Inspiring Conversations with Shonda Scott of 360 Total Concept Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shonda Scott.

Shonda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When people ask me how I became an entrepreneur, an author, and someone so passionate about helping others embrace change, I always go back to where my story began—Oakland, California.

I was born and raised in Oakland, a city that taught me resilience, innovation, and the importance of community. As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, (and my son now the fifth) entrepreneurship wasn’t just something I admired—it was part of my family’s legacy. I grew up watching businesses being built and understanding that entrepreneurship wasn’t simply about making a living; it was about creating opportunities, solving problems, and leaving your community better than you found it.

After graduating from UCLA, I went on to own several businesses, each one teaching me invaluable lessons about leadership, perseverance, and purpose. But about 20 years ago, I felt called to do something bigger. I wanted to build a company that wasn’t just successful—I wanted it to make a meaningful difference.

That’s why I founded 360 Total Concept.

My vision was to be part of the solution to help small and local businesses gain access to opportunities on some of California’s largest quintessential infrastructure and capital improvement projects. Too often, I saw talented businesses with the skills and capacity to do the work but without a clear pathway to the table. I wanted to help change that.

Equally important to me was ensuring that the communities most impacted by these projects weren’t simply informed—they were genuinely engaged. I have always believed that the people who live, work, and raise their families in these communities deserve a voice from the very beginning of a project through its completion. Over the past two decades, our work throughout California and the Country with projects that include LA Metro, LAWA (LAX) and California High Speed Rail has focused on working on teams that strengthen equity, empower communities, and leave lasting economic impact.

While I love the work I do professionally, I realized there was another story I wanted to tell—one that was deeply personal.

Throughout my life, some of my greatest breakthroughs didn’t come from carefully planned strategies. They came from saying “yes” to something unfamiliar. A new experience. A new challenge. A new conversation. Those moments stretched me in ways I never expected and ultimately changed the trajectory of my life.

That realization inspired me to write my first book, Give Me a Year: 12 New Things to Embrace Change and Live Your Best Life.

The idea is beautifully simple: commit to doing one new thing every month. By the end of the year, you’ve experienced twelve new opportunities to grow, challenge yourself, and see the world differently. It’s amazing how one small decision can open doors you never imagined.

Writing the book allowed me to chronicle not only my own journey but also the lessons I’ve learned about embracing change, overcoming fear, and intentionally creating the life you want. I was incredibly honored when the book debuted as a #1 Top New Release on Amazon, and won several literary awards but what has meant even more are the stories from readers who have told me that trying just one new thing transformed their lives, built their confidence, opened doors for new relationships and careers, or simply changed their outlook on life.

Today, whether I’m working with public agencies, mentoring entrepreneurs, speaking to audiences, or encouraging someone to take that first brave step into the unknown, my mission remains the same: to help people recognize that transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one decision, one opportunity, and sometimes just one new thing at a time.

If there’s one lesson my journey has taught me, it’s this: you don’t have to change everything to change your life. Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to be open and try one small new thing.

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?
If there’s one thing entrepreneurship has taught me, it’s that success is rarely a straight line. There have been seasons of incredible growth and moments when I wondered if I would have to start all over again. I’ve experienced setbacks that tested not only my business, but my confidence, my faith, and my resilience.

There was a time when I lost virtually everything I had worked so hard to build. Financially, professionally, and emotionally, it was one of the most difficult chapters of my life. I learned that what many call “failure” can actually turn into life lessons to build on when we change our prospective. As entrepreneurs, we often celebrate the wins, but we don’t always talk about the nights spent wondering how you’re going to make payroll, whether you’ll win the next contract, or if all of your years of hard work will be enough.

Looking back, I now realize that losing everything wasn’t the end of my story—it was the beginning of a new chapter.

That season forced me to let go of what was comfortable and embrace what was possible. Instead of allowing fear to define my future, I made a decision to start doing something new: new experiences, new ideas, new relationships, and new ways of thinking. Those small decisions began opening doors I never could have planned for myself.

Ironically, what I thought was my greatest setback became my greatest teacher. It taught me that resilience is built in the moments when you choose to keep going. It reminded me that our identity isn’t found in what we own or what we’ve accomplished, but in our willingness to grow, adapt, and begin again.

Those experiences eventually became the inspiration for Give Me a Year: 12 New Things to Embrace Change and Live Your Best Life. I didn’t write the book because everything had gone according to plan. I wrote it because I discovered firsthand that embracing something new has the power to change everything.

Today, when people see the success of my business, my book, or the opportunities I’ve been blessed to experience, they don’t always see the obstacles that came first. But I wouldn’t trade those challenges. They strengthened my faith, sharpened my purpose, and gave me a story that I hope encourages others to keep moving forward.

I’ve learned that sometimes losing what you thought you needed creates space for something even greater. My journey is proof that when you’re willing to embrace change, what feels like an ending can become the beginning of your most meaningful chapter yet.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 360 Total Concept Inc. ?
At the heart of everything I do is one simple belief: when communities thrive, businesses thrive.

For more than 20 years, through my company, 360 Total Concept, I’ve had the privilege of helping public agencies, private organizations, and community partners turn their commitment to equity and economic opportunity into measurable results. We specialize in developing and monitoring small business utilization programs, supplier diversity, community engagement, strategic communications, and workforce outreach for major infrastructure and capital improvement projects throughout California.

What makes us different is that we don’t simply check boxes—we build bridges.

We understand that successful projects require more than logistics, engineering and construction. They require trust, authentic relationships, and meaningful engagement with the businesses and communities affected by the work. Our team has developed a reputation for bringing together public agencies, prime contractors, small businesses, and community stakeholders to create solutions that benefit everyone involved.

Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of small and local businesses access opportunities on transformational projects while helping agencies strengthen their outreach, accountability, and long-term impact. Which has led, over time, to reinvestment of estimated over $300M back into the local economy. We believe economic inclusion should be intentional, measurable, and sustainable—not just a goal, but a standard.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a single project or contract. It’s the reputation we’ve earned. Our clients know us for our integrity, innovation, responsiveness, and our ability to deliver results while keeping people at the center of every decision. We approach every project as if we’re building something that will serve generations to come.

Beyond consulting, my work has expanded into authorship and public speaking through my book, Give Me a Year: 12 New Things to Embrace Change and Live Your Best Life. While the book may seem different from my consulting work, they’re rooted in the same philosophy: meaningful transformation begins when we’re willing to embrace change. Whether I’m helping an agency strengthen its community engagement strategy, outreaching to a small business for new opportunities, or encouraging someone to try one new thing each month, my mission remains the same—to help people, businesses, and communities realize their full potential.

If I want readers to remember one thing about my brand, it’s this: we don’t just help organizations complete projects—we help them create lasting impact. We believe the best projects leave behind more than buildings and infrastructure; they leave behind stronger businesses, empowered communities, and opportunities that continue long after construction is complete.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that mentors and meaningful relationships rarely happen by accident—they happen because you’re willing to take the first step.

My advice is simple: don’t be afraid to ask. Some of the most influential people in my life became mentors, advisors, clients, or lifelong friends because I had the courage to introduce myself, ask a question, or simply start a conversation. The worst someone can say is “no,” but you might be surprised how often they say “yes.”

Networking has never been about collecting business cards for me. It’s about building authentic relationships. I approach every interaction with curiosity, generosity, and a genuine desire to learn. Instead of asking, “What can this person do for me?” I ask, “What can I learn from them, and how can I add value?” That mindset has opened doors I never could have planned.

Doing something new has also been one of the most powerful networking strategies in my life. Attend the conference you’ve never attended. Join the organization you’ve been thinking about. Reach out to the person you’ve admired from afar. Volunteer for the committee. Accept the invitation. Every new experience introduces you to people who can change the trajectory of your career—and gives you the opportunity to do the same for someone else.

I’ve found that growth happens on the other side of discomfort. Every meaningful opportunity in my life—from building my business to becoming an author—began with the decision to do something I had never done before.

So my advice is this: be intentional, be authentic, and be courageous enough to ask. One conversation, one introduction, or one new experience can change everything. You never know where that single act of courage will lead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://12newthings.com
• Instagram: @shondascott360
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063740822114&mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonda-scott-9911a780

Image Credits
Feature photo photography by James Cant