 Introduce yourself and profession to our readers: Wow! Whenever I am asked to introduce myself or tell someone about myself, I take a big sigh, because there is so much to me!!! I heard a message recently by Simon T. Bailey where he shares about an experience he had with a man in another country that totally resonated with me. When Simon asked the man what he did, the man responded by saying that he is a “slashey.” Simon was confused and asked the man to expound. The man responded by saying that he was x slash, y slash, z slash. So, I am a “slashey” – a preacher/attorney/best selling author/entrepreneur/Equal Employment Opportunity-Diversity expert/executive leadership coach to senior executives/coach and confidante to women leaders in ministry and the marketplace. What inspired you to pursue this area of interest? The essence of who I am and what I do is advocacy. I always knew that I was called to advocate for those who either wouldn’t or couldn’t speak up for themselves. This spirit of advocacy showed itself as early as 9-years-old when I was in the 3rd grade. I found myself in many altercations for “minding other people’s business,” especially when I felt like there was an injustice taking place. Of course, this mouth of mine caused my mom a whole lot of headaches! LOL I am still very much the person who will speak up when others won’t. I have come to grips with the fact that this is who I am in the earth, and I was built to take on systems that seek to oppress and depress others. What advice would you share with those interested in a similar pursuit?
I would encourage other advocates to be true to who they are and what they believe is right. Being an advocate for others is not for the faint of heart. It is important to note that advocating for others starts with self-advocacy. This is important, because you have to believe in yourself and what you do to be effective, efficient and to make impact. I would also encourage those interested in pursuing a career in law not to take “no” for an answer. I knew at the age of 9 that I wanted to be a lawyer. But, when it was time for me to pursue law school, I applied and was rejected 9 NINE, YES I SAID 9 NINE TIMES!!! I just wouldn’t take “no” for an answer, because I knew that advocating for others was my destiny. I was accepted on the 10th application, and I haven’t looked back!!! Discuss a professional challenge and how you overcame it: So, for me being a “slashey” has caused internal conflicts over the years listening to others telling me that I had to choose one thing to focus on. This didn’t feel right to me, because I knew I had more than one interest, and I was good at more than one thing. But, overcoming the more traditional way of thinking about one’s profession has been my greatest challenge. My grandmother owned and operated her dry cleaning business for 50 years. So, doing one thing solely was not only something that others were talking to me about. It was also displayed for me in a very impactful way throughout my entire life. But, it was my husband who so eloquently told me that I was not just one thing in terms of my professional interests, but “You are all of those things, and you are good at them too.” His words spoke life to me and encouraged my heart when I was really having a hard time choosing which way to go with my professional interests. Now, you will find me flowing very fluidly between all of my “slashes.” I can be found preaching on Sunday, coaching on Monday, serving a woman leader on Tuesday, preparing a Last Will and Testament on Wednesday and writing for a blog, magazine or working on my next book on Thursday, etc. I love every minute of it, because I am all of those things, and I am good at them too! What is next for your brand/business in 2017? I have so many great things happening, and I am so excited!! I am working on a TV Show, which is an expansion of my live online show, The Nicole Mason Show. I am also working on a mobile application for women leaders in ministry and the marketplace. The Nicole Mason App will offer daily devotions, meditations, inspirations and more for women on the move. I will also be releasing 2 new books: Success Quotes for High Achieving Women and Success Principles for Women Leaders. How can readers connect with you online and through social media: www.facebook.com/Nicole.Sherron.Mason www.twitter.com/nicolesmason www.instagram.com/nicolesmason https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-sherron-mason-esquire-30051046
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