We were lucky to catch up with Shasta Broadus recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shasta, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I’ve been the only one that looks like me in a lot of rooms. I am an American woman who is brown skinned. but here in America I am labeled a black woman. So being raised in San Diego, CA I was the only one who looked like me in a lot of my classes. Growing up, I have always been someone who genuinely likes to help others.
I remember distinctly in elementary school I would often be the one of the first kids at the school, I remember so vividly going to my classrooms before they started to meet the teacher or find out if they needed help with anything. That was little me just wanting to have something to do besides being out there with the other kids playing. From elementary school thru High School I was often the only brown skinned girl in my classes. In high school I was the only brown skinned girl in my graduating class. And I made myself stand out be being helpful. That has carried over with me into my professional career as well. My career began in financial services a predominantly white male dominated industry. So, I had my skin color as one thing but then also ,my gender as another. I got into the financial services industry to educate more people on financial literacy and the importance it part it plays in their legacy.
Being helpful for me has been a way to make people feel comfortable with me and doing business is about building trust and relationships with people.
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?
My name is Shasta N. Broadus I am the CEO of Capital Stewardship a personal and professional business development organization for CEO and Founders. I started my business coming out of my corporate career in financial services. I saw a need in the marketplace to provide consulting, and project management services to small business owners. Working with small business owners regarding their business succession plan gave me insight to see where our small business owners needed help and support in order to properly grow their business and potentially pass it down or sell it.
Capital Stewardship is a for profit business that helps other business owners work on their business while they work in their business. From business model development to exit strategy conversations we cover the whole gambit.
Currently, I am cultivating a network of small business professionals who provide services to my clients and business partners at discounted prices and all professionals have been vetted through our network. Right, I am on my biggest project in Houston, TX with a non profit called Hoodies 4 Healing who is feeding the homeless 1 hoodie at a time every Sunday morning. You can purchase a hoodie here www.hoodies4healing.org
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?
The three qualities and skills that I believe were impactful on my journey would be
1.) Ambition
2.) Tenacity
3.) Willingness to learn
Having ambition is important because it gets you started on your quest/journey to aspire to want more. Tenacity keeps you going even when you feel like you may want to give up. Being tenacious keeps you going after it. And the willingness to learn is important because of the fact that you have to be adaptable and ready to adjust at any time. Working on your mental, emotional, physical, financial and even spiritual well being is imperative. Being able to see yourself as the common denominator in your life will help you improve.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am looking to collaborate with other small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to be apart of a network where we reciprocate, collaborate and cooperate with one another to take our business to the next level as well as learn about conscious capitalism. Please reach out to me at www.capitalstewardship.org
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.capitalstewardship.org
- Instagram: Capital Stewardship
- Facebook: Shasta N. Broadus
- Linkedin: Shasta N. Broadus
- Youtube: Capital Stewardship
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
