MEET JANNA BROWN

New View with Janna Brown

TDR:  What issues are you most passionate about in your community?

Janna: The issues I am most passionate about in my community are increasing the self-worth of our youth, especially young girls, and women. Everything stems from our self-worth. How we operate in life and business is impacted by what we believe about ourselves and what we have been through. Many times the biggest obstacle we have that keeps us from achieving our success are the lies we tell ourselves based on past hurt and disappointments. We believe the negative more than the positive of what others think and say about us and our future. If I can help someone realize their fullest potential and to discover who they truly are, who they were created to be, to understand and change their mindset, their belief about themselves, then I would have accomplished what God has created me to do and be. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than to see someone accomplish their goals when they didn't think they could because they were thinking and living beneath their fullest potential.

TDR: What are most of your philanthropy efforts typically directed towards serving?

Janna: Most of my philanthropy efforts are typically directed towards serving youth and women. I know firsthand the impact you can have on a youth when you take the time to pour into them. I have seen the lives of youth changed because they were involved in a positive outlet where their voice was heard. I love helping women see the best in themselves and accomplish their goals. I currently work with a non-profit organization that builds character through the performing art in youth and have been doing so for the past 10+ years. I get so much joy out of serving.

TDR:  How do you define leadership?

Janna: Leadership is being able to place others before yourself for the greater good of the cause. It is also being able to inspire others to become passionate ambassadors about the cause and who they are serving because they know you genuinely care about them and their success. I always say that if you take care of your people, they will take care of you.

TDR:  How would you define your leadership style?

Janna: I would describe my leadership style as servant because I am always looking for ways to uplift and grow my team. To pull out the best in them and provide opportunities that pulls on their passion and develops their interest. I always ask how we can make this a win-win situation. I also know that this helps to foster a healthy, productive and trusting environment and relationship because my team understands I am concerned about them. Therefore, they are passionate about executing the project and going above and beyond. In the process, I realized that this leadership style also helped to produce successors who can teach others and phenomenal individuals who move on to birth amazing businesses.

TDR:  What would be the most painful lesson that you've learned in life that has helped you become who you are today?

Janna: The most painful lesson I have learned in life that has helped me become who I am today is to take responsibility for your actions even when you are afraid of failing. I have made mistakes and I had to learn how to own up to those mistakes and become more of a problem solver to rectify the mess I had made. This was challenging for me because I never wanted to let anyone down or feel as if I had failed them or wasted the company’s money. The first time it happened I was devastated and wrought because I didn't know what to do, however, after a few of those experiences, it caused me to become more of a problem-solver and to take more risks because I knew failure was a part of the process.

TDR:  What would people be surprised to know that you had to overcome?

Janna: People would be surprised to know that I had to overcome, and at times still overcoming, low self-esteem, fear and self-worth. I am a natural born leader and have come to understand my gifting, however, people never knew the struggle of what I was going through while I was operating in my gifts because I seemed so confident even though I was uncertain.

TDR:  Name 3 leaders that you look up to. 

Janna: Three leaders I look up to are my uncle Maynard Jackson, my husband Darrell Brown and Theresa Spralling. I look up to my uncle Maynard because of all that he did for the community and to help shape Atlanta into what it is today. He faced difficulties and fear but he still continued to press forward. But what was even more remarkable to me was his passion for the people and their love and passion for him. They called him the peoples Mayor and he NEVER forgot a name. A remarkable legacy was left behind. I look up to my husband because of his dedication and fearlessness. He inspires me so much as an entrepreneur. He jumps out there to take risk, he is always expanding himself, creating new opportunities, implementing his multiple gifts, dedicated to his family and the community and he doesn't let fear of the unknown prevent him from exploring a path. He really helped to shape me into the person I am today. But don't tell him I told you that lol. I look up to Theresa Spralling because of the work she is accomplishing with women at AT&T. She has grown their women's organization tremendously and has such an open heart to help others and young adults. From the moment I met her I admired her work and what she has accomplished.

TDR:  Name 3 of your favorite books.

Janna: Three of my favorite books are Who Moved My Cheese, The Art of Client Service and BOSS Women Pray.

TDR:  What is your advice for emerging leaders?

Janna: My advice for emerging leaders is to find your leadership style and yourself because when you are genuine you will attract genuine people to work with and serve. Really cultivate a relationship with your team. Of course keep it professional but really get to know them and let them know you. When they see who you truly are they will be willing to go to battle with you.

TDR:  Complete this sentence…5 years ago I was…

Janna: 5 years ago I was working at a marketing agency called GTM and I had just wrapped up working on the truth Campaign, a national and successful campaign, for 10 years. It was a weird place because I had to reposition and transition to a new space in my life and within the company. Saying goodbye to something you were committed to for so long was extremely difficult because I loved what I did. I also didn't realize how I had allowed that campaign to define who I was, therefore, when it ended I felt lost until I found a new purpose again.

TDR:  Complete this sentence…5 years from now I hope to be…

Janna: 5 years from now I hope to be serving women and young girls in a way that truly impacts and transforms their lives. I hope to do this by traveling as a professional speaker, hosting conferences, producing workshops and various products for my business. I want to be able to make an impact on their self-worth, who they believe they are and help them to manifest the visions that God has given them to birth.

TDR:  If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?          

Janna: Passionate. Passionate because it encompasses a lot of who I am (love, joy, happiness), it shows commitment to getting the job done, it is contagious, it brings an internal fire that has to be quenched, and it is about serving others.

TDR: What are some of your current initiatives people can help you with?

Janna: The K.I.D.D.S. Dance Project - We build character through the performing arts in youth ages 4-17 and we are always looking for volunteers to help with marketing for our annual spring recital Resurrection. This is our 20th year of the production, and every year is free to the community. It is a dramatic dance interpretation of the crucifixion of Christ. You can go to www.kiddsdanceproject.com to find out more details or donate. 

The other organization I work with is called the Show Me Shoes Foundation. They assist young girls who have experienced unexpected hardships. Their mission is to encourage and inspire young girls to become successful young women giving them the gift of opportunities, networking, and leadership by "Building confidence from the "SOLE". Each year they collect dresses and shoes to give away at the Prom Project event in Atlanta, Kansas and LA. To find out how to volunteer or to donate some items go to www.showmeshoes.org

Connect with Janna:

E-mail - bookme@jannab.com

Facebook @jannab

Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope @jannabspeaks

www.jannab.com

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MEET ROSEWITHA G. SHELTON

New View with Rosewitha G. Shelton

TDR:  What issues are you most passionate about in your community?    

Rose: Children exhibiting a global mindset through global experiences and young women self-defining.

TDR: What are most of your philanthropy efforts typically directed towards serving?

Rose: Young adults and children that desire to travel with their schools, church organizations or enrichment programs. When I was in high school my father gave up his job as an engineer and went back to school to become a Lutheran Pastor. The youth programs within the Lutheran Organization were so enriching that it changed my life and perspective of the world. The travel opportunities my father connected me to and the networking that occurred at such a young age created a belief in me that I could go anywhere in the world and somehow succeed and be divinely connected to who I needed to connect with. I believed that I could go anywhere in the world and never be lonely or alone. The diversity of the people I met and the places I traveled made me feel unlimited in my reach into the world. I felt that I could go as far as the people I knew and the streets they walked. When I joined the military, it further supported this belief. I desire this freedom of mind and experience for every child to help them discover who they are and who they desire to be without the limitations of the community and locality in which they live to define and marginalize their dreams and abilities.

TDR:  How do you define leadership?    

Rose: Being willing to take the chances necessary to bring about the vision held within you. One who is willing to live and die as the example for a vision beyond one’s self. Brave enough to try and fail and try again because they understand the importance of their efforts and the dream within and tune out the naysayers. Paving ways unpaved, exploring roads untraveled and then giving a detailed map with the pitfalls, curved roads and short cuts around mountains to the next one willing to travel the same or similar route of uniqueness. One not afraid or ashamed of their weaknesses or failings because they understand the power lies in their ups and downs. One willing to dare to drive ahead when all around them is crumbling and telling them they are not perfect enough. They understand the imperfections are what makes them perfectly more than enough. A leader is not a superhero, they just know how to play one when it's necessary.

TDR:  How do you define your leadership style?

Rose: Always evolving, yet consistent in practicality. I am a big picture person. As a leader, I see myself as the holder of the vision, but not a micromanager of the manifestation. I lead because I see, not because I always know. That is why I also listen so I can learn and the dream can expand beyond the walls of my own imagination if necessary.

TDR:  What would be the most painful lesson that you've learned in life that has helped you become who you are today?

Rose: You can’t make or help anyone be anything they don't want to be. You can’t help anyone reach levels of success they have first not seen or desired for themselves. No matter what potential you see in a person, if they can’t or do not make the effort to walk out their potential or buy into the vision of their own life, they can’t do it for you either. Everyone has potential, but do they have the drive and will? Are they flexible and stretchable? Can their mind be changed? What evidence shows this to be true? When you are a leader you have to think about the entire team, not just one or a few, because though one monkey may not stop the show, they sure can mess it up for everyone else. And as a leader, I will always be left holding the bag. I have learned to let go of things, people or ideas that drain progress so that the train can move down the road to its destination. Destiny, never allows ticketless passengers anyway, so no need to keep anyone on the train that does not buy into the vision (my vision). I only want those willing to push the vision forward to come along and then ride upon the vision realized. The vision and purpose is more important than one person, because the vision realized helps many. I accept people for who they are, where they are and what they desire for they and I don't judge it. We are all in transition and where we need to be right now. I just no longer try to put square pegs in round holes or round pegs in square ones. I further realized that at some point of this push to get people to change I must think I know better and am putting myself in the place of their god. Loving and accepting people where they are and for who they are is the best gift I can give them and myself. I only sow seeds and offer choice and opportunity, the rest is in the hand of the person. They are their own creator.

TDR:  What would people be surprised to know that you had to overcome?

Rose: Several miscarriages, 3 ectopic pregnancies, a son still born and a daughter who died from a rare kidney cancer and in the end, I had two beautiful little girls. Accepting that God is not what or who I believed. I had to overcome my belief system to allow Spirit to show me that I am a co-creator with power to create in my own life.

TDR:  Name 3 leaders that you look up to. 

Rose: My parents. My father for stepping out and following his path into being a Lutheran pastor which was different and unique in our family. I appreciate him weathering the storms that came with being unique. I remember the pushback he received when offering his diverse and large visions of God and community, while exposing me to the unlimited possibilities of life and my reach into the world community of all peoples. The global mindset was priceless. My mother for standing as a strong tower beside her husband who she respects as a spiritual leader as well as her man while also creating her own path of success. The complexity of operating in that balance is unique and takes a special person who knows herself and her spouse and he, in turn, respects her greatness. I watched my mother and grandmother lead from the sideline in a quiet confidence (okay, my grandmother was not as quiet). When you have the ear of the leader and the heart of the leader, you are always in a position of power and control. To not manipulate or abuse that power is due to understanding the larger picture and the role you play because that leader lives or dies with your ability to operate fully in your capacity of love and upholder of his vision as well as your own. They as a unit I admire because they find a way to love and see God in all things and people despite being hurt by the same individuals they sacrifice to help because they understand the larger picture and the importance of those they are still responsible for under their leadership. 
Michelle Obama is another one I see who does this quite effortlessly. She maintains her composure and holds her tongue despite what the media and world throws at her. She understands and operates within the bigger picture as well. She has the heart, mind and ear of the leader as well as her own path that she carves out as an example for her own girls which vibrates into the world. I believe that if you can lead and serve another leader at the same time, you understand your purpose and destiny is connected to a larger vision and you must have a stronger will and sensibility than most. You understand the importance of the larger vision and how it must be protected and cared for so that the vision you have for yourself and those around you and the vision those around you have for themselves and others can be realized. That is a leader worth respecting and following. 
Finally, I know people say Oprah all the time, but for me I admire her for being courageous enough to speak her truth and allow her evolution of mind and spirit to be at the forefront of her life so that others may be free to operate in the evolution of their own. I have always thought and believed differently from the religious standards and ideals around me, but no one that looked like me spoke anything contrary other than my grandmother. However, that was in secret behind closed doors. Watching Ms. Oprah embrace diversity of culture and religion and take the blows from her own people with her head up gave me courage that I too could accept the dissention because my beliefs were that important. I did not worry any longer if I would be the only one that looked like me with my background saying out loud that Christ is a consciousness we forsake to embrace while holding up the title of Christian. I no longer worried about the fact that I believed that Buddhism, Hinduism, Voodoo and Islam are all beautiful religions that I have studied and appreciate the part they play and the truths they hold. I was allowed to be comfortable within myself of this truth because she did, thus allowing another to be free as well. And when they are free, a truth they hold will be released to help and bless another who is waiting on them to speak the word they hold. As Paul wrote, “I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak”. We lead by example so that others may be free to do the same.

TDR:  Name 3 of your favorite books.

Rose: Of course my own! But also, anything written by Neville Goddard, The Tao Te Ching and my favorite book of the Bible - Isaiah. Isaiah speaks to me and sings my song.

TDR:  What is your advice for emerging leaders?

Rose: Embrace your message, vison and desires even if you don't understand how or why they are important. Your uniqueness is important to the world. Give it, protect it, nurture it and love it into its fullness. Your light is a light unto another's path. Someone is watching you and God is using your life to speak to them.

TDR:  Complete this sentence…5 years ago I was…

Rose: Thinking of making a career change and publishing my first book.

TDR:  Complete this sentence…5 years from now I hope to be…

Rose: Be a world renowned author, teacher and motivational speaker.

TDR:  If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?

Rose: Open. I think I have come to a place in my life where I am open to receive and be directed by Spirit. Allowing life to unfold authentically. This is a scary and tricky practice because we are not conditioned to operate this way, though created to do so. Logic often has to be overcome. However, for elevation it is necessary to walk with your own spirit authentically to know where you end and the rest of the world begins so your light shines and you are not the reflection of what already is.

TDR: What are some of your current initiatives people can help you with? 

Rose: I am starting a non-profit to fund young adults in inner cities and rural areas to study abroad. It is important that our society as a whole embraces a global mindset, especially African Americans. Limitation in experience creates limitation in dreams and aspirations. When you know the world is full of unlimited possibilities for yourself, you have less of a chance of allowing your community borders to define your opportunities in life. I also want to document and record my teachings. I want others to be able to get the message easily and understand the messages I have to be applicable to them.

Connect with Rose: 

@Rosegshelton (periscope, twitter and facebook)
www.centeroffirstthought.com

Did this inspire you? What are your thoughts? Please share feedback for this Servant Leader below. Sometimes your words can trigger a thought that could change a life. We love hearing from you. Please share this with others if it helped you or could help someone else. Be sure to connect with this Servant Leader below. We will check the comments box often. :) 

MEET SHANNON DENEAN

New View with Shannon Denean

TDR:  What issues are you most passionate about in your community?    

Shannon: In 2014, Atlanta was ranked the number 1 city for sex trafficking and the exploitation of women and children. From 2003 to 2007, the city of Atlanta generated more than $290 million dollars from the sale of trafficked human beings. As a woman who believes deeply in the power of women to change the world, I was heartbroken to learn about these staggering statistics. Since that time, I have helped with fundraising efforts to support women reclaiming their lives after having been in the trafficking system.

TDR: What are most of your philanthropy efforts typically directed towards serving?

Shannon: Most of my philanthropic efforts are directed towards serving women and children. I strongly believe that the powerful and systematic changes that the world needs all start with powerful women. My philanthropy efforts have all been focused on improving the lives of women by helping them to change their minds about their situations. Currently, I am serving with the Junior League of Atlanta, an organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women and children. I also serve on the Board of Directors with Sporty Girls, Inc., a non-profit focused on introducing non-traditional sports to minority girls and helping them to gain college scholarships through those sports.

TDR:  How do you define leadership?

Shannon: Leadership is the ability provide a vision of something better which inspires growth, change, and forward movement.

TDR:  How would you define your leadership style?

Shannon: When I was managing my team of insurance adjusters, I described my style as "macroleadership". I have always seen it as my job to present a vision of excellence, get the right people on board (people with skill, talent and drive), and give them the space to excel. As a leader, it’s my job to provide continued encouragement, the right environment, and the necessary equipment to help others exceed their potential.

TDR:  What would be the most painful lesson that you've learned in life that has helped you become who you are today?

Shannon: The most painful lesson that I've learned in life that has helped me become who I am today is that you're only as strong as the people who support you. You have to surround yourself with real, true support. I have definitely been hurt by people who didn't have my best interest at heart.

TDR:  What would people be surprised to know that you had to overcome?

Shannon: People would be surprised to know that I have had to overcome being sexually assaulted in college and a terribly difficult beginning to my marriage.

TDR:  Name 3 leaders that you look up to.     

Shannon: Sheryl Sandburg, Michelle Obama, and Sarah Batts

TDR:  Name 3 of your favorite books.

Shannon: The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Wiesberger, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I Wish I Had a Red Dress by Pearl Cleage.

TDR:  What is your advice for emerging leaders?

Shannon: You cannot demand a premium for your value until you know what it is. Spend a considerable amount of your time learning about what makes you great and what makes you different.

TDR:  Complete this sentence…5 years ago I was…

Shannon: Trying to pick up the pieces of a very broken relationship, trying to discover who I was and working in a job I hated.

TDR:  Complete this sentence…5 years from now I hope to be…

Shannon: I hope to have a blossoming, profitable conglomerate consisting of several businesses. I hope to have learned Spanish fluently, have done more traveling, and have fulfilled my dream of being a top-tier DJ.

TDR:  If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?

Shannon: Tenacious.

TDR: What are some of your current initiatives people can help you with? 

Shannon: In January 2016, I will be presenting a T-shirt line whose profits will go to benefit the survivors of sex trafficking.

Connect with Shannon:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/shannon.denean
Twitter - @ShannonDenean
Periscope - @ShannonDenean

Website - www.LevelupConcepts.com

Did this inspire you? What are your thoughts? Please share feedback for this Servant Leader below. Sometimes your words can trigger a thought that could change a life. We love hearing from you. Please share this with others if it helped you or could help someone else. Be sure to connect with this Servant Leader below. We will check the comments box often. :) 

Meet Tanjuria Willis

Meet Power Mom Tanjuria Willis

Leadership and entrepreneurship is quintessential for Chicago native Tanjuria Willis. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in electrical engineering, Anderson worked at the prestigious Westinghouse Electric Corporation as Plant Systems Engineer in the nuclear division. Mrs. Willis migrated to Atlanta, Georgia to work as an IT Engineer traveling nationally to consult companies. As her job shifted and she began to travel less, Tanjuria decided to fill the void by creating The Catering Consultants firm was renamed to TCC Consultants, Inc. (TCC) – a service-oriented business, which located qualified chefs and caterers for small and large companies. After observing her clients needed additional services, she developed and started CONNECT Magazine, a general market action information publication providing a platform for consumers to learn about events, services and the pulse of the city. The publication debuted in 2005 at a tradeshow with a distribution of 500 copies which she created in a friend's apartment, printed at Kinko’s (now FedEx Office), assembled and stapled herself. After the first anniversary, the budding quarterly publication grew distribution to over 100 locations in metropolitan Atlanta including the Airports plus subscribers in 2 states. Within 24 months, CONNECT’s distribution has expanded to an astounding 30,000 copies per quarter in over 200 locations with subscribers in 8 states. In 2010, with the advent of the economy bust in 2008, she made the difficult decision to stop publishing CONNECT. Tanjuria recognized how people reorganized their priorities specifically in the fashion bespoke arena while also witnessing how the clothing that you wear really does drive your emotions. A simple dress can enhance your feeling to conquer the world. Being a lover of fashion, Tanjuria patiently watched as the masses, including herself, determined they loved the quality of luxury brands but it was not a budget priority. In 2013, putting her plan in to action. eKlozet.com, an online clothing and apparel company specializing in authentic luxury designer consignment. Her mission is to utilize fashions as a tool to show consumers how clothing can contribute to their success through the "If you look good, you do good” model providing them with quality name brand merchandise at more than half off the retail cost. She wants to promote self-confidence one outfit at a time.

TDR: Please tell us about your children and include their ages.    

TW: I am the blessed mother of a beautiful 2 year old daughter named Greer. She amazes me every day and already has a great fashion sense. She loves to sing, dance and take pictures. Her favorite song is the ABC song which she likes to sing even before going to bed. I want her to be well rounded so at 6 months we started playing Mandarin Chinese and Spanish DVD's. She also has 30 minutes of Spanish every day.

TDR: How are you balancing your passion with the responsibilities of parenthood?

TW: I believe in what I am doing and stay focused on the end goal. Parenthood has definitely helped me be a better steward of my time. Because my daughter is at such a young and impressionable age, I try to make sure that when she returns home from school that I am focused on her and family time until she goes to bed. I don't want her to ever feel that my computer and work is more important than she so I try to account for that in my calendar. I schedule the times that I will work, write, email, etc. My schedule starts with my waking up to meditate and workout prior to Greer waking in the morning. Next she wakes, prepares and leaves for school, then I take a half hour to write after which I start my work day, meetings, etc. Over lunch I read and answer emails, then I finish the general work day. After I pick Greer up from school, my work ends until she goes to bed. Once she is in bed and after dinner, I work for another 1-2 hours, then I take an hour to wind down before going to bed. I feel really blessed to be a mom. I focused on my career for a long time and wasn't sure I was cut out to be a mom until she came into this world. Having my daughter put everything in perspective. She is one of the best accomplishments in my life. That doesn't mean that I give up on my dreams. It means I learn tactics to have both in my life. I continue to grow and that's how I balance. I would be remiss if I didn't say that I couldn't do all of these without the support of my loving husband. He shares the responsibility which gives me the ability to focus on my passion.

TDR: What are some of your challenges and how do you work to overcome them?

TW: One of the largest challenges that I've worked to overcome is keeping the faith. Not because I don't believe in what I'm doing but many of us come from great families who believe that you go to college, get a good job and stay there until you retire. That fact that I would be an engineer and stop doing that to pursue an entrepreneurial endeavor was not understandable and viewed as a hobby and not truly supporting that passion. I continue to work to overcome the challenge by staying true to myself and my goals, by not letting someone else dictate my future and I continue to pray; not only for me but also for them. Along with the support from my husband, I continue to push forward.

TDR: What are 2 resources you use to help you stay motivated?

TW: When my daughter looks at me with those innocent eyes and tells me she loves me, I am instantly motivated to keep going. My husband is my rock and my biggest supporter. When I've had a challenging day, I can talk with him about it and he always offers perspective. The love that he gives makes me motivated to run the race.

TDR: What is your favorite way to pause?

TW: To unplug...no phone, no computer, just my family. To spend time with my family gives me great joy and allows me to focus my energy on something other than work. My other outlets are travel, work out and ride motorcycles, even though I stopped riding when I was expecting my daughter. I miss the peace that I used to feel being on the bike. I've been thinking about getting back on.

TDR: What has been the scariest moment or crossroad in your journey?

TW: When I decided that I would no longer publish Connect magazine but only for a moment. It was a tough decision and I struggled many a night. The most difficult was seeing something that you had nurtured for years at the end of its life cycle. The emotions that I felt were not that of a business person but were very personal including failure and defeat. What I would realize, once I started eKlozet.com was although it was the end of the CONNECT journey, I was starting a new journey. I used all those mistakes made and lessons learned along the way turning the scary moment in to a moment of discovery.

TDR: What would be your greatest advice to other "Power Moms" wanting to pursue their dreams?

TW: Make the decision to stop wanting to do but to get out there and do it. Only you can stop yourself from going after your dreams. Identify the milestones that you have to reach in order to pursue your dreams and tackle them one at a time. Don't allow your fears to dictate your outcome!

TDR: What word best describes the legacy you want to leave for your children and why?

TW: Growth because if my child grows in her learning, her knowledge, her business and everything she does, she will have the ability to manage and enhance the businesses that I pass to her. Her wealth would continue to grow as well.

TDR: How can others collaborate and support your mission?

TW: There are several ways to support us. 1) Share eKlozet.com with your network 2) Shop with eKlozet.com 3) Consign with eKlozet.com. When you consign you are recycling your goods which supports a green environment. 4) Engage by sharing your thought on our blog posts and signing up for our newsletter.

Connect with Tanjuria: 

Facebook.com/eklozet

Twitter - @eklozet

Instagram - @eklozet

LinkedIn - Tanjuria Willis

Pinterest - eKlozet

Meet Stephanie Ardrey

Meet Power Mom Stephanie Ardrey

TDR: Please give us a brief recap of your career.
Stephanie Ardrey: I am a real estate developer & launched my own firm in 2015; previously directed several multibillion dollar portfolios of commercial real estate development projects. I founded a business accelerator to fund early stage technology companies. I am also an adjunct professor teaching in the graduate and/or undergraduate programs at California State University, Los Angeles, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and University of California, Los Angeles. I make several guest appearances at alma mater, University of Southern California's Ross program on real estate. Recently, I received a Commendation from Mayor Garcetti, City of Los Angeles for organizing the first Startup Weekend in south Los Angeles aimed at introducing urban youth to technology, new venture creation and funding.

TDR: Please tell us about your children.
SA: Sterling Ardrey - 18 years old is an amazing young man! He has been a talented SAG-AFTRA actor since he was four-years old and has had guest starring and recurring roles on television, film, commercials and voice over projects. He is a freshman at St. John's University and pursuing studies in sports management with the goal of becoming an attorney/sports agent. He has volunteered for many causes, supported Stevie Wonder's House of Toys, Living Advantage Foster Youth and more with love, joy and grace.

TDR: How are you juggling your passion with the responsibilities of parenthood?
SA: Prayer and focus on the vision. We’ve juggled so many life challenges while moving forward and in the end, the passion along with a clear purpose has contributed to how we continue to push forward. As a parent I made a point of always being present with my son and not having my work cause him to be needy. In practice when he was younger, I would pick him up from school and if I was on the phone he knew that once that call ended, which would be less than five minutes, that he would be the full attention until I put him to bed each night. We would discuss his day, or have to race to an audition and discuss the script en route, and then once home we enjoyed a sit down dinner with conversation. We didn't watch a lot of television, so we developed a great relationship built upon trust and communication. Once dinner was completed when he was younger, he would have a bath and get a full body massage and we'd read a book before he went to sleep. I would then return any late business calls or check emails before finally retiring myself. 
In the mornings, I would check in with my staff while getting him ready for school. We would walk to school and then I would come home and dress myself and head to my office. This allowed him to drive his toy car to school or skate, etc. as we walked in the morning. Again, our time before the rest of the business demands required my attention. 
Before my son left for college, he gave me a talk where he shared how much he feels I deserve love and that he has been loved completely, never harmed in any way and that I have been an amazing mom. He encouraged me that I have so much love to share and he felt that I too deserve to receive love.

TDR: What are some of your struggles and how do you work to overcome them?
SA: My mother passed at 48-years of age just prior to my becoming pregnant with my son. His father was diagnosed with cancer and his medical treatments were ongoing for the first four years of my son's life. All of this while I was in litigation dissolving my then $250M joint venture advertising agency. When I think back it has always been my faith and belief, to keep me motivated and encouraged to overcome. I feel as if God has wanted me to one day share my story and that for those reasons, I had to not just survive, but thrive irrespective of the challenges. I eventually married, which ended in divorce, and suffered the challenges associated with dissolving business interests and experienced financial setbacks as a result of the Great Recession and the dissolution of many of the organizations that I had either contracts with or ongoing projects. Again, it took a lot to be willing to watch everything I had built crash and burn, and still remain loving, positive and optimistic that "this too shall pass". My son has remained a positive spirit, and source of such encouragement. I'm often told by others how much he loves and respects me as not only his mom, but an entrepreneur.

TDR: What are 2 resources you use to help you stay motivated?
SA: My faith in God and that my life has a purpose are the rudders guiding my actions.
I read a lot of books and listen to motivational messages. I am constantly seeking opportunities for new learning and evolution.

TDR: What is your favorite way to pause?
SA: I love sports and am a great football and basketball spectator. So catching a game, curling up with one of my books, taking a trek to the spa or a walk in the park are ways to pause and reflect. My favorite is sitting by the water - so grateful to have an office on the water - as this is a way that I energize my spirit.

TDR: What has been the scariest moment or crossroad in your journey?
SA: When my mom died suddenly I experienced a pain so deep that I didn't know how I would overcome that feeling of loss. She was really my best friend, biggest supporter, and confidante. In my immediate circles, I was considered "weird" for being so driven at an early age and to have built the joint venture at the time with $250M in capitalized billings, eight-offices, 400 employees - in advertising, where diversity did not exist, at 26-years old was a pretty significant accomplishment. It placed me in a very different space from many of my peers, therefore, I trusted all of my thoughts with my mom. 
I was so alone when she passed, and being both an only child and not having the immediate loving or emotional support of family members, this crossroad caused me to lean on God and I'm certain it's when he first started really carrying me - think of the poem, "Footprints." 
God blessed me with Sterling who was born on the night before the one-year anniversary of my mom's passing. My desire to be the best mom that I could be and to have a clear vision for the type of child I wanted to nurture became the focus of my next career decisions and really the guidepost to what was going to be next.

TDR: What would be your greatest advice to other "Power Moms" wanting to pursue their dreams?
SA: Create a clear vision and take actions daily to execute the plans necessary to accomplish your goals. Remember, you don't eat an elephant in one bite! A clear vision of where you are headed is essential, as when life challenges take you off course, remember like the GPS in your car, it will recalculate, recalculate and still direct you to that destination. I consider my GPS (God's Purpose System) - aimed at getting me to the destination irrespective of the bumps in the road, harsh weather conditions or life challenges.

TDR: What word best describes the legacy you want to leave for your children and why?
SA: It is my goal to leave a wealth legacy for great-great grand kids, built upon the idea that they each are blessed with talents which must be developed and delivered for humanity to advance. I have raised my son to believe that he has a significant gift and is charged with presenting his talents to make the world a better place.

TDR: How can others collaborate and support your mission?
SA: I'm leading an initiative "Women of means doing meaningful things" - aimed at helping women to monetize their mission by embracing their talents, use planned giving strategies, and creating legacy based ventures that can change the course of their family’s lives.

Connect with Stephanie:

Twitter:@stephdione

 Instagram:  @iventlabs

Facebook: Stephanie.Ardrey

LinkedIn: Stephanie Ardrey

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