Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Keena Mosley.
Hi Dr. Keena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Looking back over my life, there are a few things that have been consistent: I have always been a teacher at heart (I have very vivid childhood memories of playing school with imaginary students); I wanted everyone around me to get along (the mediator and middle-man role is one that I am all too familiar with); I always want everyone to be successful (There was an intense exchange between me and one of my parents because I said, “I just want you to be better.” Needless to say that didn’t go well…); and I work hard at everything that I commit to. I’ve come to recognize these as my life pillars. They are the four things that are truest about me no matter what else comes along.
Fortunately, I have been blessed with the opportunity to pull these things together to nurture a career that I am proud of and a business that brings me great joy. For 30 years, I have worked as an educator in various capacities and there was not a day that I didn’t feel unfulfilled by the work. Even in times when I was unhappy with the job or the employer – serving children and families has always been a source of pride.
Along the way, I was able to earn a few degrees and certificates to help me excel. My doctorate degree is something that I had to be talked into and something that I didn’t initially do for myself. I was talking to my very young (at the time) nephew and he was asking lots of questions about money and education and how all of that works together. He walked away from that conversation thinking that a higher degree would help him to excel professionally. I walked away from the conversation, realizing he didn’t have any doctoral examples around him. Add this exchange to a mentor encouraging me to get a doctorate degree to “open doors that wouldn’t open otherwise” and next thing you know I am enrolled in school – again.
If I must be honest, she was right. There are decision-makers that treat me differently when they hear those two letters (Dr.). I’m not always comfortable with using the title, but I remind myself often that there are many women and specifically people of color that need to know that a little girl from the South has earned a doctorate degree and serves as an example of what they can accomplish too.
Now, I serve as a Leadership Coach, Consultant, and Speaker. Being the CEO of Momentum Leadership Group allows me to bring the best of my skills to others who are serving in leadership roles and those aspiring to become leaders. The work that I do focuses on providing executive coaching, professional development, and project management. The work that I do brings all my pillars together in the best ways.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a completely smooth road. My first run at full-time consulting was both short-lived and short-sighted. After six months on my own, I ran back to work! Being a full-time entrepreneur takes a diverse skill set and the ability to manage a million things at one time. It is important to outsource things that are important to the business but not the best use of your time. When I first started, everything was on my shoulders and it was just too much. Now, I’ve learned to lean on some different people to get the support that I need.
The other thing that I had to learn was to do what fits for me. For instance, in order to do the work that I do, networking is important. For an introvert like me, the traditional form of networking is a massive undertaking and sometimes frightening. What I learned was to do networking in a way that fits Dr. Keena. Instead of going to random events, Dr. Keena connects with people online and within groups. I also use colleagues to assist. This approach works so much better for me and allows me to bring solutions to problems so people are easily able to see my value.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Momentum Leadership Group is the premier source for organizational improvement and leadership development solutions for the thriving leader. We are focused on positioning organizations and leaders for lasting impact through executive coaching, project management, professional development, systems design and evaluation, and quality assurance monitoring.
Our primary clientele are early childhood programs and non-profit organizations.
One way we attract budding leaders is to engage them in our monthly leadership seminars and online courses.
Any big plans?
I don’t foresee any big changes but I do have big plans! On the horizon is publishing a book on fear and imposter syndrome which will also be the focus of a TED talk. The pandemic has revealed a huge gap in our new educational system and I want to figure out a way to do my part in addressing the childcare and educational voids for elementary-age students.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.MomentumLeadershipGroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleadershipgroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeadershipGroup
Image Credits
Dino Mosley Photography
