We recently connected with Morgan Janel and have shared our conversation below.
Morgan, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Over the years, I have looked at being the only one in the room that looks like me as a super power more than anything else. From a young age, I have worked hard and had a strong work ethic and continue to have that up to today. In addition, being in the Environmental and Engineering industry (as I’m currently working as an Environmental Traveling Site Assessor), which was once and still is predominantly a male industry, I had to get use to being the only one that looked like me. I do see progress; however, much improvement for women, especially women of color in the workplace still needs a lot of work. Adversity has just pushed me and given me that ammunition to go after what I want and know I deserve.
My advice to anyone who feels overwhelmed about being the only one in the room that looks like you or is simply feels different, is to keep on going and work hard knowing that you are the game changer and trail blazing a path for those behind you. Sometimes you have to drown out the noise and do what is best for you. Over time, you will gain experience and resilience. The most important thing is that you have to believe in yourself because if you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will. Surround yourself around like-minded individuals and or those that are where you want to be, because those that have been where you are at know that the road to achieving a goal takes time and can relate. As someone who took the leap from working as a full-time employee to now working as an independent professional associate, I have had an outpour of fellow independent professional associates who I work alongside with in the due diligence industry that have guided and been truly inspiring, as well as mentors.
“Care about what others think, and you’ll always be their prisoner.” – Lao Tzu
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am currently working as a Professional Associate/Independent Consultant in the Commercial Due Diligence industry performing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Property Condition Assessments, Asbestos, Radon, Reporting, and Consulting for various reputable environmental/engineering firms. A typical day for me is either traveling to perform a site walk or researching (which includes reviewing historical aerial photographs, topographic maps, Sanborn fire insurance maps, regulatory file review of environmental concerns such as historic gas stations, drycleaners; interviews with personnel with historical knowledge of the site including local building and fire departments, etc.) and report writing. My job is a bit unique as I get to travel throughout the United States, performing site walks and research on different types of properties, as well as meeting different people from all walks of life.
Additionally, I work as part of the Sales Support and Client Services Team at Coach of New York luxury retail, where I get the opportunity to interact with customers and enhance a positive customer service experience. In my free time, I love to travel and my hobbies include photography, modeling and fashion.
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?
1. Having Flexibility and being Curious
2. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people and mentors
3. Open to New and Different Opportunities
My advice for folks who are early in their journey is to always stay curious and open to new and different opportunities. In addition, networking is crucial as I’ve seen opportunities open up tremendously from networking and talking to people within your industry. Additionally, if you see someone that is where you want to be, definitely reach out to them as most tend to be humble and will gladly share where they came from and how they got to where they are now. Like the quote, “You’ll never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. You’ll always be criticized by someone doing less. Remember that.”
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
I would have to say learning to trust myself and trusting the process, whether that be trusting my gut, intuition and/or my life decisions. In addition, trusting life itself and allowing it to show me my own individual path that has been mapped out for me. As someone who in a way had to finally take the leap into being self-employed and working as a professional associate/independent consultant within the due diligence industry, you will notice that trusting yourself is key and it shapes you not only professionally, but in every aspect of your life. Tremendous growth comes from this experience as it forces you to learn new skills everyday through trial and errors, and sometimes will teach you to do things “on the fly.” From this, you just have to trust yourself in your decision making and skills. Its from this inner strength, patience, and resilience, where most of your growth will occur.
– Let life take the shape it wants, let it show your different shades of emotions, trials, and triumphs, let it surprise you with its unpredictability. Embrace the adventure. – Sangeeta Rana
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmorganjanel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgan.j.garrett.3
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-janel-91a54630/
Image Credits
Kim Carpenter Portraits (based in Lakeland, Florida – www.kimcarpenterportraits.com)
Castelo Portrait Art by Maria Castelo (based in Hollywood, South Carolina – www.casteloportraitart.com)
Kelly Kristine Photography (based in Tampa, Florida – www.kkpbeautyandboudoir.com)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
