Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tracey Joseph. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Tracey with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing, values, and personal philosophy. Growing up, I was instilled with the importance of hard work, dedication, and integrity by my family and mentors. My family was in the military, ranks included Staff Sergeant, Ranger, to Intelligence Imagery Analyst, there was no such thing as quitting or saying you can’t. You had to find a way. They taught me that success is earned through diligence, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence in everything I do. Additionally, I have always been driven by a strong internal motivation to achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact in my work. This drive pushes me to consistently go above and beyond, to be proactive, and to continuously seek opportunities for growth and improvement. I tell myself, that failure can only be measured when you stop, so do not stop. Seeing the positive outcomes of my efforts and the difference I can make in the lives of others fuels my passion and reinforces my work ethic. It is a combination of these factors that shapes my strong work ethic and drives me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my professional and personal endeavors.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Absolutely. I am an Executive Human Resources Consultant and Certified Coach with nearly two decades of experience in various executive-level roles, I specialize in providing tailored solutions to help businesses navigate complex HR challenges and optimize their workforce.
My expertise ranges from advising on strategic initiatives to conducting compliance audits and developing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. For example, I’ve partnered with HUD’s Office of Prevention, Recovery, and Transformation to aid a municipality in achieving its financial recovery objectives, and I’ve successfully coached clients through contract breaches, facilitating the recovery of substantial amounts for reinvestment.
Most clients like to consult with me because of my swift ability to understand the day-to-day operations, identify weaknesses, and brainstorm with leadership the solutions. They see the immediate return on their investment.
What I find most exhilarating about my role is the opportunity to drive positive change and foster inclusive workplace environments where every individual can thrive. Through my consultancy work, I aim to be a catalyst for change, recognizing that those who shape organizational policies hold the power to influence culture. Whether at a corporate level or within the community, I am passionate about leading discussions that promote inclusivity and equity.
Currently, I’m actively expanding my consultancy services to include international and governmental clients, with the goal of making a global impact. I’m also exploring collaborations with local organizations on community-focused initiatives, such as mentoring programs and diversity workshops, to address pressing social issues and drive positive change.
In addition to my consulting work, I’m the founder of CakeSpell Delightful Baking, where I channel my passion for baking and art into creating treats that bring joy to others. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is combining my HR expertise with my love for baking to make a meaningful impact in both professional and personal spheres.
I am eager to continue nurturing growth and innovation across my business and artistic ventures, embracing new opportunities and challenges on the horizon.
In my leisure time, I am engrossed in writing, currently working on a book project that delves into personal experiences and their role in fostering growth, with the aim of offering insights to others navigating life’s journey. As a devoted mother to three children, my young men keep me busy as I guide my oldest son into his senior year, coach my middle son in leadership roles, and I keep my youngest son on track with academics and basketball. Motherhood has taught me I am the gauge of what is acceptable, and they are always watching. I cherish the balance between my personal and professional roles, grateful for the chance to positively influence the lives of others.
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?
Resilience, Adaptability, and Continuous learning.
Resilience has been crucial in navigating through challenges and setbacks. It’s essential to remain resilient in the face of adversity, bouncing back stronger and more determined than before. To develop resilience, you have to condition your mind to focus on solutions and not be paralyzed by the problems. This doesn’t mean you don’t have a moment of vulnerability; you just don’t stay in that moment. This is helpful when you have like-minded individuals around you and mentors. If you earn thousands, find a mentor earning millions. When are earning millions, find a mentor earning billions.
Adaptability is another vital skill that has served me well. In a constantly evolving professional landscape, the ability to adapt to change and embrace new situations is invaluable. To enhance adaptability, I suggest being open-minded, flexible, and proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and grow in diverse environments.
The third skill ties in with adaptability, continuous learning has been instrumental in staying relevant and competitive. In today’s fast-paced world, staying updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices is essential for professional growth. I encourage early-career individuals to prioritize lifelong learning, whether through formal education, certifications, or self-directed learning initiatives. I also encourage continuous learning of oneself. Know your triggers, boundaries, and soothers. Know how you learn. I love learning so I will read, listen to podcasts, and even teach. “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” – Phil Collins.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
Investing effort to improve areas of weakness aligns with my personal belief in the importance of striving for well-rounded growth. While focusing solely on our strengths can lead to exceptional performance, neglecting areas of weakness can limit overall effectiveness and hinder professional growth. It’s crucial to recognize that perfection is unattainable, and there will always be areas where we can improve. By dedicating effort to developing these areas, we can broaden our skill set, increase versatility, and become more well-rounded individuals.
One area of weakness that I’ve personally grappled with is imposter syndrome, a phenomenon marked by feelings of inadequacy despite evident success. Reflecting on my own experience, I recall a time when imposter syndrome significantly impacted my confidence and performance. Despite receiving recognition for my contributions, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling of self-doubt, questioning my worthiness and competence.
This internal struggle not only undermined my self-esteem but also hindered my ability to seize growth opportunities and take on new challenges. Recognizing the detrimental impact of imposter syndrome on my professional development, I made a conscious effort to address this weakness head-on.
Through self-reflection and seeking support from mentors, colleagues, and a therapist, I began to challenge negative self-talk and reframe my perceptions of success. By acknowledging my accomplishments and embracing vulnerability, I gradually gained confidence in my abilities and learned to leverage my strengths effectively.
While I still encounter moments of self-doubt, I’ve discovered the power of vulnerability in building authentic connections and fostering a supportive environment. By openly sharing my struggles with imposter syndrome, I found that many people could relate, and through their invaluable strength and perspective, I gained mine. This journey has taught me the importance of acknowledging and addressing areas of weakness, as they can ultimately lead to personal growth and professional success.
Contact Info:
- Website: executivehr.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtraceyjosephofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.joseph.7
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-joseph-mba-notary-public/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executivehrconsulting/
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