Meet Salina Thompson

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

Hi Salina, 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?

This question truly resonates with me. I’ve always believed that the messages we tell ourselves shape our actions. In 1994, I was sitting in music class when my teacher casually asked if I was familiar with the latest Whoopi Goldberg movie. I was the only Black student in the room, and at that moment, I felt exposed and embarrassed. My face flushed, and I fell silent. The teacher quickly realized her misstep and moved on, but the moment stayed with me.

That day, I understood that I would face challenges simply because I might not look like everyone else in the room. But rather than shrink in those moments, I decided to make my presence and voice count. Every experience prepares us for what’s ahead, and entrepreneurship is no different—it requires intentional relationship-building and the ability to navigate rooms where you may be the only one who stands out.

The difference between then and now? I’m prepared. I’ve done the research, refined my expertise, and positioned myself as an asset to any room I step into. Challenges will come, but they won’t define me—I choose to own them. My natural strengths in organization and planning have always been instrumental in my professional journey, and I’ve learned to translate those skills into impactful business strategies.

Success starts with the mindset. Study, research, and use knowledge as a tool to elevate your path forward. Your ability to adapt, own your narrative, and confidently engage with the right audience is what sets you apart.

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?

The question “What do you do?” has always intrigued me. It’s one of the top three questions asked in any introduction, yet most people respond by simply stating their job title—not necessarily their passion. I take immense pride in saying that I have the privilege of doing what I love: learning, strategizing, and helping businesses thrive.

As a business consultant and project manager, I often hear people refer to me as a “coach” or “trainer.” While those labels weren’t ones I initially embraced, I’ve come to appreciate them because they reflect the tangible impact I have on my clients. Since 2018, I’ve helped businesses streamline operations, refine customer relationship strategies, and identify growth opportunities. My focus is on back-end operations, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and that businesses are built on scalable, systemized models for long-term success.

Who We Are
Savvy Empire Consulting is a boutique Operations & Project Management consulting firm dedicated to helping solopreneurs, startups, and agency owners implement total quality management solutions. Our mission is simple: eliminate manual inefficiencies and create structured, scalable success.

Why Choose Savvy?

What sets Savvy Empire Consulting, LLC apart is my unique background in operational efficiency, starting as a virtual assistant. In that role, I had to quickly learn and integrate new technologies while training teams on how to leverage them effectively. I never considered myself particularly tech-savvy, but my experience—spanning startup consulting to high-ticket client business consulting—sharpened my ability to absorb, optimize, and delegate with precision.

That adaptability is at the core of what we offer: practical, results-driven solutions designed to streamline business operations and maximize efficiency.

My Greatest Accomplishment

One of the things I’m most proud of is my resilience and ability to turn challenges into opportunities. In 2018, as a single parent juggling a full-time government job, high daycare costs, and extracurricular activities for my two children, I refused to see myself as struggling. Instead, I leveraged my strong co-parenting relationships and channeled my situation into building a business that empowers others. That decision not only transformed my life but also allowed me to help other entrepreneurs achieve sustainable success.

Ready to Work Smarter? Watch Our Latest DIY Tutorial!

Are you struggling to get more done in less time while staying on budget? You’re not alone! In this quick, practical tutorial, I break down the Top 5 AI Tools that are revolutionizing businesses just like yours.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to automate time-consuming tasks.
✅ The best AI tools to reduce costs and boost productivity.
✅ Step-by-step guidance to seamlessly integrate AI into your business.

Why Watch This?

These AI tools aren’t just trends—they’re GAME CHANGERS. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or entrepreneur, this video will help you work smarter, not harder, and keep more money in your pocket.

Stop wasting time. Start saving time and money today!

📌 Watch now: https://savvyempire3.gumroad.com/l/iuqzqk

At Savvy Empire Consulting, we are committed to providing the tools, strategies, and systems that help small businesses thrive, scale, and build high-performing teams. Our goal? To be the #1 small business consulting firm in metro Atlanta, GA, known for excellence in project management and operational strategy.
Ready to elevate your business? Let’s build something extraordinary—together.

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?

Reflecting on my experiences, I believe the most significant qualities I’ve developed are resilience, adaptability, and decisiveness. Throughout my journey, each challenge I faced offered valuable lessons that shaped my path to success. The rewards of entrepreneurship are only as meaningful as the obstacles you overcome. My advice to anyone grappling with challenges and questioning how to move forward is to keep your initial motivation in mind and trust in your ability to progress. Recognizing the reasons behind your journey and understanding the origin of each challenge will help you realize that overcoming them is ultimately your responsibility

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One of my favorite reads is “Blue Ocean Strategy” by Kim & Mauborgne. It emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box, studying your industry, and creating new value while avoiding typical competitive patterns. To truly set your business apart, you must be willing to research your competition and challenge them with innovative strategies that elevate your value without compromising quality.

In simple terms, ask yourself: What in your industry can be eliminated? What can be reduced to meet the industry standard? What can be raised above the industry standard? And what factors can be created that your industry has never offered? These questions guide you in developing a unique value proposition.

This part of the journey is never easy for anyone. I still have much to learn and accomplish in the next five years, but I believe that with the right mindset and discipline, navigating higher levels of success becomes more manageable. It’s about embracing the process, continuously learning, and pushing beyond comfort zones to achieve greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.savvyempireconsulting.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvyempireconsulting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavvyEmpireConsults
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savvyempireceo/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyEmpire
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@savvy_empire

  https://savvyempire3.gumroad.com/l/lvvfcd

  https://savvyempire3.gumroad.com/l/iuqzqk

Image Credits

Savvy Empire Consulting,LLC