Today we’d like to introduce you to Shandell Maxwell, Phd-C.
Shandell is a multitalented professional who uses her experience and knowledge in people development, education, business, change management, and artistic expression to inspire positive change in any environment she enters.
For example, to support race relations in Orange County, California, Shandell created a short documentary highlighting the need for people to share their experiences of racism and injustice to build empathy. Her film Black Behind the Orange Curtain launched in 2013 is available on YouTube and has over 6k views https://youtu.be/7aRIq7kBoX8.
The film has been used to facilitate talks at various universities in Los Angeles and Orange County. Shandell has given talks about social awareness in educational settings and her race work was also featured in OC Weekly, Voice of OC, and the Orange County Register front-page story in February 2014.
Shandell attends Antioch University and recently defended her PhD research on Religious Racial Socialization, the role of Black Baptist Pastors. Shandell is hopeful that her research will provide guidance to pastors who are inspired to have race-based discussions with their church members. Her mentor in race relations is civil rights icon Joseph Jackson Jr. Leader of the Tougaloo Nine in 1961. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tougaloo_Nine
As a business professional, Shandell has led teams in diverse industries such as Healthcare, Veterinary Management, and Higher Education. In her tenure, Shandell has managed several millions in revenue and been responsible for the development of many employees and executive level leaders.
To further fulfill her passion for developing leaders in the community and workplace, Shandell launched Byrd and Maxwell Coaching Institute, a Personal and Professional Coaching business with the support of her mother Sharon Byrd an LA native and LA Sheriff’s Department retiree. Shandell’s family loves tea, so they are preparing to sell tea as the first product to promote wellness and moments of mindfulness.
“My goal is to support people who aspire to do more with their lives. This can be achieved through my coaching business or in an academic or corporate environment. In order for a community or organization to thrive, People must come first! – Shandell
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Challenges along the way have been with raising a child as a single parent while finishing my doctorate, losing my job because of covid but on the upside finding inspiration to start my business. I’m fortunate to have the support of my family and friends who believe in my vision and mission to better the world one person at a time through my coaching.
Please tell us about Byrd and Maxwell Coaching Institute.
Byrd & Maxwell Coaching Institute is at its beginning stages. I launched the business because of requests I received from friends and associates wanting personal and professional guidance when life changed due to Covid.
My specialty is change management and I incorporate behavioral science and artistic expression in my coaching technique. I take a very individualistic approach when coaching because everyone has a different story. I have found that many of my clients are gifted adults who have suppressed their artistic and/or academic talents to survive in our society. So, I take joy in helping them reconnect with their gifts to create a more fulfilled life.
What makes my coaching business special is that I am passionate about helping people, communities, and organizations tackle issues around race relations. I wear the hat of a researcher, coach, and activist when it comes to topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts… I am not HR. I have advocated for racial awareness and equality for almost a decade through talks and workshops using storytelling as a tool. My mentor is civil rights icon Joseph Jackson Jr. leader of the Tougaloo Nine (1961) read-in in Mississippi – His mentor was Medgar Evers. So, I have the privilege and honor of connecting voices of the past to support and encourage present day activists and leaders.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I know my life has been in divine order, so I wouldn’t change a single moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: byrdmaxwell.com
- Phone: (951) 266-9065
- Email: byrdmaxwellllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @byrdmaxwell
- Facebook: @byrdandmaxwellcoaching
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