OTS 116 - Grit, Perseverance, and Ambition (GPA) - Melissa James.mp3

Today’s guest is passionate about helping people reach their highest potential. She is an award-winning diversity expert, a proven thought leader, an author, and a trending businesswoman who is dedicated to increasing diversity in the technology industry.

By teaching candidates to think more strategically about their careers, she helps them accelerate their personal and professional development. She is the President and CEO of The Tech Connection, a premier marketplace for purpose-driven, diverse, technical talent.

Recognized as a leader and mentor, at the root of her work is a passion for community service. On top of running her business, she is the founder of the first ever Black Tech Boston Meetup, a platform to celebrate and introduce the impact of technology within African American communities. She regularly engages in speaking opportunities to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in minorities and received the U.S. Presidential Service Award for her relentless commitment to the community.

Please join me in welcoming Melissa James.

In this episode we discuss:

• her thoughts on leadership: “Leadership is knowing the difference between when to be a cheerleader and when to deliver really hard messages and it requires you to take time to understand what message needs to be heard every day.”
• what diversity and inclusion look like to her.
• how her friend’s encouragement caused her to take a job that ended up being one of the best experiences of her life.
• what she finds most rewarding in her work today, using a strengths-based approach to helping people see their grit, perseverance, and endurance.
• how leading has helped her learn patience, coaching, and helping.
• how she connects with others in the tech world.

Listen, subscribe and read show notes at www.OnTheSchmooze.com - episode 116