Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shindale Seale.
Hi Dr. Seale, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from Barbados. Came here when I was 9 with a strong culture of community and self-determination. Attended a private school in South Los Angeles and a public high school in Northridge, CA. Flunked out of college during my first year – lack of mentorship and understanding of the system. Worked in the mortgage loan industry for six years. Transitioned to the legal industry as a receptionist thereafter – one of the largest law firms in the world. After two years, resigned to go to Harvard – was accepted for a summer semester session. Returned after the semester and was offered a much higher position w/ a significant salary increase at the law firm. Accepted the position but began to realize the racial disparities in the firm – was silent about it out of fear. Got married. After several years, earned more responsibility and higher positions – only black person in my department. Had a son, then got divorced. Realized I needed an education to raise my son – went back to school while working at the law firm. Completed 3 degrees (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate) in eight years (2010 – 2018). Became a professor of Leadership at the University of Redlands. Supervising 6 offices across the nation for my law firm by this time. No raise or promotion although I was more educated than the attorneys I worked for. Was laid off a year later. Decided that I would never work for a corporation again. Started a non-profit – Our Community Mentors: provides mentoring and quality-of-life resources for marginalized community members in L.A. Started my business – SEADE Coaching & Consulting LLC: provides diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy and training for entities worldwide.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It took me 1.5 years to get my first client. Although there are many DEI practitioners, I wanted to chart my own path and create a research-proven method and that took time. Built my company from scratch – no funding, no loans, no investors, just what I learned in school and my research. I’m a solopreneur so that creates marketing issues, funding issues, and sometimes credibility issues. Some clients want to see a full team behind you before they hire you. My offerings (content & delivery) are more effective than most full-service companies.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Provide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion strategy and training to entities globally. Specialize in research-based DEI education and organizational implementation.
Utilize a proprietary model that blends Organizational Change & Leadership principles with DEI best practices.
Crafted and deliver in-person, virtual, and on-demand DEI training – over 80 different topics.
Audience: organizations of any size, public entities (utilities, government, law enforcement, etc.), non-profits, individuals.
We are most proud of the education we provide about historical diversity, inequities, and exclusion, along with strategies to mitigate them in personal and professional spaces.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m the lead singer in a rock band that does events for charity. The band is made up almost entirely of attorneys, I’m the only doctor. Our band has just recently changed its name to RunBMC. You can check us out at lawrocks.org.
Contact Info:
- Website: seadecc.com
- Instagram: our community mentors
- Facebook: facebook.com/seadecc
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/drshindale
Image Credits
Image 1: In-person DEI talk at USC Image 2: non-profit work in the community w/ my org Our Community Mentors Image 3: me Image 4: me
