Meet Moreno Taylor, Ii

We were lucky to catch up with Moreno Taylor, Ii recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi MoReno, 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?

I was forced to adapt early on and had to learn how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. I’ve always been aware of my environment and how my presence impacts those around me thanks to a professor at Eastern Michigan University who introduced me to the concept of “Emotional Intelligence”. Early on it’s more difficult because you’re struggling to find your place in many spaces and decide when to speak or what to say. I realized life is always going to be full of awkward moments, so best embrace them and make the best of it. I’ve worked extremely hard to get to where I am and I know when I walk in these rooms and spaces that I 100% belong there, that confidence took time to develop and still can be shaken from time to time. But the most important thing is to make sure you’re prepared, you’ve done your research, and are ready to not only show up but show out when given the opportunity. I tend to default to listening and observing everything and then providing recommendations that are overlooked or undervalued. No matter who you are, where you are in life, there’s value to your experiences and perspective. Choose wisely when and who you share those insights with.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m MoReno Taylor, II (Michigan_MADE_Man / MI.Officiant). I’m a native Detroiter and graduate of U of D Jesuit High School, Eastern Michigan University, and Michigan State University. At EMU he received a Bachelor’s degree in Management, Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. In 2011 I was selected to be a Fellow in the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. I’m also a 2023 Fellow of the Great Lakes Political Academy “Ready to ED” program which helps those interested in gaining more experience for Executive positions within the nonprofit space.

In graduate school I worked in the College of Business as a Graduate Assistant in the Management department where I served on several university boards and student organizations including terms as President of the Deans Board of Student Advisors (DBSA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). While there I oversaw the implementation of the Ethos Week initiative, a foundation funded program dedicated to teaching the significance of ethics in each business discipline.

I started a career in government and public service immediately following graduation working on a campaign for State Representative in Michigan’s 5th House District and later serving as Community Liaison and Legislative Director. Over the next five years I worked in several capacities for the Michigan House Democratic Caucus including Communications Organizer and Policy Analyst. I left to serve as Legislative Coordinator (lobbyist) with the Michigan Association of Counties where I advocated for county government on various issues including transportation, tourism, renewable energy / environment, and agriculture.

I’ve built an impressive political career with experience working in various capacities of state government and the nonprofit sector. Most recently I advocated for revenue reform and increases to investments in public infrastructure while serving as Executive Director of the Fund MI Future coalition before starting my own consulting firm, Taylor MADE Consulting Group, LLLC. I started out contracting with the Michigan Democratic Party to serve as State Supreme Court Program Director where I developed and managed the program to reelect Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and elect Kimberly Ann Thomas to the Michigan Supreme Court. I currently serve on a few nonprofit boards, the Michigan Political History Society and Great Lakes Political Academy.

In addition to my emerging political career, I became a wedding officiant in 2021. At the insistence of my wife Lisa, an award winning wedding planner, I finally gave in and got credentialed just in case of emergencies. The business has since grown into a passion of mine where I specializes in performing custom nontraditional wedding ceremonies. I wanted to make sure everyone has access to a capable officiant who can pronounce their names correctly and treat them with dignity and respect.

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?

Best advice I can give to folks who are beginning their journey would be to be adaptable, know your goals, and be yourself. Throughout your journey you should always have a focus on learning as much as possible regarding your craft, from every perspective possible. It helps you to understand how all of the gears fit together as well as how to manipulate those gears to your benefit when necessary. Always know your goals and don’t be afraid to revisit them from time to time. It’s important to plot out long-term and short-term goals and make sure you’re aligned with them along the way. Lastly, I’ve found it’s so important to be authentic, the higher I’ve climbed the more I’ve realized how good the people are around me at reading people. With a background in Human Resources I already used the knowledge and skills I learned along the way in my career. It’s critical to be yourself and be a leader, it’s easier to follow but it’s a much harder road.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

As a political strategist and consultant I’m always looking to collaborate with individuals who are trying to make a difference or solve problems. In the past I’ve worked on a wide variety of issues including criminal justice reform, pension protection, renewable energy, and increasing funding for public goods. There’s no shortage of issues that need to be addressed and I’ve always prided myself on assisting those looking to better understand the government and legislative process and provide comprehensive solutions and strategies. For more information I can be reached via email at tmcgmichigan@gmail.com and on Instagram @TMCGMichigan and @MI.Officiant

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Larry Lipton
Benjamin David
Brian Weitzel
LG Event Design

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