We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Vining recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vanessa, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a black lesbian woman in the marketing and advertising industry, my journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Starting my career in a small general market agency in my hometown of Chicago, where I was the only black person for seven years, I often found myself as the only one in the room who looks like me. This experience has not only tested my resilience but also strengthened it.
Facing discrimination and bias, both conscious and unconscious, has been a regular part of my professional life. However, I learned how to successfully navigate through these obstacles by knowing who I am and remaining steadfast in my purpose to have a positive impact in people’s lives. This belief is rooted in the values of empathy and human connection, which have been integral in helping me see beyond color and focus on people as individuals.
My mother, a retired social worker and teacher, played a significant role in shaping my approach to life and work. How to overcome challenges I was certain to face in this life. She instilled in me the importance of service to others, teaching me to give more than I receive. This principle has guided me throughout my career, reminding me that if I can help even one person change for the better, I have fulfilled my purpose.
In practice, being effective and successful in environments where I am the only has involved several strategies. I focus on building genuine relationships, understanding that connection and empathy can bridge many gaps. I also strive to be a role model, showing that diversity in perspectives and experiences enriches the workplace. I advocate for inclusivity and strive to create spaces where others who come after me don’t feel as isolated.
My journey has taught me that being the only one in the room is an opportunity to educate, to inspire, and to make a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My passions in life – People & Culture and Strategy – are deeply interconnected and drive my professional and personal aspirations. At the heart of my work lies a profound commitment to helping individuals transition to the next phase of their lives, which led me to start Coaching Life’s Journey, a safe space where I help clients find their “Superpower” and discover how to activate it! As a certified professional coach, I help clients through significant changes and challenges in their life. This commitment to personal growth and development is not just about individual milestones; it’s about fostering a broader transformation where every individual feels valued and empowered.
The second strand of my passion, Strategy, is where my extensive experience in marketing and advertising over three decades comes into play. The Cultural Effect emerged from my passion and desire to revolutionize marketing and advertising with a people-centric, culture-focused philosophy. My experience has equipped me with a rich understanding of the intricacies of corporate dynamics and the transformative power of diversity. I am dedicated to educating companies on the critical importance of diversity, not only as a moral imperative but also as a business imperative. By integrating inclusive practices, businesses can unlock a wealth of creativity, innovation, and long-term positive outcomes. My approach is to show how embracing diversity in all its forms – in thought, background, and experience – can lead to more effective decision-making, a deeper understanding of diverse markets, and ultimately, a more robust and resilient business.
The intersection of People & Culture and Strategy is where my passion lies. It’s about creating an environment where individuals are not only accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions. This involves coaching leaders to be more inclusive, empathetic, and effective in their roles, thus fostering a workplace culture that thrives on diversity and inclusivity. Simultaneously, it’s about strategic planning and implementation, ensuring that inclusive initiatives are not just performative gestures but are deeply embedded into the fabric of an organization’s strategy. This dual focus on people and strategic implementation forms a holistic approach to transformation, both at an individual and an organizational level. My goal is to act as a catalyst in this process, driving change that is meaningful, sustainable, and beneficial for all stakeholders involved.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Pursue your passions! They might not be your primary hustle today, but they can be in your future.
2. Master your craft. Dedicate yourself to learning about your chosen field. When you know something, NO one can take it away from you. Remember knowledge is a permanent asset that you can continually expand upon.
3. Identify your unique value proposition, both personally and professionally. Establish what that means to you, devise a plan, and put it into action. Remember, every experience, whether positive or negative, is foundational.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
That’s a great question! The fast-paced life of being an entrepreneur is overwhelming and sometimes leaves me depleted. Recognizing the emotional and physical toll this takes on me is the first step in a compassionate approach.
When I find myself in such situations, I prioritize self-care through mindful pauses. In my experience, both in corporate America and as an entrepreneur, taking a mental health hour or even a full day has been invaluable. During this time, I engage in activities that nurture my well-being. It could be as simple as enjoying a quiet cup of tea and meditating or reaching out to a friend or family member for a light-hearted conversation. These moments of stillness and disconnection are essential for rejuvenation.
When coaching clients or mentees facing similar overwhelm, I recommend taking a step back to invest in oneself, find what works for them. In cases where the stress is persistent or overwhelming, I suggest seeking guidance from a counselor or therapist as a wise and brave step. It’s a way of extending kindness to yourself, allowing a professional to help navigate through their challenges.
Ultimately, the journey through overwhelming times is about treating myself with the same empathy and compassion I would offer to others. It’s about recognizing that taking time to care for my mental and emotional well-being is not just beneficial, but necessary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coachinglifesjourney.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091071469822
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coaching-life-s-journey-llc/
- Other: https://www.theculturaleffect.com/
Image Credits
Group Photo: Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) Family Reunion 2023
