,000+ for Dove Recovery House for Women and PINK RIBBON CONNECTION.
For sponsorship/business inquiries, visit https://mtr.bio/limstudios or email hello@thelimstudios.com.
NABO has basically three national events that they do every year. This year is the 50th, so those three things are combined into one session this summer in DC, but usually they're spread out through the year. Someone coined that phrase like we should lift up, show up, speak up, and it stuck with me. I wasn't president at that time and, honestly, I wasn't considering president at that time, but it was something that stuck with me because it's what I do Every NABO event. Once my business could afford that, I try to have a table and I try to invite diverse women to that table to build those relationships. When the time came for me to be president, I wanted there to be something that I always said that represented that, and so the lift up, show up, speak up is what I do. One of the workshops I do for women is called Village and Purpose Building, identifying that purpose, because most women who are entrepreneurs unless you've inherited something, their business is their passion.
Speaker 2:I'm almost wondering did you have it all planned? Because it's almost strategic, you know.
Speaker 1:Like some yes and some no. I think, as I said, whatever organization you join certainly if you're a woman business owner, I'd love for you to join NABO but whatever organization you join, you have to be in it, you have to show up for it, but it has to fit where you are. So don't join an organization with a bunch of people that don't do what you do and then think it's somehow going to benefit you. Right, or, if you're an introvert, find somebody to go with so that you don't miss the opportunities. When I had the opportunity then to become a part of the board, I had to jump in, like what do you need for me to do? So I started by chairing the DEI committee that I could bring that resource to the board. These are the skills I can bring. It fits the mission that I have as a person, but also my skills. I want to live with a bang.
Speaker 2:Hi and welcome to another show of the Own your Brand with Victoria Odekomaya. I am really excited about today's episode because I have my mentor on the show today and she's been a lot of things to me since I have met her. She is a wonderful entrepreneur and I cannot wait to dive into her story. She is the president and CEO of Whatever it Takes Consulting, which we have to talk about that name yes, we do. She is also the current president of Nabo Indianapolis and through that and our relationship, she's opened up a lot of opportunities for me, as well as a lot of other female entrepreneurs here, locally and even nationally too. So we're going to be diving into what those opportunities are for you as a female entrepreneur, but then we're also going to end with some of the incredible things that she's doing in the final leg of our presidency and what's next. So stay tuned.
Speaker 1:Welcome. Thank you very much. That was too kind of you.
Speaker 2:Well, thank you so much. You've been a blessing to me since day one, so this conversation is one that I really look forward to, not just for me, but because of all the things that I know you're going to really impact into everyone listening or watching. So, to get started, just tell us a little bit about you, whatever it takes, and just give us a little, you know background.
Speaker 1:So I am an educator first and foremost. I spent roughly 25 years in some form of education. I've pretty much done all there is to do in public education, from the classroom to administration, working with charter schools, opening boards and building schools from the ground up pre-service teaching at the university level. I've done it all and I think those things prepared me for entrepreneurshipendipitous business owner, because I love people development.
Speaker 1:I love helping people develop strategies and supporting people in their growth Right, and so I did that in the classroom. Right, I did that with teachers. I did that with pre-service teachers and leaders Right, and people started paying me for it, which wasn't really what I intended, right, and my tax attorney said hey, jamise, you got to do something with this.
Speaker 1:And so I created a business right, but then I wasn't an entrepreneur in the sense of planning or knowing what really to do. Right. And a dear friend of mine who I'm going to name, tracetta Briggs she and I are a part of the same village, so we get together for breakfast or lunch regularly and she does have that business background, and so I reached out to her and that's how I got involved with NABO Right, and so she helped me to find organizations that would help me think like a business owner Right. My business is called Whatever it Takes on purpose.
Speaker 1:One of my favorite books as an educator is written about how schools need to do whatever it takes to help young people succeed in school, and oftentimes we miss the boat. We worry about the people or the building Right. We don't worry about the young people and what their needs are Right, about the young people and what their needs are right. And so that's why I named my company Whatever it Takes, because that's really what my philosophy is I want to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be right, and whatever that looks like, I want to be able to support you in doing that right. So that's where that name came from.
Speaker 1:I really originally thought I would only be working with schools, right, so that's where that name came from.
Speaker 1:I really originally thought I would only be working with schools, ok, but my philosophy because I grew up in an environment where our family philosophy, our parents, really emphasized to those who much is given, much is required, and so community service and public service was always a part of what we did, and so that had to be a part of my philosophy as an entrepreneur.
Speaker 1:So every quarter I do something in exchange for an organization that could not otherwise afford to pay me, and so they may put me on their website or, like this, do a podcast. Somehow we find a way to exchange the services I can provide them for the things that I need. And that's how I expanded beyond education, because I had the opportunity to present at a United Way diversity session where there were funders and companies and not-for-profits, and so doing the work that I do in that room opened up opportunities that I never thought I would ever have. So that's sort of where it started and it's been blessed, right, because if you look at the statistics, the average business doesn't make it past five years and not be trained in that, to get past that milestone, because I started my business in 2007 and here I am like still here, but it has been that village of people and organizations that have helped me keep whatever it takes going.
Speaker 2:That's amazing. So I'm going to go in and ask you more questions about that. But I want to just point something out from what you said, because I love to. Whenever there's an opportunity to educate in terms of marketing or anything, I like to point it out. So you mentioned that you were doing some kind of exchange, and so for those people out there that are, you know, thinking of they're trying to figure out a way to grow their business, that's a great opportunity, that's a great idea and you know it has really helped. You worked for you, particularly with the pandemic. A lot of people closed business during that period, but you're still standing because you, you know, you knew about, you know connection and I know Nabo is also a big part of it. So I want to get into that too. But tell us a little bit about who your target audience are.
Speaker 1:So that was a growing thing. One of the reasons why I really try to support women who are new to entrepreneurship is because I had no zero knowledge about how to make this work right. And when you first start, revenue is so critical and you worry and worry and worry about revenue as opposed to setting what are your? Where is your sweet spot really finding your sweet spot Right? And so you have a tendency to mission drift and sometimes you commit to things that don't fit Right, and I think I was as guilty of that initially as other business owners were. I think we're all guilty of that. But then I had to.
Speaker 1:I think the first time I had a contract where I finished the contract, but it didn't feel good, right, and you know you have to work a little harder, you have to compromise some things or do some things you really wouldn't do, or do them in a way that you wouldn't do Right. And so it took me a minute, especially since I thought initially I would be working in schools, and then I had the opportunity to work with not for profit organizations and with for profit organizations, and so that gave me the chance to go okay, stop, right, stop and think about it right, what is your sweet spot? And so, for me, two things are really important to me. First and foremost is relationships Right, that I actually have relationships with my clients, because you can't do whatever it takes if you don't have the relationship to be able to have conversations, really frank conversations, with people. Right, and so I had to learn how to ask the right questions before I engaged in a contract or before I agreed to provide services, so that I knew that we could build that relationship. So that is really important to me. And then I'm very outcome driven, right, and so I want to make sure we can measure what it is, which means change is going to be happening, and so you've got to really be ready for change, which is another thing I had to learn to talk with people about before I engaged in services, because I do a lot of diversity work, I do a lot of change work, I do a lot of change work, and if your organization isn't really up to that, then it's not going to be a good fit.
Speaker 1:Right, I don't want my work to be used as a box checker. You can say, well, we had this person in and they've solved all our problems. That's not really what change is. That's not really what a good culture is. That's not really what change is. That's not really what a good culture is.
Speaker 1:An organization with a good culture is always looking at new people come in, people leave, the environment around us changes, so you don't get to a. It's a continuous improvement thing, right. And so it took me some time to get to that sweet spot of okay. I know I could seek out really huge, big contracts, but the leadership process to get to change takes more steps than I want to take and the relationship building is less likely than really what I want to have.
Speaker 1:And so I have some clients who I worked with for three to five years in building their culture, who I don't work with them anymore, but we're still in contact and as I work with other organizations, I can connect them Like I work with this organization here's how they did it and have those organizations connect with each other because we've had that relationship right. And so I really try to stay in that spot and avoid that drift away from what I know is the place where I'm most effective and feel most comfortable. So how long did it take you to figure that out? The first year I got, like I said, I had that opportunity to explore lots of different organizations right, and so in that first year, 18 months, as I was working with different organizations, it helped me to go.
Speaker 2:Oh okay, no right, that's not it.
Speaker 1:And, like I said, I was really blessed to have those opportunities, but that also helped me to go. I don't wanna work in that way, right? Or I don't wanna wait that long, right? I don't want to work in that way, right? Or I don't want to wait that long, right? I don't want to buck those systems. So, because I had a lot of experiences, it took me about 18 months, okay.
Speaker 2:And I wanted to emphasize that because I've been hearing a lot within the entrepreneur circle that I'm finding out that we are siloed a lot and we often have the same problems, but because we don't speak to each other, we think that, oh my God, that's the only you know, I'm the only one suffering from this. So when you said that you were figuring it out as a, it's okay to figure it out as you go.
Speaker 1:It is, it is.
Speaker 2:Sometimes it might take you a little longer, or maybe quicker. So just wanted to plug that in because don't be, you know, distressed or like feel like you're a failure, because you know so. I'm telling you today's going to be great because we're going to be living with a lot of tips and you know a lot of really good information. So I know relationship is big for you and you are a great connector. I know this because you have helped me. Every time I go to a Nowboy event, you're always like are you guys connected?
Speaker 1:You're like making sure you know, like you are so great at that.
Speaker 2:So maybe I think like maybe we can segue into how did you become a part of NowBo and just tell us a little bit about that journey.
Speaker 1:So I think I mentioned Tracetta Bridge.
Speaker 2:Yes, you did.
Speaker 1:So Tracetta gave me a list of things to look into to figure out who was I as an entrepreneur. What do I want to do with my business, like everything from. How do I decide what to charge? Like I mean, I was really green, right. I had none of that, and so she gave me a list of things to look into.
Speaker 1:She's a wonderful friend, I have to say that she is and a great mentor, and so I think that helped me, because everything that she gave me I touched in some way. So I went to the different events of different organizations. I went through the Small Business Association score process Right that, where you get a free mentor Right. That helps you look at what is my business plan and what do I charge, and you know what are the parameters, what's reasonable for me to think about in terms of my business development and growth. And so every suggestion that she gave me I touched that.
Speaker 1:I also have a husband who I love very much. Love you, honey. We will celebrate 45 years of marriage in May. Wow, but he worked in business to business, and so that was also a source for me to go okay, here's some things to think about, some things to do, right. And so that's how I got connected with NABO. So I went to a lot of different events, because there are a ton of them out there, right, and that's another thing. You got to budget. Most of them are not free, that's true, so you got to be selective.
Speaker 2:which?
Speaker 1:is where it helps to know people in those organizations so you get a sense for what they do and the extent to which they fit you. But for me, nabo clicked right away and so, the event that I went to, the speaker talked about how to give your pitch for your business in 30 seconds in a way that I had never thought about before, because usually when someone asks you what do you do, you go through this whole litany of things. Right, but her strategy was don't go through a litany of things. Connect with them through a key question. Right, let them know what you do through a question. So, for example, using that with you, I would say so. Have you ever had a time when your employees had conflict and you could not resolve that? That's what I do, right, and so it connects with the people, right, and that, and we practice that at our tables at the event. And while it seems like something really simple, it really changed how I talk with people.
Speaker 1:When I was doing business and in the room and you've experienced being in a novel room People introduced themselves to me and you've experienced being in a NABO room People introduced themselves to me, offered opportunities to support me. It was just a great space to be in. And so I looked at my budget for the next time and joined NABO. Right, that was in 2016 and I haven't looked back right. But it's been a continuous support for me in my business. But I say and you know me, I'm always seeking out to support women it's only as good as what you put into it. It's like any relationship, right. So if you're joining NABO, expecting for the business fairy to suddenly throw millions of dollars in your lap, that's probably not going to happen. But if you enter into it looking to build relationships right and to grow, there is no better room that you could be in. So that's really how I got involved with NABO.
Speaker 2:That is amazing, and I know that you have this specific statement about Lift Up. Tell us a little bit about that.
Speaker 1:So NABO has basically three national events that they do every year. This year is the 50th, so those three things are combined into one session this summer in DC, but usually they're spread out through the year. So there is a fall Women's Business Conference, there's a Winter Leadership Institute and then there's the Summer Advocacy, right. And so once I got myself to the place where I could set aside money for all of those things, I got into that sequence right. And one of those sequences was at the Leadership Institute.
Speaker 1:Someone coined that phrase like we should lift up, show up, speak up, and it stuck with me. I wasn't president at that time and honestly, I wasn't considering president at that time, but it was something that stuck with me because it's what I do Like. So every NABO event, once my business could afford that, I try to have a table and I try to invite diverse women to that table to build those relationships right. And so that's what I do. And so when the time came for me to be president, I wanted there to be something that I always said that represented that. And so the lift up, show up, speak up is what I do, and I think all of those pieces have to exist right, and especially as women. There are so many demands on us as women and even though it's 2024 and we're liberated and working and right, many of those traditional responsibilities of being female are still present, right. So you're the CEO, but you still are mommy and you know there are all of these other things. And so, being a part of an organization that lifts women up as women, as mothers, you know whatever those things are. And you, when you talk to NABO members, you'll find members who their kids grew up together, like, there are supports that exist for you as a woman, right, that are really critical. It's like a sisterhood, yeah, but, like I said, if you don't show up, it doesn't matter, right.
Speaker 1:Nabo, both locally and nationally, does amazing programs and their chapters of NABO around the country, and you have often have access to other chapters, activities. But if you don't go out there and do it, like you know, it doesn't matter. And so you've got to show up right, and not only show up, but show up prepared to engage, right. And so you know, if you're at my table, I say to you you better go to that directory and you better look for who do you want to meet, who do you want to connect with, not only our members but, in NABO, our corporate partners. We have some amazing corporate partners who are looking to support women in business, right and so. But if you don't reach out there, if you don't show up and some of them have their own events, right those are other ways to show up. So it's not just showing up for NABO, it's showing up at whatever events you need to show up at in order to grow yourself as a leader and a business owner, right, and to get yourself out there, right. But that's another place where money sometimes is an issue, right, and so you've got to plan for what are the things that are most going to benefit you in what you do. And there are a ton of organizations out there. But again, that's the good thing about NAPO, because you can go to different women and say what do you belong to and how is that helping you, right, or how did that help you to get to this place? Right, and I think the last part speak up.
Speaker 1:It's unfortunate that if you close your eyes and listen to the news, it sounds like we're back 50 years ago with some of those same things, but I think for African-American people, for women in the United States of America. That's not a new day. I know that there's a lot of drama out there now, but these are the issues. The reason NABO exists Because 52 years ago, you and I would not be able to get financing to own a business because we were women, and that seems like it's not such a long time ago, but that's the truth of it, and NABO started in that advocacy vein. How do we make sure that women have the same opportunities as men to be able to be business owners? And the truth of the matter though I'm sure there wasn't the same kind of data then that there is now is that women have always been entrepreneurial, they've always done the business things right and they support the economy in immeasurable ways. Right and so making that legit so that you don't have as many struggles.
Speaker 1:Though, if you look at the data, we're still struggling to get financing right and we're still struggling in a lot of other ways, entrepreneurial-wise, right and so it's no more or less important now to advocate and to let your voice be heard than it was then. And, like I said, I know because we're dealing with all of the executive orders and all of the transition issues, it's heightened. But I tell people this is another day in the life. It's getting more attention, but it's another day in the life. Nabo was advocating for these kinds of issues before Trump was elected president Right. And so we can't let any moment in time convince us that we don't have to advocate. Right, because as soon as we do, then it's done. Right. And so that's why the speak up piece and it's not only speaking up in terms of political things, but it's speaking up in terms of your needs right, because if you show up for an event but there's nothing there that fits your needs, right, you know that's like sort of frustrating or the title doesn't match the thing, and so you've got to speak up in whatever organizations you're involved in and say, hey, this is what I need, right, and so all of those pieces are really critical.
Speaker 1:One of the workshops I do for women is called Village and Purpose Building. Right. And so identifying that purpose, because most women who are entrepreneurs unless you've inherited something their business is their passion. Right, they started it or they engaged with it because they saw a need or they had an experience. You know, whatever that thing is, it is a part of who they are. Right, and so sticking with that purpose and being okay with that purpose, right. Identifying that purpose is really an important part, right, but then you've got to build a village around it. Sure, right, because, like I said, you need people, yes, relationships, and I think it was. I'm not really big on Facebook I used to and then, like I would get all these things, I'm like I don't want to send out something to 25 people, you know, and I was just like this is not what I, you know, and I was just like this is not, this is not what I, you know. It became something that didn't fit my needs.
Speaker 1:So I'm much more involved with LinkedIn right but I got something on Facebook one day from someone that said you are the sum total of the five people you are most involved with, right, and it was one of those few things that made me think like, ooh, who are those people Right?
Speaker 1:And so eventually I wound up making a list and at that time I was the primary caregiver for my mom and dad Right, and many of us have those roles, or we're parents and we have children Right. And so I made that list and I thought, hmm, ok, this amount of my time is going to that. But then I looked at some other people on the list and I was like, oh, okay, so I'm the therapist, right, and you know, you have those people in your life that you want to provide things for, but an empty cup, right. And so you can't have so much in that first five that you have nothing left right, and you should have people in your first five and some people refer to it as your starting five, right that fill you right. And so, taking a really intentional look at who are those five people and how am I making sure that my cup is full enough that I can do these other things, because I could not not take care of my parents, but I needed to make sure I had people taking care of me.
Speaker 1:And so that balance, and as I continue to explore that there's even research out there that talks about how many true friends, how big your village can be Right. And so, in research, a village most people will have 100 people in their lifetime that they have some reasonable relationship with Right, but only 25 of those people are really that village Right. And so being intentional about who's in your village, right. And so I have women and men. Right, because men and women think differently. And so if you're a female entrepreneur and you don't have some men in your village, ooh girlfriend, because men are very much more task oriented and when you drift into that mission drift, they're going to pull you back. And so having a village that really meets your needs and all of your needs. So I have people in my village we just have lunch and pray Right. I have people in my village that are my get out the middle of the road before you get hit by the bus. People Right that I run my new ideas by.
Speaker 1:Girl I want to do this or hey, I want to do this, right, and they go. Now, Jamice, remember when you tried that podcast? Right, there are people who are for real with me, right, right, um, and I have a relationship with them, so they can say, if you're comfortable, what they need to say. Right, and I can receive it, because that's the other thing. That's true. If we surround ourselves with people who are giving us advice but we don't trust them enough to take that advice, you might as well not have those people that's right right um, and sometimes it's hard advice, right like because we don't want to hear it.
Speaker 1:We don't right, we don't want to hear it um, or we get that, uh, imposter syndrome or that sense of failure, right, um, and as women, often we are so emotional, as you know, those books like um, men are like waffles and women are like spaghetti that, you know, really make you think about to what extent is this me and how is that impacting my leadership and my ability to be an entrepreneur? Right, and so having those things are just so critical to even, sometimes we forget to celebrate ourselves, oh, right. And so I have people in my village that we just girl, where we going for the margarita. Oh yeah, you know, because sometimes you just and all we talk about is the great things. We won't let the challenges in that conversation, right, so I think there are organizations and individuals, because you also in my village.
Speaker 1:N Nabo is definitely in my village, right, I'm a member of Delta, sigma, theta, that's in my village. I have had in my lifetime the opportunity to meet some of the world's most amazing women, and when you are in a room with amazing women, it elevates you to think about. You know no boundaries and nothing, nothing is impossible. Yes, right, because you see women who have overcome all kinds of obstacles and then put themselves out there for other women to know you too, right.
Speaker 2:Can do this.
Speaker 1:Right, so just that whole village and building that and I think, like I said, nabo is a part of that village.
Speaker 2:Right, right.
Speaker 1:I didn't intend to be president, but I also know myself well enough to know that when I engage, I engage at 110 percent. Yes, you do. You do Either. If I'm in, I'm in, yes, right, and you get all of me.
Speaker 1:So, I started on the board not on the board, but in a committee. That's what I recommend for everyone who is a part of NABO Find a committee that fits your skill set, and for me, that was programs Right. It allows you to use your gifts. Other people get to see you use your gifts so you meet other people who have similar interests both members and corporate partners Right and that helps you build that reputation and recognition and opportunities. So I did that.
Speaker 2:Well, in case you didn't hear that Okay, Well.
Speaker 2:I just wanted to say that because, like you said a lot and I'll kind of rewind a little bit you know, one of the things that you said that really struck me was, like make sure that you invest in what fits your needs, and so that means you have to do some investigation, I know, because there's a lot of organizations out there, and then when you join whatever organization, speak up, lift up, show up that is part of this, you know. Like you said, joining a committee or something, to be more involved, because it's not just going to rain on our laps like, oh you know. So I really love that and I want to just reiterate that because, as small business owners, as people, sometimes we, you know, we just need this guidance and I want you to like just pour into us today. So I wanted to like mention that again. But go ahead, please.
Speaker 1:But it also has to fit. What are your finances right? Which is why I always try to have a table and invite people and there are other women who do that as well and everything doesn't have to cost money, right. So you've got to really look at that in terms of how it fits you right.
Speaker 1:But I spent time on the programs committee, which, as I said, allowed me to meet other entrepreneurs who were doing what I did or did it in a different way, like there are all kinds of learnings that come from that. And then there are corporate partner relationships. So organizations get to see what you do. One of the mantras of NABO Indianapolis is think NABO first, and so when other women get to see what you do, they can then be an advocate or an ally for you, because I believe everyone needs to have a mentor, ally and advocate right, and so the more people experience what you do and what you are capable of doing, the more likely it is you have those right. I think it always happens to me some way or another. I get tapped for whatever is the next thing right. That's how I got all the way through all the things I did in education. That's the same thing with NABO. So, after serving on the committees and volunteering, someone asked me about joining the board and, like I said, I'm always in 110%. So, if my skills will help, that's what I want to do. So, if my skills will help, that's what I want to do.
Speaker 1:So 2018, I became a part of the board and now is NABO nomination board nominations time. You need to be a premier member, but I think if you have engaged in things and are interested in bringing policy and strategy and new ideas about the way things can go, the board is a great place right. So the board has elected members and then also advisory members who are our corporate partners, and so it's a great room to be in. It's a great space to be in in terms of your development right, your opportunity to grow, but also your opportunity to shape and influence and bring a lens for women business owners. So I did a bunch of things on the board.
Speaker 1:I am a parliamentarian, so I'm really a concrete, sequential, list-making person, so that kind of task right is built for me. But it also allowed me to understand how the chapter and the organization worked Right. So I served as parliamentarian, I served as secretary, I served on a couple of other committees that I other than programs Right as a part of the board, because that's board responsibility Right. But also looking for new members Right, and bringing people to the table for board membership. So you know all of those responsibilities. I'm not sure the moment that it happened, but I know that Anne Hathaway is somehow responsible for it.
Speaker 1:She was going to be president and NABO has the succession of from president-elect to president. And she said, jamice, this is really something you should do. I was like, oh, I don't know, but you know, if you're in, right, you're in. And so I had the amazing opportunity to be mentored by Anne Hathaway, who is just she and I have similar but different styles, right? You know, sometimes there's the friction of similarity and I think we blossomed in that. In that friction of similarity.
Speaker 1:I learned so much from her and she was so supportive in my second year because we do two year terms as president elect helping me think about what I wanted to accomplish as president, but also us working together to position the organization. So when the mantle passes, you have the opportunity, because it's one thing to want to accomplish things and then something else to not have the organization or company right be in the place where that can happen. So I think I so appreciate how much she worked with me in that transition time. She's now immediate past and working with the Nabo Indie Foundation, but she and I still get together and have dinner. I have that sounding board of oh okay, but, ann, when you were, president, you know it's great to have that, and she was so gracious when I first started Great to have that.
Speaker 1:And she was so gracious when I first started. She organized a dinner for me with all of the past president, and what an amazing room that was to be in to hear them talk about their administrations and the things that they wanted to accomplish, and they we ended up with them each giving me their advice, and so you know.
Speaker 1:But that's what I mean when I say lifting up like that is such an amazing way to lift up Right, and so they gave me advice, and some of it was I'll do this Right Like think about this before you do this Right, which is a great thing to have.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So that's how I got to the presidency Right and it has been an amazing year and a half. Like I finish in June and, like I said, serendipitous things happen to me all the time. So my focus, like always, has been how do I ensure NABO members get the best ROI for their membership? Because, like I said, we're paying. We're paying for that and for many women that's a heavy lift when you're trying to start a business. Right. For some women, you're in the business, but the decisions that you make about where you put your funds right, and even women who don't have to worry about where they put the funds, you know what's in it for me. And so that ROI and that's such a huge span right From the I just started yesterday to my company's making 10 million plus is a huge span right. And looking at how do we get ROI for everyone right. That rarely happens in one event, but we have to think about over the course of a year of NAVO programming how do we make sure we've touched everybody right. And so that really was what my focus was in our strategic planning sessions. And then also making sure because we are a 501c6. That our finances are in the position to be able to do those things that we want to do, right, so I'm looking at that.
Speaker 1:But, coming into this year as my last year, I wanted it to be fun. Yeah, I wanted people to be engaged. I wanted to make sure that ROI happened, and so I talked to who was then assisting our executive director, tracy Justice, and said, hey, who was then assisting our executive director, tracy Justice, and said, hey, will you record a message that I can send out prior to the luncheon inviting everyone to come and engage? I got a DJ, which I don't know that. There was a president before me that said, like we're going to have a DJ, we're going to have some fun, um, and so, uh, tracy recorded that and I'm a fairly spontaneous person, like I knew in my mind I wanted to invite people, but I didn't like have a script or right, right, and so out of my mouth came join me on my president's farewell tour. It wasn't planned it, so was not planned. Right, it just like I want you to come, come with me this whole year, right, and do things and experience things and have a great time and meet people. Right, that's right.
Speaker 1:That's what I said and it's taken off and there it happened right, and so I didn't have a plan for it, right, it just happened and then people started calling me and texting me and emailing me. So what's next on the tour? Right, because in August we had the DJ, we gave the book away for free on lead, on the women's leadership, thinking right, um, and I think people had a good time we played bingo right, we had a good time, so people were like, what's next?
Speaker 2:right, like we gotta keep this going. Yes, we gotta continue like what's next on the like?
Speaker 1:we got to keep this going, yes, we got to continue Like, what's next on the tour? And so I really then had to think about you know how do I wrap these things that I've talked about into that tour, right? But also we have committees who are doing programming and planning, and you don't want to step on those things either. So it has to be an integrated part of what we do. So the next thing that happened was December, right, Because we do a December luncheon and the program committee determined that they wanted to have Nikki.
Speaker 1:Blaine, who is an amazing Nikki is so amazing designer right Do a fashion show with some of our members and corporate partners board members and corporate partners being in the Nikki Blaine fashion show, which is fun.
Speaker 2:As models. Yes, yes.
Speaker 1:But how does it connect back to your business? Remember, I'm all about ROI.
Speaker 1:Yes, you are, so I want everybody to have a good time and be in some Nikki Blaine fashion, but how do you leave there with something as a woman business owner? And so for me, fashion and branding went together Right. And so I reached out like, if I'm on ROI, we need to be member to member. How do I involve members, let other members get to know what members do in that space? And so I reached out to some amazing women Among them. Was you right? Because I had actually sat in on your workshop, the workshop that you did free, with the branding audit, which was so amazing and I'm not new in my business, but it really helped me think about some changes I needed to make Right. So I thought this is something everyone can benefit from. And so I reached out to several other members Jen Eads, who does podcasting, and Tracy Justice, who is more about the mindset that you bring, and asked would you be willing to do a workshop as a follow up to this event? Free.
Speaker 1:So we're sort of exchanging. I'm back to my exchange you get to get your business out there and the members get to benefit from that. And so we had women. We had some amazing feedback oh my goodness, just amazing feedback from those experiences, right, and so we had women, we had some amazing feedback oh, my goodness, just amazing feedback from those experiences.
Speaker 1:Yes, right, and so that was December. We've got two more coming up. In February we decided the membership committee wanted to have an event, an evening event, because usually we're doing something during the day.
Speaker 2:Right, that's right.
Speaker 1:And so they looked into doing a wine tasting at daniel's vineyard, right and so I was like, oh okay, well, what can we do with that? So it's wine. We need a little food, yeah well, true, we need a little food.
Speaker 1:And it's february, where we usually, uh, focus on diversity and culture, um, and so that's just perfect. I sought out some chefs, so chef alicia, chef laquisha, um. And then we have a corporate partner, pacos tacos, and so that's just perfect. I sought out some chefs, so Chef Alicia, chef LaQuisha, and then we have a corporate partner, paco's Tacos, who are going to provide finger food from different cultures because it's Culture Month, right? That to go with those wine pairings, right, and so that's one piece which is nice, so you get to feature them. We oftentimes we have events where we need someone, whether it's business or personal, right? So here we go again, thinking Nabo first, right, and making those connections. But also, how do we support your business growth? And so business culture has a lot of different aspects to it. So we will have two members and one affinity partner who will be giving brief overviews of things like how do you hire well?
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Like. So how do you make sure, even hiring in terms of when you outboard your services, like I have a finance person, I'm not doing my own finances, I'm not hiring a finance person but if you're going to do those things, how do you do those things? Well, right? Also, employee benefits. You know that's a big thing and sometimes you're the employee, and what does it look like if you're the employee, right? And how do you make sure you have benefits? And we actually have an affinity partner that is building a retirement platform just for NABO members that gives access to new entrepreneurs, because sometimes that's a big thing.
Speaker 1:You're not setting aside money now, oh yeah, when you need it and you don't have it, it's too late, right? So those are the kinds of things that will be offered. While you're sipping your wine and tasting your goodies. You can also grow and learn about how you can have a better business culture, and then you can schedule follow-up time with any of those individuals or organizations to build your business culture.
Speaker 2:You think about a lot of things. I really love the you like incorporate the ROI and still having fun and everything. So I love that.
Speaker 1:Keep going well, well, I think, um, if we don't enjoy it, oh yeah, it's hard for it to have meaning right. So one of the challenges of doing programming is getting people to show up right, right, and the what you do really influences that. So if we just said April or March, come and hear about benefits, no one's showing up for that Right. But when we say, taste a little wine, have a little food network, a little bit Right, you get excited. You expand Right People, what people are willing to do or feel comfortable doing right, because in that finance space or you know that insurance space, people just go yeah it's hard, it is, it is.
Speaker 1:And either you don't feel like you know enough or you feel like you've got it already Right, and so trying to make sure that the ROI is there, yes, but also the coming together of people is important, like who you meet in that room Right, and the conversations that you have. So those are the last two formal things. I think Every time I say that something else comes up. But the programs committee is working. We were blessed to get a twenty five thousand dollar grant this year. It's a part of our strategic plan to expand our fund development. But just because you plan, it doesn't mean it happens, and our executive director, leanne Richardson, has worked really hard with another member, jalisa, who is a grant writer, to look for things, and we've been really blessed to have those. And so the programs committee is going to be looking at an event for April and May as a part of that grant Right. The last month for me is June.
Speaker 2:Well, what about the AI?
Speaker 1:stuff, yes. So March, I'm really excited about March because I'm just going to have to confess that I am in the AI for dummies group. I'm just going to have to confess that I am in the AI for dummies group, right Like my oldest son, who is so tech right. He's my tech Well, both of my kids are way better at it than me, but my oldest son is who I consider to be the ultimate right In that that I always call and go. I can't figure out how to and he's like mom do this. I'm like okay, and I thank him. I say you're a really good teacher.
Speaker 2:He got it from you Because he started teaching in education.
Speaker 1:But you know he's like you're not using AI. I'm like, okay, and he helped me, you know, get started. But I don't feel comfortable in this space. And then there are all of the things out there about how dangerous and like there's just so much out there, and so I know I need to be in the space. But how am I in this space effectively? Um, and so, again, nabo, I reached out to Sonny Williams, um, and said, hey, you're my tech guru, mentor, right? Um, this is what I want to do. I want people who are like me, who aren't really sure what it is, all the way, to people who are using it and believe they're using it effectively, to get something from the, from a workshop another roi and so she uses a company called blazing and she's a tech company, so if sunny can use it, that means it can provide roi roi across the board, right?
Speaker 1:and I contacted them. They do some amazing things and, like you, they have a community focus to get technology access broadly right. And so on March the 12th, for members only the first 50 who sign up we're going to have an AI workshop virtual, it'll be two hours, and in the beginning they're going to make sure we're signed up in something, know what we're doing, some of those pluses and minuses of AI, so we can feel comfortable, and then they're going to give us access to their platform. That's the cool part.
Speaker 2:Tell us about it. It is.
Speaker 1:So all of their platforms?
Speaker 1:They have tons of platforms. All of them are the paid version, because I think that's another thing you do these sample things and you don't get full access, and so then you want to do something and you find out you got to pay a small fortune or give an arm in order to be able to do it Right. So they're going to give access to their platforms with the idea of people producing some type of product or commercial or something. So you actually have an end result, right, which is great in and of itself, but then for 30 days after the workshop, you will continue to have access to their platforms, which I think is really important, because we oftentimes go to these things, we write something down, we take a bunch of notes, right, and then we get back to our office two days later and go what?
Speaker 1:What did this thing mean that I said Right and so to have the opportunity to continue to explore those platforms. I think it's really powerful for it to become a part of what you do. And then, at the end of the 30 days, Blazing as a company offers a variety of subscriptions some of them as small as $10, that give you access to their paid programming. So I think it's a great opportunity for our members to explore, to develop what works for them and then to be able to continue applying that to their business. So I'm really excited about.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that is so cool. So before we move on, I just wanted to kind of talk a little bit about some of the, because you were dropping a lot of really good stuff and I was like, oh my God, and I know there's going to be a lot of people that are going to watch this. I know I've been blessed and you're just being. You know, one of the things I wanted to highlight in your conversation so far was like how you know, we talked about a lot about relationships being intentional too, and I know you said that you know a lot of things happen, you know, like serendipitous for you. But I'm almost wondering did you have it all planned?
Speaker 2:Because it's almost strategic you know like joining the committee and just being involved, right.
Speaker 1:So some yes and some no, right? I think, as I said, if whatever organization you join certainly if you're a woman business owner, I'd love for you to join nabo right. But whatever organization you join, you have to be in it, right. You have to show up for it, right, um, but it has to fit where you are. So don't join an organization with a bunch of people that don't do what you do and then think it's somehow going to benefit you, right? Or if you're an introvert, right, find somebody to go with.
Speaker 1:So that you don't miss the opportunities? Right and have a plan for yourself that I know not all of us are gregarious and going to go up to people and ask or introduce ourselves Like, what's your? Have a strategy Right and be in organizations that will recognize you Right, because if you're an introvert, a big old room of 500 people is probably not, if that's the kind of thing that always happens, how are you, what are you going to do to make that benefit you Right? So I'm intentional in terms of that right, and when I jump in, I'm intentional about what I bring and how I bring that right. So I also sit on the board of dress for success and I chose that, like I was doing diversity supports for their professional women's group and other things to support the organization. And when I had the opportunity then to become a part of the board, I had to jump in, like, what do you need for me to do? So I started by chairing the DEI committee, right, because that I could bring that resource to the board. Right Now I am secretary and part of that progression is that at some point I'll probably be president of the board for Dress for Success.
Speaker 1:But, that was very intentional, right, like these are the skills I can bring. It fits the mission that I have as a person, but also my skills, and I think that part of me is very intentional. I love that but, as I said, like the President's Farewell Tour just came out of my mouth, there was no plan, but once it was out, then the intentional part of me is fully engaged and I think everyone's personality is different. But I think you have to be open to both sides.
Speaker 1:Yes, right, not all of us are planners and that's okay, right um, many of us are much more spontaneous, and that's okay too, but wherever you are, you have to make sure you engage in things that fit you right right, so that inquires also knowing yourself too, and what your goals are.
Speaker 1:Yes, yes, but that's where your village is really. That's good. Oh, look at how you're tying it all together. But that's where your village, because sometimes, like, we can't know everything or see everything right, um and um, there's something called the jihari window, which, um has four components right, and a part of it is that there are things that you know about yourself, that you know, you know, but there are things about yourself that you don't know, that other people know, and if you don't have people in your village that can help you know that you may miss opportunities, you may burn bridges, and so being okay with who you are and letting other people coach you, support you and guide you, like you've got to be open to those kind of things if you're going to be successful.
Speaker 1:Right, and I would say happy right because oftentimes we put ourselves in positions and we know we should not be there. Yeah, like, why are you here? Right, and every time you got to get ready to go there, you get a headache or a stomach ache or you're tired, like whatever are the things that your body and your brain yep something says to you, ooh, right, and you grin and bear through it. But why? Because if it's not doing what you need it to do, it's not the place. That was good. Stop holding on to it, find another place.
Speaker 1:And sometimes you can't do that on your own. You need people in your village, right, and you need to be able to say to someone I went to this event, right, and I felt like I was in a room of strangers and I tried to talk. You know, whatever is the thing, right, and the person can say, well, like, if that's it, let it go, right, what are some other opportunities, right, that would fit you better? Let's do it together. Let's look Right. Hey, let's ask ChatGPT what are four things that fit Jamis that she wants to do this? Chatgpt will give you a list. List, like there are all kinds of ways that you can do that. Yeah, but I think we have to stay focused on that, what fits us, right um, and I can't say that that was always me. I think that's another part of development, right, um? But when you're trying to fit in, to get in, usually it's not the it's not the thing, and sometimes we want things. We want things so badly right, we do.
Speaker 1:But we have to ask ourselves why, oh why, do you want that so badly, right, um? And what are other ways you can get that? So, if you need recognition and if there is nothing wrong, like, if you're not tooting your horn, there's no tooting, right. So there's nothing wrong with tooting your horn, that's right, um. But tooting it in the right way, in the right place, like, how do you make sure that's what happens? Right, right, um. And so you may not know what the best way and you may think you're doing it and it's not coming across the way you think it is true. So just, um, making sure that you have people right who support you, that you listen to, to help you with that.
Speaker 2:All right, so let's go back to your final stop.
Speaker 1:Yes, so June 30th is my last day as president.
Speaker 2:So wait first of all, how do you feel about June 30th coming?
Speaker 1:You know I have mixed feelings. I think, like every leader who gets to, who is looking, looking down the path, at the light at the end of the tunnel, because leadership, I don't care how. I mean, I think I've had a great term but there's still challenges, right, and so looking down the pike, I think, if you ask anyone who uses the words, past past, president, past, whatever it is. There's a sense of like I'm almost there right.
Speaker 1:To pass that torch to wherever it's going. So there's some of that. Right, I'm an overachiever, I think you see. So I need to feel like I've made some difference. Right, that part is important to me, right? Not so much for me, though some of it is for me, like you don't want to set out to do something and accomplish nothing, right, but also because I believe in the organization and what the organization can do for people. And if I can't bring my skills to that, or if my skills didn't elevate that to the next level, when I pass the torch, I want it to be that the next person can take it and do what she wants to do and is positioned for that. Right, whatever that is.
Speaker 1:Which is why I appreciated the time I had with Anne Hathaway as president-elect to talk about, like, what does that look like? Right, so, from that standpoint. But also, I want to leave with a bang yes, like, maybe that's like, I don't know. Like, so I want my legacy to mean something in the passing of the torch. I want people to have that enjoyment and to say, yeah, you know, when Jameis was president, here's things that we did and here's the things we can do next. Right, I want people to say when Jameis was president, I joined, and here's why I joined and I've encouraged other women to join because I had this great experience right.
Speaker 1:So those are the things that are important to me as I leave the presidency. I think I am most excited and it's probably the thing that is most exciting to me for ending my term. We have, even before I became president, the brand of NABO has been something we have I don't want to say struggled, but we've gone back and forth in terms of how do we get that out there. I think NABO is probably one of the state's best kept secrets. The relationships that happen, the businesses that are built. You know all of those, the amazing women, impact.
Speaker 1:Yes who have had impact, not just in Indianapolis, but throughout the state, in some cases, throughout the country. Right, we know it as NABO, but other women don't know it, and so women who could be benefiting don't know that it's there. And so how do we up the ante on that brand? And we've tried many things over the course of our time, and we're in all the spaces we're on LinkedIn and we're on Facebook and we're on Instagram but how do we get it out there? How do we tell the story broader? Right, it's really critical. Yes, right, and so I'm excited. I'm so excited that you agreed to work with us to do a novel Indianapolis edition of the Boss Ladies magazine. I think it is the most amazing opportunity, and I've had the opportunity to share that with many members, and everyone just lights up, right, and everyone just lights up Right, because there are so many stories that haven't been told.
Speaker 1:There are so many things that we have accomplished since the start of Nabo almost Nabo, indianapolis, almost 30 years ago, that you know have impacted this city, have impacted the state you know, have impacted other chapters across the country. And so to be able to put that down historically right to have it both in hard copy and virtually, because virtually it can travel the world. Right and we can get that out there in a much broader way. And I grew up in a family where history is critical. Right that we tell the stories of who we are, and I think that's one of the things that today's young people don't have as much. Of right, I meet young people who have no idea who their grandparents are. Right, and I just think about the stories that are missing. Right, the experiences, even how you are grateful, what your gratitude is. Right, so my dad I lost. I have lost both my mom and my dad, but my dad grew up on a farm in Missouri. Right, where, if they didn't grow it or kill it, they didn't eat it Right.
Speaker 1:And so the stories that he told I can remember as a girl being sick and he had all these things. He would mix up and you know, like, take this, we didn't go to the store and buy some over-the-counter stuff or have a prescription, it was like daddy's whatever daddy had and put together right, that's what? Um, but those things worked because they didn't have a grocery store, right, um? And but those stories, right? Um, and my children benefited from those stories. Right, and my children benefited from those stories, right.
Speaker 1:I remember my dad, growing up on a farm, grew like everything you could think of but ate very little from a can or process, because you know he was right. And so he loved popcorn and he always wanted me to pop popcorn. Of course, you know, now we live in the age of my microwave. In the microwave, yeah, but I always kept a can of popcorn to pop for my dad and my dad was at the house. My youngest was there and my dad said, hey, will you pop me some popcorn? I said sure, and my youngest said, oh, I'll do it, and he went to get the popcorn from the bag to put in a microwave and my dad said Papa, don't eat popcorn from the microwave. And my dad said Papa don't eat popcorn in front of a microwave. And my son looked at him like okay, where are you getting popcorn from? You know that's not in the microwave. And so I popped popcorn on the stove and he was fascinated and my dad told him the stories about that.
Speaker 1:And then my parents had some land in Illinois that my dad farmed and so the next time the kids were there he showed my son corn growing right, that would become popcorn, right. And so I say that to say the lesson, the stories that we miss right. And NAPO has such amazing and important stories that we need to share that not only the community, but current every NABO member doesn't know all those stories, that is true, and new NABO members should hear those stories. That's right. And so being able to put that down just is invaluable and it will never go away right and also being able to remind ourselves of the impact.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, you know that's also really great. No, that's OK.
Speaker 1:But I think that's those are important things, right, and also it's the opportunity to showcase your business, right. So there are many, many opportunities, but the other side of it for me, because of the ROI, for me, because of the ROI, doing the kinds of things that I'm doing in the President's Farewell Tour that allow members to attend things at no cost, cost money, right, and if we don't have a budget for those things, they will go away. And so I want a part of my legacy to be leaving funding right, that then the future committees can say, okay, these are going to be things that we pay for because we have the money to do that, right.
Speaker 1:And so the other part of the magazine which is one of the reasons I'm so excited about being a part of that is to raise at least $10,000 for the novel indie foundation so that that money is present to continue to support the ROI of our members. But that wouldn't happen if it weren't for you.
Speaker 2:Well, it was your idea too. This was you.
Speaker 1:But I think you and I sat on a panel. I think it was a CCC panel. I'm really very excited about that and also like I want people to know what you do. Yes, Right, Because everyone I talk to I was having a conversation with Akilah Darden the other day, who is going to be right yes, and everyone I talk to talks about the way you make them feel oh, and I think that's important in that lift up piece right, it's not just about having your headshot, it's about how you feel right as a woman, as a business owner.
Speaker 2:We wear multiple hats.
Speaker 1:Yes, yes, as the leader in your organization, whatever that is to be in a space where someone validates you right, someone makes you feel good, right? Someone takes away the cloud of questions and doubt that we oftentimes carry. Even when our businesses go well, it's still right. Oh, what's going to be the next? We're waiting for the other shoe to drop. We're waiting for the thing to happen right, so to be able to have a time when you can just feel good about who you are like. It's so amazing and I'd love for everybody to be like. I want a daily version of the Boss Ladies magazine.
Speaker 1:Yes, I mean, I think it's just really a critical piece for us in that lift up piece, right as women, yes, you know. So I'm very excited about that. Just, I can't even the the. We haven't even started the work yet. Yeah, next week the newsletter will go out, the NABO newsletter will go out and we'll ask for members who want to join a committee to make sure we capture all those lenses and all the history. This week I'll be sending out, this week and next week personal invitations for our past chapter leaders, because they have so many stories to tell, and then also our past board members, because we've again lots of stories and growth and development and impact. So inviting them to be a part of that. Before we do the full, full push for ads and you know those kind of things, how do we make sure we're telling the stories?
Speaker 2:Right, right.
Speaker 1:So I'm really excited about where it will go.
Speaker 2:Me too, and so I want to. So the experience you were talking about is you know the experience that I typically give to you know the hair, the makeup.
Speaker 1:you know serving wine and chocolate covered strawberries you know, just to kind of make you feel great you know, because you know it's more than just the photo shoot itself.
Speaker 2:It's just that feeling of being giving poured back into. So, really excited about that. I'm also excited about raising $10,000 and more because, you know, for your legacy, I can see everything that you've shared. You know here, and even from what I know about you, you're all about ROI, seeing results for people, and it just shines true as you were talking and so you know, I know you've been talking to a lot of people and there's been so much great support, you know, for people to help raise money and also tell the story of Nowbo. But I want to touch on for those people that may be thinking how can I be involved? You know we've itemized a lot of ways that people can be involved. Do you want to just kind of share so you kind of have an idea?
Speaker 1:Yeah, we don't want to leave anybody out and we want to recognize everybody, right, and so there are various levels that people will be able to buy in, because everyone's not going to be able to afford to be a feature person, right. So you can just give to the foundation, right, and it doesn't matter how much you give, everyone who gives to the foundation will be listed in the magazine. So we also are looking at doing a silent auction, and so maybe you have something that you can donate, right, or participate in the auction, because both people who donate and people who bid win the bid will be listed in the magazine. We want to acknowledge everyone who contributes, right. You may want to provide a tribute, right which is different than a feature that you want to give a tribute to someone in your family, someone, a woman, who has made an impact in your life or in business. So we want to make sure we have as many opportunities as possible for people to be able to be a part of the magazine.
Speaker 2:It's amazing, I love, I love. So, when we were talking about this idea and you're sharing some of this, which I have to give you credit this was your idea and I so love that. It's part of your tour and really the end of it like the last act, and my hope is that when we look back one year from now, like it will be I mean I am short of words like in terms of raising the money, we surpassed that $10,000.
Speaker 1:That would be great.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and then also, like the stories, would have so many testimonies come out of that story because, like you said, so many people that are even part of NABO doesn't even know the impact. Yes, what's available to them? Yes, you know. But then also the people on the outside too, to see NABO Indies being part of has been in for about 20 years, right Over 20 years. That is an amazing amount of information impact yes, you information impact.
Speaker 2:You know. So I'm just looking forward to like seeing what we come up with and just the story.
Speaker 1:I'm excited. I hope we get a really good cross section of members for the committee. Right, because I know the stories. I know the stories that I've heard, I know the stories that I've experienced, but I've only been a member since 2016. Right, so there were tons of stories that happened like before that, right? And so how do we not? We don't want to miss anything. Right, that's the thing, we don't want to miss anything. And so how do we make sure we get a collection of people or reach out to people that we don't miss the stories?
Speaker 1:Right, we don't miss the people because there have been so many different women who have impacted NABO in so many different ways, right, right, so just hoping that we are. If we're looking back a year from now, you know, it's everyone's coffee table book.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that would be great and people are still telling the stories of, you know, or pointing out to women, using that as a tool to solicit new members, right, using that as a tool when we visit Congress, when we are talking with our legislators. You know, these are the stories of NABO. Nabo, indianapolis does an event called Fuel, which helps to develop women in terms of the political sphere. If you're interested in running for an office or a position, you know how do you develop those skills and through Fuel, there are many members who have stepped out and stepped up to lead in their communities or run for offices in their communities. And so just so many stories, right, just so so many stories.
Speaker 1:And then NABO also has given awards and recognized women who are not necessarily NABO women but who are blazing trails, whether it's in Indianapolis or throughout the state. And so you know tons, tons of stories. And we have given an Entrepreneur of the Year Award every year that gives scholarship funding to a new entrepreneur to pursue something they need in terms of learning about growing their business in some way. So we've been doing that for a whole bunch of years, right? And so where are those women?
Speaker 2:Right, let them tell the stories of the new pie Exactly, oh wow, exactly. What have they?
Speaker 1:accomplished. What are they, those women Right? Let them tell the stories of the new pie Right. Exactly, oh, wow, Exactly. What have they accomplished? What are they doing now? And you know me, I'm a pay it forward person, yes, you are. So you know, I always say to women Howard, when I invite you to my table, I say to you hit that directory, yes, and make sure you're intentional about who you and you know what you want to learn. But also pay it forward, Like how can you help someone else? Because no matter where you are in your business journey, you can help someone else. And I think sometimes, especially newer business owners, think I can't tell anybody anything. But being in a group of people who are new, sharing what your strategies are right, is a great way to help other women. So I'm just looking forward to all the wonderful things that can happen from the magazine. That's great.
Speaker 2:Okay, so after June 30th comes July 1st. Yes, yes, what's next?
Speaker 1:So, nabo-wise, I become the immediate past. At some point the immediate past president rolls on to the foundation board to work with the funding piece, and so that will happen. But there are opportunities at NABO National, at the NABO National level. So we have Tracetta Briggs in our chapter who is on the board, and so running for or submitting for the NABO board is a possibility. I'm not saying I'm doing that, but that's in the what would be next in the natural scheme of things. But there is also a group that I'm probably leaning more towards. It is what NABO calls the PSAC. It is a group of NABO members who have served in leadership roles who then are a part of a committee that support NABO chapter leaders, and I think that really fits my skill set of how do I help other leaders. Nabo Indy is among the larger NABO chapters, but there are a lot of smaller chapters, chapter leaders who need supports, who need the collaboration with other chapter leaders to help with those strategies and challenges and to share the successes right, and so I'm leaning towards putting in an application to do that next, to help other leaders in the way that people have helped me. So, from a novel standpoint, that probably would be what I would do next and I think I mentioned I'm on the board for Dress for Success and I really enjoy working with Stepping Out in Style, which is the major fundraiser. So engaging in that work is what I'll be doing at that level From a business standpoint, in a transition, I think, and I'm trying to figure out what that transition looks like.
Speaker 1:So my husband is retired. He's on year five or six of being retired, has taken up golf. So right now, as we speak, he's in Palm Springs golfing, right, and so you know he's always Jameis are you coming with? And I'm like, oh well, I got to do this and I got to do this and some things I can do, like from there, from wherever it is that he winds up golfing, especially this time of year when it's cold here and he's going somewhere warm. But sometimes I'm not able to do that and so you know he's looking at me with that one eye like right.
Speaker 2:How much longer? Yes, exactly.
Speaker 1:And then my oldest and my daughter-in-law have my first grandbaby, who will be three in March. Oh, that's great and like I never got the love of grandchildren. But once you have one it's like, oh my goodness. Yes, and so my oldest is like Mom.
Speaker 2:How much longer are you going to?
Speaker 1:work. Everybody's like how much longer are you going to work? Right, and we still try to get. They're in Dallas, so we try to get to Dallas every few months.
Speaker 1:So we'll be there for the three birthday party, right, but it's hard for me, I think, going back to why I started my business, like I was doing things, because it's who I am, right, and my business model is.
Speaker 1:I don't know that there are other people, I don't know how many other people have the same model, but I have always been the only employee of my company, right, and that was my intent from the beginning.
Speaker 1:But I only do projects with teams, so I have people who are my 1099s people I have worked with, who are in a variety of industries right, and so when I'm applying for an RFP or when I'm looking at doing a project, I reach out to those people who become a part of the team, right, and so we do teamwork, because as a solo person, you can't bring every lens and I'm trying to impact change and culture, and so you know we need to be able to talk about. Did you hear the same thing? I heard, and you know what. Do you think about this? And so I only work with teams, but it's just me. So my oldest, who is a business guy extraordinaire, was like just ramp it up, you know, put, put protocols in place and sell it, right, but to me that's like selling me like I don't know how to sell me.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Like I'm talking about relationship building and, like I said, I have clients that I have in service, that I'm, that I still have relationships with. So I think, in that transition, what I'm looking to do is more collaboration less upfront and more collaboration. How can I bring my skills, my team, to the work other people are doing that they may need those supports, right, so that I can then say to my husband yes, I can go, yes, honey, let's go. Let's go there because I don't have to be as forward facing, right, right. And so I think that's where I'm headed, although and I said I was going to take on fewer things to get to that place- I was going to say like everything you've listed so far doesn't sound like fewer, right?
Speaker 1:I know, that's why that's the hard part, right? And I was at an event with someone, actually, who is a NABO member and we were having this conversation about so what are you going to do next? And I was like, yeah, I'm going to do less. And then she said, well, what are you doing now? And I started going through the list and she was like, what? What happened to Les? I said but you know, things come that just seem like, oh, this is my mission, right? I said I really need to figure out how to say no. And so she took a piece of paper and made a square that said no. And she gave it to me and she said, okay, when people come, just hold up this thing. And she gave it to me and she said, okay, when people come, just hold up this thing, hold that up. So I had it right and I folded it up and put it in my pocket and I got to think about what I was wearing when I folded that up.
Speaker 1:I need to have a no sign in all my pockets.
Speaker 2:I didn't think so, though.
Speaker 1:I mean, I feel like, just knowing you and your energy, your passion to help others, I feel like something else, even bigger, is going to come along, and then you're going to be like I have no idea, right, but it goes back to that, to those who much is given, much is required, and so as long as I can support, like I want to be able to support, but I also, like I was a working mom, right, and so and my kids, it was really important for me that my kids had family and that they engaged in a lot of different things, and so sometimes it was really hard to be in all the.
Speaker 1:We're going to this practice and we're playing this instrument and you know all of those, all of that stuff, right, and I wouldn't trade it, right. But I also know that there were times like I was a school principal and sometimes I was working 14 hour days, right, and so I don't want to miss, like I got the grandbaby who is so amazing, right, and I want to be able to enjoy that right. I want to be able to enjoy all those moments. That goes back to that having that village and creating that balance and right.
Speaker 2:And impacting that next generation, because you're going to share stories with your grandbabies.
Speaker 1:Well, and my daughter-in-law is from Antica, so my grandbaby has multiple heritage, which you know I'm so grateful for that as an African-American person in this country. Our history isn't always celebrated, recognized, right, but he has a culture that is different from that, right, and so being able to have both of those cultures like it's just amazing for him. My daughter-in-law's family is very large, so lots of stories, right, lots of legacy, and so we actually are looking at as a family going to the island sometime this summer, and so he'll have dual citizenship. So just all of that for my grandson is like such an amazing thing for him to be able to be a part of multiple things right, and look at the world in lots of different ways, right. So I'm excited about, I'm happy for that.
Speaker 1:And I want to be a part of that, right. So yeah, but I still this pocket doesn't have no. Well, you can't say no to that one.
Speaker 2:Maybe we just figure out the other things. So I have to selfishly ask this question Sure, so are we still going to see you around, nabo Indy? Oh, absolutely Okay. Good, because I'm like, wait, we need you.
Speaker 1:So my mission really isn't any different. As immediate past president, I don't have the same responsibilities and I don't know what other things are going to come up, so I don't know, I can't say I'm going to be at everything the way I'm at everything now, because I need to be there as president. But I think that's a part of leadership, right, number one, but probably more important to me, and one of the reasons that I did president in the first place, is that people who look like me need to see people who look like me, and I think that's important. Right, it's hard, and I don't think that is specific to African-American people.
Speaker 1:Hispanic people need to see people in the room who look like them, who speak their language, who understand their culture. Like everyone should be able to see themselves in the room. Look like them, who speak their language, who understand their culture. Like everyone should be able to see themselves in the room. Right, that is really what diversity is. That really is what belonging is. That really is what inclusion is right. Is that you're in that room, right, and you're okay in that room. You're accepted in that room. You don't have to change yourself to be in that room, and so if I go away, then I'm not really living right If I'm gone right, and so, being present, that's that show up piece.
Speaker 1:Right, I've got to still show up. How I show up will probably not be the same, but I still need to show up.
Speaker 2:Wow, this has been such a great conversation and I am very excited. Well, first of all, I have to say thank you and thank God that you spoke that farewell talk into existence, because, like it's just snowballed into something huge, yes, and I feel like it's going to be like a recurring thing, you know, moving forward for other presidents too.
Speaker 2:So thank you for starting that that's part of your legacy but then also just being you know a part of my life and just pouring into me. And I remember when we first had that first meeting after we met, and it was supposed to be like it was a 30-minute call, and you told me about so many resources available to me as a small and I was like like, did she just download the whole? You know, and so you know when you say, when you talk about ROI, when you talk about connections, when you talk about building relationships, when you talk about lift up, show up, speak up, like I, I have lived that. You know you. So I thank you so much for just being you, because it just it pours out, it exudes you know.
Speaker 2:So thank you, yeah, for anyone that is looking to join Nowbone or anyone that is maybe like still a baby business owner. Like what words of encouragement or anything can you? Can you just speak into their life to just kind of affirm them or give them more reassurance about you know, life in general, business, and then about Nowbone.
Speaker 1:So I'm going to go back to the Build your Village. Right, if you're looking to start a business, look for who can help you with that. Right, who is already around you who can help you with that, because no matter where you are in that process, you need those kinds of supports. You need people that you can ask questions, right? So I would say that, first, in terms of joining NABO, as I said earlier, I think every woman business owner should be in NABO. I think if we're missing one person, like you know, the chain is only as strong as the weakest link that might be a person that other people could benefit from, and so if we don't have that, there's a gap there.
Speaker 1:Right, there are levels of membership in NABO, which I think is great, and the least expensive level is called NextGen. It's $120 a year. You still get to go to all of the things. The only thing you can't do is run for an office, which, if you're just getting started, you probably don't really need to be doing that anyway, right. And so I would say start there if you're in that five years or less range, right. If you are above five years and you're considering it, I encourage you to reach out. If the NABO directory at this point is open, you can go to the NABO directory. You can search, do a search for the business type that you're in right and see are there other women. You can also connect to our membership committee If you have questions. Maybe you don't see that there.
Speaker 1:I'm a member of the community. I have to say that we have a like, and so the membership committee helps people identify where do I fit? How do I get in Right? That's a resource. If you don't see someone Right or you don't feel comfortable reaching out to someone, you see Connect to the membership committee every Monday at 1230. We have something called the Monday Connect. It is open, right, so you can get in that and listen to other people talk there. Sometimes there's topics and sometimes it's just people talking, which is a way to make connections Right. You have to find a way for you to make connections Right, and so using those methods to connect, I think, is the best way of finding what works for you in making those connections.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But you've got to show up for it, that's right, right, you've got to reach out to get it and make those connections and I, as president, I also have a president at NABO Indianapolis. Email address Email, right. So if you make all those efforts and nothing happens for you, reach out to me, Right. Because if I can connect you in some way, right, I'm happy to do that. I feel like that's my not only as president of NABO, but that's just me right, and so how can I help you to make connections?
Speaker 1:So that's, I guess, what I would say Wow.
Speaker 2:Thank you so much for this wonderful conversation. Thank you, I was going to ask where people can find you, but president at NaboIndyorg Yep, yep.
Speaker 1:That's the Nabo, yeah, nabo. My business email address is jamise at witconsultinginccom, right, and so you can always email me there and whatever it takes, consulting Inc has a website, so you can go to the website. You can schedule time to talk with me, like you know.
Speaker 2:Any way I can help, I'm happy and I'll put all of the links in the you know the description so that you can get access to her. I'll tell you my life has been different since I have, and it's been like what? Six months or so, like you know, quite a year. Look, I am so thankful and so grateful to God for you and I think that's important to make connection. I think that's one of the biggest things that I took out. There was a lot, but there was one of the things that I just wanted to put in your heart again is that it is our job to show up it is our job to, you know, be involved.
Speaker 2:And if you're trying to build a business, or even if it's not about business or just connecting with people, remember that you have something that somebody needs. And if you do not show up and make that known to people, if you want to remain the best kept secret, you're not blessing the person that is waiting for you to receive from your skills and your expertise. So sometimes, when it feels difficult to put yourself out there or to connect, think of the person on the other side that is missing out because of your lack of action, and I hope that you know this conversation really inspires you to just, you know, get connected, build a village and just keep you know pushing on Until next time. Have a great day, thank you.
