Meet Monique Douglas

We were lucky to catch up with Monique Douglas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Monique, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
I can truly say that the “empathy for others” seed was planted very early on in my youth. My parents were very empathetic people and so were so many of their friends. They taught my sister and I the importance of caring for the needs of others and having that agapé love for your neighbor. It was not something they just spoke about but they walked the walk and live by that standard to this day as they are involved in a full-time Bible ministry to this day.

Although we were raised in what many would consider “of means” we were taught humility and we worked to earn the things that we desired, even though our parents could have just bought everything we wanted we had to work for it, because my Dad explained there are many who are not as fortunate as we are and so we must never take what we have for granted.

My empathy grew as I moved into adulthood. 15 years of a tumultuous marriage resulted in me dealing with anxiety & depression, thoughts of suicide, feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. It was not easy. I experienced the fears, pains and instability of single parenthood as I fought through separation and divorce with 3 small children. After coming through this experience I had so much more empathy for single parents and the struggles of low income families to just put food on the table. I understood the unjust systems that exist that make it so hard for those who have fallen unexpectedly into financial dilemmas to get the assistance they need to survive. Because I hadn’t just hit “rock bottom” but I was “under the rock” for years.

I then remarried and went through another 12 years of a tumultuous marriage which involved unexpected turmoils as a result of addictions. When that marriage ended up in separation and divorce and me now being a single mom of 4 children, I was forced to once again pick up shattered pieces in order to rebuild a healthy home for my children. From this experience I have empathy for the struggles of those who suffer with addiction and the difficulties family members struggle with watching their loved ones go through it.

I treat all with respect and work hard not to judge others on what I think I see… because I realize that no one really knows the struggles individuals may be going through behind the scenes.

I show love and understanding and where I can offer a helping hand by helping find individuals or organizations to help them through their journeys.

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?
When I look back on my life’s journey I realize although painful at times the path I have walked and continue to endure at different times and on different levels is what has tested me so that I could utilize my “resilience muscles” to help others to understand their BBA (Bounce Back Ability).

The lessons learned from my journey have moved me in many ways:

I learned the power of faith in my teens when I started out in a full-time Bible ministry where I devoted 1000 hrs annually to teaching others for 7 years

I’ve learned the power of serving others and rendering true hospitality through my 20 years in Mary Kay, achieving pink Cadillac Status & an overlapping 20 years in the hotel industry ultimately achieving the level of Director of Sales.

I have fulfilled my desire to offer youth in my non-profit, Grooming Greatness, the opportunity to enjoy aspects of my life with my parents that they may never have the chance to enjoy within their own community due to lack of access. We are celebrating our 10th Year Anniversary as an organization whose mission is to touch the lives of families from underserved communities to educate, enrich & empower their youth through exposure to the visual and performing arts. I love taking them to the theatre and having them participate in all types of visual and performing arts activities to open their eyes to the endless possibilities for their lives through their talents. www.groominggreatness.org

My husband, Kevin Douglas, and I expanded our vision to touch the lives of our community in even greater ways. We opened up a brick and mortar, now called Society at 229, that serves as a location for my husband to service his photography clients. It is also a hub for grassroots non-profits to network, work and meet affordably. Lastly, my husband runs a veterans initiative under our non profit which helps provide advocacy and resources for underserved veterans.

In the evenings, Society at 229 serves as an upscale lounge where can gather for social events, business retreat/meetings, live jazz and so much more. We are proud to be situated in a historic block of the city that represents the last remaining buildings from the neighborhood known as Brooklyn in Charlotte, We actually sit on S. Brevard St, which was affectionately known as the Black Wall Street of Charlotte in the early 1900s. The third floor of one of the historic buildings in our block served as a social club for African-American leaders since they were not welcome in the white social clubs of their day. This is the story whose heritage we carry on through our Social lounge, Society at 229.

I am currently the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Collective-Charlotte, which manages the three buildings in this historic block, which represents a place of inclusivity that honors history, contributes to upward & economic mobility, and celebrates artistry.

As a Global Impact Leader, Public Speaker, Author and Consultant it is now my joy to travel and share the lessons learned through my journey to help others believe in themselves and their abilities. My goal is to groom them to not just be good but to be GREAT!

What’s on my horizon?

I have begun my 10 city speaking tour with my newest written work “UNCLOGGED-Targeting The Top 10 Mindset Cloggers to Business Success”. I was excited to learn that my book won the internationally respected GOLD Award of Excellence in the Collateral-Self Promotions category of the Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) 2022 Communicator Awards.

My speaker tour is centered around helping entrepreneurs and professionals to get UNCLOGGED. To operate at our highest level as Leaders we must identify, plunge away and flush what is stopping us up from success. I’m excited about bringing this message to the cities I’ve selected, it’s not just a local message, it’s Global. First stop was Canada, next Ghana …looking forward to the many lives I will have the privilege of impacting!

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?

Humility- I’ve learned that arrogance repels and humility draws people to you. I try to always have a humble spirit. I stay open to learning, never feeling as though I have all of the answers. There are many who feel humility is a weakness but far from it…I believe it’s my superpower.

Resilience- Many hear me say ‘where is your BBA’? That’s your bounce back ability. We all have it in us but we don’t all use it. As you travel through life, you will be knocked down, you will be hi-jacked by other people’s agendas, you will experience financial devastation and things will not always go as planned. I’ve learned that by me using my resilience, getting back up even when I didn’t think I had the strength, time and time again I rebound faster than I did when I was first side-swiped by life.

Determination- Sometimes you can bounce back up but you may feel worn out and stop having the desire to progress. I believe strongly that my positive mindset has keep me determined not to lay down or stay down. I’m determined to set an example for my family and those around me that success is possible despite seeming set backs. I believe as long as I am moving forward, I’m moving in the right direction.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
As Global Impact Leader and Speaker my ideal clients are companies searching for an engaging speaker for keynotes and workshops with a unique approach to achieving clarity of purpose through a shift in mindset.

Companies who are not just looking to bring an inspirational message but are looking for a longer term solution to grooming and growing emerging leaders in their organizations.

Also looking for Executives who feel they are tied to their corporate titles after so many years and now in their maturity, feel a need to establish their personal brand in the marketplace so that they have options.

I’m searching for entrepreneurs who are serious and ready to invest in a consultant who will help them gain clarity in the direction they need to move in order to achieve business success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Kevin Douglas Creative Network Studios

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