We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DEBORAH SMITH PEGUES. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DEBORAH below.
Hi DEBORAH, 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 have had to deal with being the only one in the room who looks like me since I left high school in Texas in 1968. I decided then not to bemoan my reality, but to mitigate its impact so that others in similar situations who followed me would have an effective role model. I was a 14-year-old 7th grader when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 became law. Racism was alive and well in my town but accepted as the status quo. In 1967, in the summer before going in to my senior year, things came to a head and the school board was forced to integrate and consolidate my all-black high school with the only other high school in town which was white. I had been elected student body president before the summer break but quickly found out that, at best, I would be allowed to attend meetings but not in any leadership capacity. I decided to forego a sullen attitude for the glaring inequity, and to forge ahead. No way was I going to be labeled an “angry black”. It was not easy enduring the curious stares of those who did not look like me. My greatest fear was–and to some extent still is to this day, not being prepared to respond successfully to whatever was required of me. My primary goal became to simply be “as smart as or smarter than the white folks”.
I made sure that I always knew what I was talking about. The black teachers had instilled in us black students that education was the only way out of the hole of racial injustice. To everyone’s surprise and to all the black people’s delight, I was named valedictorian of the senior class. It was a historical moment.
Over the years, the environments changed but the story remained somewhat the same. I invested heavily in self-development, from advanced etiquette and articulation classes to engaging an image consultants and the works–just to be considered “equal’.
However, while racism is yet alive, I would be remiss and downright dishonest if I didn’t admit that throughout my career, I have received much favor and support from people who do not look like me. They have used their influential positions and resources to advance my standing in various environments. Many are now some of my closest friends and I’m eternally grateful for them.
I must say that while I’m a fierce advocate for racial justice, I don’t “lead” with being black as my banner or calling card. I freely discuss racial differences and “educate” whites and blacks on how to navigate the stereotypes and assumptions when I deem it necessary. Further, I’m not looking for racism under every rock. I refuse to paint an entire race of people with the same broad brush. Rather, I chose excellence, relatability, authenticity, honest communication, and initiative as the core values that inform my interactions. Earning a place at the table has not been a struggle. However, to guard my authenticity, I’m still quick to speak my mind when I feel I need to impact an issue or discussion.
I have many genuine friends who do not look like me; in many cases, I have had to initiate the relationship. That’s my reality. I’ve gone as far as inviting myself to join a group heading for lunch when I was an ignored, new “affirmative action” hire in corporate America. I make a bold assumption that to know me is to like me—and to favor me. Taking the initiative is critical; I never hesitate or get stuck in the mindset that I “shouldn’t have to” do this. So far, I have been right!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you. What are some of your most rewarding accomplishments?
I have written 18 transformative, traditionally published faith-based books, including the platinum award winning 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue (over 1.2 million sold in six languages); this book walks readers through a “verbal fast” where they abstain from 30 instances of negative speaking (complaining, criticizing, cussing, etc.) for 30 days. It has changed conversations around the world. Altogether, I have sold over 2.5 million books worldwide. My work centers around teaching people how to embrace and apply the ancient wisdom of the Bible to their everyday challenges. My non-judgmental, practical approach combined with candid personal stories and humor have combined to make my work very effective.
I have come a long way from that .75-cent per hour former Southern maid. I am now a frequent guest on various TV, radio, podcast, and other major platforms. During 2018-2019, I hosted the popular show, WINNING WITH DEBORAH, on the (now defunct) TBN Salsa Network.
I am a former MCA/Universal Studios, Inc. VP, (Venture Capital Division). As a businesswoman and financial consultant, I have played the key role in several news making transactions including developing the financial projections for the startup of the wildly successful Magic Johnson Theater Chain. I am an eternal optimist; my life’s motto is: “Everything works together for my good; I’m never a victim!”
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 most important qualities that have served me well: 1) Faith in an all-powerful, all-knowing, and always-present God. How could I ever lose when I’m connected to such a Being? I develop my faith by constantly reading about men and women who stepped out even when all the issues were not settled, or gaps closed. They recognized that their success did not totally depend on themselves and their efforts.
2) Perseverance. I stick with a task or goal no matter what. When I’m convinced that I need to pursue something, I immediately develop milestone dates to accomplish it. Goals without due dates are just wishes! Further, I refuse to believe that roadblocks or adversity are signs that I should stop my pursuit. However, I do not go it alone; I have a cadre of friends and advisors who help bring clarity and balance to my life.
3) Good people skills. I make every effort to understand and relate well to people. I do not obsess with trying to be liked, but rather, I avoid behaviors that make one “unlikeable” (e.g., being argumentative, engaging in self-promotion, not being a team player, etc.). I also try to practice being “curious” and asking questions rather than being “critical” and accusing.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one obstacle I’m facing is getting the right team of professionals to achieve my goals. I have had lots of false starts and have often settled for less than excellent performance because I have hired people who need the work vs. people who can do the work. To solve the problem, I’m taking more time to vet potential candidates and to be realistic in my expectations so that I won’t require too many talents from one person. It’s been a real learning process as an entrepreneur, but I have no complaints. I have a fulfilling 45-year marriage and apart from being an eternal dieter, I’m healthy and happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deborahpegues.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahsmithpegues/
- Facebook: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeborahSmithPegues/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahsmithpegues/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeborahSmithPegues
- Other: Recent Media Accolades https://www.essence.com/entertainment/christian-authors/#1211559
Image Credits
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