Today we’d like to introduce you to Taeler Hammond
Hi Taeler, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had a passion for psychology; I enjoy learning about how people think and what makes them do what they do. This led me to get my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. At the time I wasn’t sure what I would do with my career, so after college I got a job in insurance. I worked as a claim processor in a call center, and I didn’t care for it. I had a boss who did not seem to believe that I was capable of more, so I promoted myself and went to another company. I kept climbing the corporate ladder and remained in the insurance industry for ten years. In 2018, I started realizing that I had a greater calling and decided to go back to school and get my Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology.
In 2018 a lot of things shifted in my life; the passing of my stepdad really woke me up. It made me realize that every day is a blessing, and the abilities that I’ve been given are meant to be shared. I only get to live once, so I needed to take care of myself mentally and physically. That year I joined my first ERG (employee resource group), then joined more ERGs and later got nominated for a board seat in one of the ERGs at the company I was at. The next year I completed graduate school, attend therapy regularly, and I received an offer to become one of the founding members and the co-chair of the Young Professional’s group in the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois. I remained in that role until my husband and I decided to move out of Chicago for new opportunities in Southern California in 2022.
In 2022, I established my LLC for Nouveau Paige Consulting. The idea of turning a new page in the book of my life was the inspiration for my business name. My goal is to help organizations and employees of all levels and all walks of life turn over a new page to enhance their love for learning, engagement, and inclusivity.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My career journey has not been a smooth road. Although I am grateful for each experience that I’ve had, the road has not been smooth to get where I am today. There have been a lot of potholes, detours, and times where I got lost. I know that things could always be worse, so I try to stay focused on the positives. My biggest struggle was dealing with doubt, not just from others, but from within. For some reason, climbing the corporate ladder can leave you feeling like you have something to prove. That feeling can make you feel incomplete, unsatisfied, and trapped. It can also make you feel inadequate, especially for those of us who are not naturally competitive – I want everyone to win. The thing that I did not know back then, was that the words of naysayers are just words, they are not my truth. No matter what naysayers say, it’s me, myself, and I on this journey. I’ve learned that the only thing I have to do is continue to stay true to myself. So if anyone asks you to do something that goes against your morals, then you need to speak up or step away. My experiences dealing with naysayers and bullies has turned me into an upstander. Now, I’ve turned that trait into a profitable business; I give a voice to those who feel muted and teach leaders how to lead with empathy and inclusivity. Challenging authority can be a scary thing, but speaking the truth is better than living a lie.
We’ve been impressed with Nouveau Paige Consulting, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nouveau Paige Consulting is an inclusive learning company. I provide diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) and learning & development (L&D) consulting and training solutions. I love learning and I enjoy helping others love it too. I help people of all walks of life develop their skills to position them for growth and development; this consists of career readiness training, employee engagement, employee retention, etc. I also do leadership training to help leaders understand that DEI is not about checking a box, it’s about making others feel like they belong and have a seat at the table. Employees who feel included are more productive than employees who do not feel included.
What makes me different from other DEI or L&D consultants is that I am someone who does not back down when faced with adversity. I am also known as someone who tries to boil the ocean… so I can take on a lot of tasks without getting weary. I don’t quit or give up when I’m striving for something greater. I think this comes from my new understanding of how short and precious life is, so when you see me boiling the ocean, it’s because I know that tomorrow isn’t promised. I am going to do everything I can today – I make the most of every day. Another thing that makes me different is that I’ve had several corporate jobs before running my own consulting firm, so I have been where many of the folks are that I train.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that even in tumultuous times, I am still fighting for DEI because it is important and it matters. Don’t be fooled by the insulting comments you hear on television or social media about DEI; you matter, and you have an opportunity to stand up and let others know that.
What to know about my brand offerings: Reach out to me for training, workshops, public speaking engagements, and content development on topics such as DEI, career readiness, employee development & engagement, unconscious bias, change management, psychological safety, advocacy, employee retention, etc.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for those starting out, especially those who are new to entrepreneurship is that you should never give up on your dream. If you have a burning desire to do something, DO IT! Don’t wait, don’t be deterred by your current situation or by people who don’t believe in you. You have a purpose and a calling, don’t let it pass you by. Don’t be afraid to go after it. Happiness is right on the other side of fear.
I wish I had known how much adversity I’d face starting out. I wish I had known that people would go out of their way to try to stop me and deflate my balloon. I wish I had mentally prepared for all the haters and naysayers. I wish I had known that people pleasing is not the way to get to my goal.
Another piece of advice: It’s okay to be disappointed. It’s okay to feel frustrated. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to cry, and it’s okay to ugly cry. Just know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. You may even discover that people who you thought were for you are actually against you. When you find your voice, some people will try to mute you. Don’t stop trying to unmute.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deiprofinder.com/california/los-angeles/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-consultant/nouveau-paige-consulting
- Instagram: @nouveau_paige_consulting
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWC4p9h06_s
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=_H78T8crtfTTpP5R_sR3xA
