Meet Renata Coleman

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Renata Coleman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Renata below.

Hi Renata, 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 taught early on that as a Black woman, I might need to work harder and show up stronger than others. That lesson shaped how I approach every room I walk into. To succeed, I’ve focused on being well-prepared, confident in my expertise, and intentional about how I contribute.

Along the way, I’ve also learned that influence comes not just from what you know, but from how you connect. Building relationships, finding allies, and listening deeply have allowed me to bridge differences and turn potential isolation into impact.

And now as a business executive, I’ve made it a priority to create space for others—so that being the ‘only one in the room’ becomes less common, and more voices and perspectives have the opportunity to be heard.”

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?

I founded RJ Coleman Consulting with the vision of helping organizations grow through sharper strategy, stronger brand storytelling, and a deeper understanding of their consumers. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to partner with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits — always with the goal of connecting brands to people in ways that drive both results and lasting impact.

What inspires me most is not just creating new possibilities for clients, but truly lightening their load. We’ve been in their seat — we understand the balancing act of goals versus bandwidth, and we exist to take some of that struggle off their plate. I’m equally proud that our model offers flexibility and balance to our consultants, allowing them to pursue professional achievement without sacrificing their personal lives.

Today, I’m focused on scaling RJ Coleman Consulting to broaden our impact. That includes certifying as a women-owned business through WBENC, expanding our client base, and continuing to grow a diverse team of consultants who bring fresh perspectives.

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?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, curiosity, and relationship-building.

First, resilience. There will always be setbacks, but what matters most is how quickly you regroup and move forward. I’ve learned to see challenges as lessons, not failures. For those starting out, resilience is a muscle — practice bouncing back from small obstacles, and you’ll be ready when bigger ones come.

Second, curiosity. Consulting requires me to adapt across industries and client needs. Staying curious has allowed me to ask better questions, see opportunities others miss, and keep growing. My advice to others is to seek out perspectives beyond your comfort zone — never stop learning.

Third, relationship-building. Success isn’t just about what you know, but about the trust you build. Many of my opportunities have come from connections nurtured over many years. For those early in their careers, I encourage you to invest in forging authentic relationships.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I pause, take a deep breath, and refocus on prioritizing what really matters. As a single mom of two young boys who is running my own business, it’s easy to feel pulled in a hundred directions, so every day I try to identify the one or two things that are my priority.

In times of overwhelm, I’ve also found it helpful to reset my boundaries and be more disciplined about my time. Intentionally scheduling productive time, family time, and short breaks to reset. Taking a walk or two throughout the day also helps reenergize me.

I’ve also learned not to do it all alone. Asking for help and delegating, both at work and at home, allows me to focus my energy where it matters most. So in short? My advice is pause, prioritize, and take intentional actions — that will go a long way to creating calm and quieting the noise!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rjcconsult.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renata-coleman/