Meet Cheryl Monroe

We recently connected with Cheryl Monroe and have shared our conversation below.

Cheryl, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

After 28 years of service in the military, I learned that life’s journey often takes unexpected turns, and sometimes the most fulfilling paths are those that emerge from challenges and change. The transition from military life to entrepreneurship was one of the most significant turning points in my life, and it led me to the founding of CK Management and Consultant Group. This business wasn’t just a career shift—it was the realization of a purpose I had been building toward throughout my entire life.

My military career was deeply rewarding. Over nearly three decades, I had the privilege of serving my country, leading teams, and executing complex logistics and supply chain operations. During this time, I developed a keen understanding of project management, government contracting, and the critical importance of operational efficiency.

But beyond the technical skills, the military taught me the core values of discipline and leadership. These principles guided my decisions, shaped my interactions, and instilled in me a sense of responsibility not just for the mission, but for the people I served with.

As I neared the end of my military career, I began to reflect on the next chapter of my life. While retirement was an option, I realized I wasn’t ready to stop contributing. I had amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I felt a calling to apply that in a way that could impact others outside of the military sphere.

As I explored various options, I found that many businesses, especially small businesses and nonprofits, struggled with the very areas I had spent my career mastering: navigating complex government contracts, streamlining operations, and executing projects efficiently. This realization sparked an idea that would soon become CK Management and Consultant Group.

I realized I could take what I had learned and offer tailored solutions to these organizations—helping them overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately succeed. The same discipline and strategic thinking that allowed me to lead teams in high-pressure situations could now help businesses navigate the competitive landscape of government contracting and project execution.

The decision to start CK Management and Consultant Group was rooted in my desire to serve again—this time, in a different capacity. I wanted to provide businesses, particularly small and minority-owned enterprises, with the tools and guidance they needed to grow and compete, especially in areas like government contracting where many find the barriers too high.

I founded CK Management and Consultant Group with a simple mission: to empower businesses by providing expert guidance and tailored strategies that drive growth, optimize operations, and secure long-term success. Our focus would be on government contracting, supply chain management, and project execution—areas where I knew I could make the biggest impact.

In the early days, the business was small, but the demand for our services quickly grew. We started helping clients navigate the complexities of government landscape, streamlining their processes, and ensuring compliance with the necessary regulations. Our approach was hands-on and collaborative, and we quickly earned a reputation for reliability, excellence, and integrity.

The work we do at CK Management and Consultant Group goes far beyond consulting. For me, it’s about empowerment—helping businesses, especially those that are often overlooked or underestimated, achieve their full potential. When we secure a contract for a client or help them improve their operations, we’re not just solving a problem; we’re helping them build a stronger future.

My military service taught me the importance of leadership, resilience, and adaptability. These are the same qualities I now instill in the businesses we serve. Whether it’s advising on government contracting strategies or helping clients manage complex projects, I approach every challenge with the mindset that success is within reach if we apply the right tools, processes, and mindset.

Today, CK Management and Consultant Group is not just a business; it’s a manifestation of my purpose. It’s a way for me to continue serving—this time by supporting entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofits in achieving their own missions. The sense of fulfillment I get from seeing our clients succeed is similar to the pride I felt in the military. It’s about making a difference, one contract, one project, one business at a time.

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?

One of the most significant milestones in my career was making history as the first Black female Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) in the U.S. Army’s field of Ammunition. This was an incredible honor, and it demonstrated the power of perseverance, dedication, and hard work. My time in the military taught me the values of discipline, integrity, and leadership—qualities I now bring into every aspect of my professional life. I was also inducted into the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame, a recognition that I hold dearly, as it celebrates the impact women have made in breaking barriers and serving with distinction.

What excites me most about this work is that it allows me to continue serving—this time by supporting small businesses and non-profits that are often underrepresented. I’m passionate about helping them secure opportunities in highly regulated sectors like government contracting, where I can offer my expertise to level the playing field. It’s incredibly rewarding to see businesses grow and thrive with the right guidance, and that’s what drives me every day.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that every step I took—whether in uniform or in the boardroom—was leading me toward this purpose. CK Management and Consultant Group is the culmination of decades of experience, a commitment to service, and a deep desire to empower others. I am also the proud owner of the Cleaning Advantage where we specialize in commercial cleaning services using green and sustainable products. What’s special about this brand is our focus on creating healthier environments for our clients while supporting the community through meaningful employment opportunities. We’re not just a cleaning company—we’re about sustainability, uplifting lives, and ensuring that every space we touch is healthier for those who use it.

We have exciting projects on the horizon, I will soon be featured in the “Making of an Entrepreneur Docuseries,” where I’ll share my story and insights on leadership, resilience, and business growth. Additionally, I’m also a contributing author in the upcoming book “LET Presents Stories of the World’s Greatest Speakers Volume II,” launching in September 2024, where I’ll share further insights from my journey.

In the future, I hope to continue expanding the impact of CK Management and Consultant Group, helping more businesses grow, innovate, and succeed in competitive industries. I believe that by sharing the lessons of leadership, discipline, and resilience, we can create stronger communities and build businesses that thrive.

Starting this business wasn’t just about creating a new career—it was about finding a purpose that aligns with my values and allows me to continue serving others. And in that, I have found the fulfillment that both my military career and entrepreneurship have brought me.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!

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?

Looking back on my journey, there are three key qualities and skills that had the most significant impact on my success, both in the military and in entrepreneurship: resilience, strategic thinking, and relationship building. These elements shaped how I approached challenges, how I made decisions, and how I led teams to achieve success. For anyone early in their journey, here’s how they can best develop or improve these areas:

1. Resilience:
Impact on My Journey: Resilience has been the foundation of my career. In the military, setbacks, challenges, and high-pressure situations are inevitable, and the same is true in entrepreneurship. It’s easy to get discouraged by failures, but resilience allowed me to keep moving forward, learn from mistakes, and bounce back stronger after each challenge.

Advice for Developing Resilience:
– Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: Understand that failure is part of the process, not the end. Reframe each setback as an opportunity to learn something new about yourself or your business.
– Practice Persistence: Don’t give up when things get hard. Persistence builds resilience. Take each challenge as it comes and push forward with a mindset focused on problem-solving, not defeat.
– Focus on Self-Care: Resilience also requires taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. Make sure to balance hard work with rest and self-reflection, so you can keep showing up as your best self..

2. Strategic Thinking:
Impact on My Journey: Whether planning military missions or mapping out business strategies, strategic thinking allowed me to see the big picture while considering all the details. It’s about being able to look ahead, anticipate potential obstacles, and make informed decisions to achieve long-term goals.

Advice for Developing Strategic Thinking:
– Always Think Long-Term: Don’t just focus on immediate results. Train yourself to think about how today’s decisions will impact you or your business in the future. Create a habit of setting both short-term and long-term goals.
– Stay Curious: Read widely, learn from others, and stay informed about trends in your field. The more knowledge you have, the better you can strategize. Understanding industry trends, emerging technologies, and your competitors will give you an edge.
– Use Data and Metrics: Learn to use data to inform your decisions. Track your progress, analyze what works and what doesn’t, and adjust your strategy accordingly. This analytical approach will help sharpen your strategic thinking over time.

3. Relationship Building:
Impact on My Journey: Success, whether in the military or business, depends on the strength of your relationships. Building strong, genuine connections with others has opened doors, provided support, and created opportunities that would have been impossible to achieve on my own. Whether it’s clients, partners, mentors, or teammates, the people around you are critical to your growth.

Advice for Building Strong Relationships:
– Be Authentic and Generous: Authenticity builds trust, and people are more likely to work with or support you if they believe in your integrity. Approach relationships with a mindset of giving—how can you support the other person? The more you give, the more trust you earn.
– Communicate Clearly and Consistently: Stay in touch with your network. Regular communication builds rapport and keeps relationships strong. Don’t just reach out when you need something—connect frequently, share updates, and offer help where you can.
– Seek Out Mentorship and Be a Mentor: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or guidance from those who are more experienced. At the same time, as you grow in your journey, offer your own knowledge and experience to help others. Mentoring builds strong, reciprocal relationships.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace learning and growth. Resilience, strategic thinking, and relationship building aren’t qualities you’re born with—they are developed through experience and intention. The more you work on these areas, the more equipped you’ll be to handle challenges and seize opportunities. Start now, be patient with your progress, and always keep your long-term vision in focus. Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to achieving your goals.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing that my mother Gail Jacobs-Moody instilled in me is the value of authentic leadership and the power of staying true to who you are, no matter the challenges you face. Gail taught me that being an authentic leader means leading with integrity, compassion, and unwavering confidence in your values. She emphasized the importance of serving others and always striving for excellence, but never at the expense of authenticity. This lesson has guided me throughout my journey, helping me build genuine relationships and navigate both military and business leadership with purpose and clarity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ckmacg.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckmacg_20/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.monroe.96
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-monroe/