Meet Wanda Smith

We recently connected with Wanda Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Wanda, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience has been cultivated over time as I managed to overcome the obstacles in my life. The first true test of resilience took place early in my radio career. I dreamed of working in radio since I was a child; I finally made it to becoming a paid radio station employee, learning the ins and outs of radio promotions. I was a single mom, juggling a full-time job and working part-time in radio. I learned things quickly and gained recognition for my work ethic and bubbly personality. I was making the most of this opportunity. I had been experiencing symptoms that garnered a visit to the doctor. After a brief medical procedure I received a phone call a few days later. “Wanda, it’s never good news when the doctor calls” is how my doctor started the conversation. She went on to tell me the test was positive for thyroid cancer. My mind was racing. Not only did I have cancer, it was located in a part of my body that could affect my budding radio career. That experience was the springboard to building my resilience. I learned that I embody strength, demonstrate courage in the face of fear, and can adapt and thrive despite difficult circumstances. Now when I face challenges, I tap back into the time when my faith, courage and positive mindset guided me through.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the Founder and CEO of SpeakHer Consulting. I’m a speaker coach who is passionate about helping women executives and entrepreneurs develop and deliver their message with clarity, confidence and conviction. Weather presenting to the Board of Directors or polishing interview skills, I love partnering with women to get the job done! It’s an amazing feeling to walk alongside someone who dreads speaking in front of others, use the fear as fuel to become a more confident and powerful speaker. I have recently been invited to become a speaker coach for my local TEDx event this year! I am excited for this unique opportunity! Doing a TED Talk has been on my vision board for years. Coaching others will help me prepare for my own talk someday….Stay tuned! Follow on Instagram @speakher_consulting

I maintain my speaking skills by delivering keynote presentations, panel moderation and event hosting. I also host a weekly radio show/podcast entitled “Full Circle”. Full Circle is a show dedicated to elevating the conversations Black women have with their friend groups in smaller settings. I focus on mental health, entrepreneurship, education and so much more. In April 2024, I celebrated 6 years of Full Circle! I can honestly say, doing the show is one of the highlights of my life. There is nowhere else I’d rather be on a Saturday Morning, that in the studio, interacting with the Full Circle Family. You can hear the show on most podcast platforms (Ms. Wanda’s Full Circle Radio) and follow the show on Instagram @full_circle97.5

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?
The three qualities that were most impactful on my journey, are:

My desire to learn. I frequently read articles, take courses, listen to podcasts and read books that help me engage with others, learn more about myself and how I show up in the world, and expand my knowledge to enhance my skills. We don’t have all the answers, there is always more to learn, even about ourselves. Determine one area you would like to expand your knowledge. Challenge yourself by writing it down in the SMART format (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound), find a trustworthy individual who can hold you accountable.

Allowing myself to be vulnerable when necessary and not being afraid to ask for help when needed, has been critical to my growth both personally and professionally. Showing a vulnerable side, when necessary, can build trust with clients and peers alike. People do not easily trust someone whom they think does not have a heart. If vulnerability makes you uncomfortable start slow. Find a safe person you feel comfortable being vulnerable with. As you develop your capability for showing vulnerability, you will also be able to gage when it is safe to do so.

Being authentic is especially important in the work I do as a radio host. My show covers many topics. Many of my guests have either never been on a large media platform or have never shared their personal stories publicly. By showing up exactly as I am, a woman of faith, integrity, trustworthy and sincere, people trust me not to exploit them or their stories .I build trust with the guests and audience. By authentically holding space, they are more open to sharing.

The best advice I could give is to trust your instincts, trust in your higher power and most of all, trust yourself! One of the things we humans are good at is allowing others to talk us out of our dreams. We allow fear and doubt cloud our judgement and make us second-guess our passion. We already have what it takes so take the first step no matter how small, one small win gives you momentum and confidence to go after more goals.

How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is tired of being afraid to speak in public. She’s ready to disrupt the limiting beliefs that hold her back from being able to confidently get her point across. She realizes she’s worth the investment in herself to get to her desired goal. She is resilient, determined, ready move away from status quo. She is ready to take action even though she may be afraid because she realizes she was created for more!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
all photos from my personal library.

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