Meet Jovoni Trollinger

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jovoni Trollinger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jovoni, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

In many spaces I’ve navigated—college, corporate, and the arts—I’ve often been the only person of color in the room. These moments have brought challenges: being dismissed, underestimated, and overlooked, even when highly qualified.

But with perseverance, growth, and support from leaders of color—especially Black women and men—I’ve learned not just to navigate these spaces, but to lead with confidence. I’ve confronted imposter syndrome and now fully own my place. I’m rarely in the room by favor; I’m there because I’ve earned it—through consistent delivery, leadership, and excellence. I show up knowing I belong. Representation matters. Being seen—and seeing others who reflect my identity—drives meaningful change in the communities I come from.

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?

A mentor once advised me to “keep one foot in the community, one foot in my career.” This philosophy guides my approach as an emerging business leader committed to creating environments where individuals can thrive—both professionally and personally.

With a relentless passion for empowering others to lead impactful, fulfilling lives, my career is built on the pillars of leadership, strategy, and inclusivity. I have led and collaborated with teams across diverse industries, including small business, healthcare, banking, and nonprofits. By driving operational strategies, I’ve successfully increased efficiency, boosted employee engagement, and strengthened community involvement.

My expertise lies in optimizing business operations, managing vibrantly diverse teams, and cultivating inclusive workplace cultures that inspire growth and innovation. Beyond my professional pursuits, I am passionate about travel, running, and immersing myself in the arts, culture, and writing. These interests enrich my perspective and fuel my commitment to transformative leadership.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Work ethic, curiosity, and integrity have been the three most influential qualities in my journey—both professionally and personally. They’ve allowed me to move fluidly across industries, connect with a wide range of people, and, most importantly, remain committed to lifelong learning.

For those just starting out, I believe one of the most powerful things you can do is invest deeply in self-exploration. Understanding who you are, what you’re capable of, and what you want to learn or contribute to the world is essential to carving out a path that’s truly your own. The road ahead won’t always be linear. It may be marked by unexpected challenges, detours, and moments of unexpected luck. But when your path is rooted in self-awareness and guided by values that feel authentic to you, it becomes more than a career—it becomes a life aligned with purpose. And ultimately, that alignment is what matters most.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

In this current season of life—where both internal and external forces are adversely affecting my work, the communities I come from, and the world around me—I’ve found myself experiencing more moments of overwhelm and anxiety than I have in years. At times, the stress has even manifested physically, showing up as skin issues due to a compromised immune system.

I’ve learned to recognize when I’m pushing myself too hard—something I’ve done often in the past as a way of testing my limits. But from a wellness perspective, I now understand that constant striving isn’t always necessary—or sustainable. In those moments, I’ve learned to slow down and create space for stillness. Long, quiet walks without music or distractions were my favorite—until a recent injury forced me to literally sit still for most of the summer. Still, I’m grateful for this slower season, which has become essential—a way to be alone with my thoughts and reconnect with myself, my partner, and the family and friends who have been a major source of support.

I’ve also found deep comfort in attending the theater and listening to jazz, classical, and alternative music—especially instrumental pieces, which bring a sense of calm and clarity to this chapter of my life. More often than not, I remind myself to simply breathe—to remember that feelings of overwhelm will pass, that urgency is often an illusion, and that it’s okay to pause before reacting or making decisions.

That said, each person’s response to stress is deeply personal. The most important thing is to know yourself, respond to your needs with compassion, and reach out for support when needed—without shame. For me, maintaining a spiritual practice or connection to something greater than myself has been a grounding and vital source of peace and perspective.

Thank you for the opportunity to always share my thoughts and perspectives with your audience, I am always grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://jovoni.co
• Instagram: @hellojovoni
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hellojovoni