Meet Dr. Calvin L. Haygood Jr.

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Calvin L. Haygood Jr.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dr. Calvin L. , 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?

Question: Being the only one in the room: how have you learned to be effective and successful even when you are the only one in the room that looks like you?

Response:
I’ve learned that being the only one in the room who looks like me can be both a challenge and a calling. Early in my journey as an educator, leader, and ministry worker, I had to come to terms with the fact that representation often comes with responsibility. There were moments when I questioned if I belonged — but over time, I realized that I was in those rooms for a purpose.

I don’t take that lightly. I remind myself that I carry the voices, hopes, and dreams of people who may not have been given the same opportunity to sit at that table. That awareness keeps me grounded, humble, and intentional about how I show up.

What’s helped me be effective is staying rooted in authenticity. I don’t try to shrink or fit into a mold that wasn’t made for me. I lead with grace, excellence, and conviction whether I’m in a classroom, a boardroom, or a sanctuary.

And more than anything, I see those “only one” moments as opportunities to change the narrative to make sure that I’m not just in the room, but that I’m leaving the door open wide enough for others to walk through after me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

About Me
“Breaking Cycles, Inspiring Transformation, Sharing Truth”

Dr. Calvin L. Haygood Jr.
I wear many hats: educator, leader, mentor, consultant, preacher, spiritual advisor, speaker, and now, published author. But above all, I am a storyteller with a mission—to break cycles, heal wounds, and help others achieve the wholeness they deserve.

My Journey
I currently serve as Principal of a K–12 school and as an English Language Arts (ELA) academic advisor, where I have the honor of shaping young lives every day. With 26 years of experience in education and leadership, I’ve witnessed firsthand how trauma, resilience, and transformation intersect in people’s lives.I also hold a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. I served as a clinical director, and a psychosocial therapist for about 4 years.

My journey as a writer grew out of childhood trauma—physical, mental, and sexual abuse—and the hard work of healing through therapy. Journaling became my lifeline: a safe space to express feelings, emotions, fears, disappointments, and toxic patterns. Some pain was too deep to voice aloud, but on the page, I could articulate my truth. Writing became more than words—it became a way to give language to pain, craft a story of hope, and envision a path toward transformation.

Why I Write

As a Melanated author, I write unapologetically from my truth and cultural lens. My work is for anyone wrestling with cycles of dysfunction, silence, abuse, or struggle—and who is ready to embrace the uncomfortable but necessary path of healing.

Through my debut book, Choosing the Pain of Change Over the Comfort of Dysfunction, I show that while change is hard, staying stuck costs even more. My words are an invitation: see yourself, confront your pain, and choose transformation. Freedom can feel frightening when you’ve been trapped for most of your life—but it is always worth the leap.

Faith and Personal Touch

Beyond the classroom and the page, I am a man of extraordinary faith. Reared in the church, I learned early that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20, NKJV). Life has presented many mountains I thought I could not overcome, yet my foundation of prayer and trust in God has sustained me (John 14:13-14, NKJV).

I am also a community advocate for those who, like me, have struggled to find their voice. I speak for those who feel unheard, offering the confidence, courage, and support they need to tell their story. These experiences keep me grounded, inspired, and deeply connected to the people I write for.

Vision Statement
My hope is simple: that my story helps unlock yours. That as you read my words, you find courage to heal, strength to grow, and freedom to live whole.
The journey is just beginning.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Question:

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?

Response:

When I reflect on my journey, three things stand out as truly transformative: resilience, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Resilience taught me that progress doesn’t always come easy, but purpose always finds a way. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned, yet those experiences built strength and character. My advice for anyone early in their journey is simple: don’t let setbacks silence your passion. Learn the lesson, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward.

Emotional intelligence has been equally important. Leadership and ministry both require the ability to see and hear people beyond the surface. When you lead with empathy, you create trust — and that trust becomes the foundation for real transformation. If you want to grow in this area, start by listening more than you speak.

And finally, being a lifelong learner has kept me sharp and grounded. The best leaders never stop being students. Keep reading, keep asking questions, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to think deeper and lead better. Growth isn’t a destination; it’s a daily decision.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

Question:

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort in improving areas you aren’t as strong in? Why? Talk to us about why you feel this way and please share any relevant stories that might help us better understand your view.

Response:

I believe there’s power in knowing your strengths but wisdom in not ignoring your weaknesses. For me, it’s not an either/or decision; it’s a both/and approach. I think we should absolutely lean into what we’re gifted at, because that’s where we find purpose, confidence, and flow. But at the same time, we should stay humble enough to recognize the areas that need growth and surround ourselves with people who complement us.

In leadership and ministry, I’ve learned that no one thrives in isolation. Early in my career, I tried to do everything myself — thinking that being capable meant being in control. Over time, I realized that true leadership isn’t about doing it all; it’s about doing your part with excellence and empowering others to do the same.

So yes, go all in on your strengths let them be your anchor. But don’t run from the areas that challenge you. Those are often the spaces where your greatest growth happens. I’ve found that when I focus on developing both, I lead more authentically, serve more effectively, and stay balanced in both purpose and perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: thegreatexchange25.my.canva.site
• Instagram: @melanatedauthor1914
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/cjhaygood
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-calvin-l-haygood-jr-62a311170?
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HayDrCJ1914
• Other: https://letztalk1914.blogspot.com