Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Calhoun.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nicole. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I remembered over two decades ago, I had recently graduated college and started my first “big time” corporate job at a large software company. It was the very first time I would be able to use the computer coding skills I had learned during undergrad. Unlike many, I was able to land a job within my area of focus right away but I know it was not my own ingenious attributes but solely by Grace. It was an exciting time not only because I was embarking on a career but because my mom was able to see the fruit of her labor. I was raised in a single-parent household by what I can only describe as a super-mom.
From the time I can remember, she would wake up while still dark to ensure her children were properly cared for and off she went to work. Putting it that way, it sounds so simple but it was anything but simple. There were occasions when she didn’t have a personal vehicle and public transportation was her only means of getting around, including to work and anywhere else that required taking care of us. So it gave me great pleasure that my mom was proud.
The more I began working as a software developer, the more I absolutely enjoyed. Figuring out systematic solutions to business problems was thrilling. I liked looking through code like looking for a “needle in a haystack” to find and fix problems, yet there was always a sense that there was more for me to do with my life, even after 20+ years. So I went on a journey, not a physical one but a career journey and one that was not even planned. After two decades of software development, I decided to try my hand in other areas of the technology world and I knew that was going to be a challenge because my career had been strictly in software development. I moved over into project management and while I learned new skills, I knew that wasn’t it.
I got into risk and cybersecurity and while interesting, that wasn’t the thing the fulfilled this deep sense of purpose either but then I stumbled across it by chance. I had taken on this learning quest so that I could increase my soft skills, those non-technical skills that are sometimes overlooked. As I began learning and applying the concepts, those around me noticed and that’s how I was able to transition roles. Because others could see the difference in me some began asking me to mentor them and help them to develop themselves.
This is when I realized what that “something else” was. Actually, as I began looking back I realized I had been doing it all along. That’s when I decided to start my consulting company, SC Calhoun Consulting and joined the John Maxwell Team of Trainers, Speakers and Coaches and I must say, this has been one of my most fulfilling experiences.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Obstacles? When was there ever a time when there weren’t any? LOL! I have had many, but I think the biggest obstacles I’ve faced was letting go of the opinions of others. When you are perceived as haven already achieved a level of success and want to go farther, some of the most well-meaning people will be concerned. Though this may seem simple, it’s not always simple because sometimes the advice of someone who you highly respect can hold you back from moving in the right direction. There is always wisdom in a multitude of counselors, so always seek advice from those opinions you value; however, be careful the advice is not coming from a place of fear.
Some of my other challenges have been forging a path without the help of those who already know the way, like a mentor. While trying to find that “thing”. I tried my hand at many things and I quickly found that I had no one to coach or mentored me along the way. I’m sure there were losses I could have avoided if I were connected with someone who already had experienced the journey I was embarking on.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
The name of my company is SC Calhoun Consulting and I offer Leadership and Development Training and Coaching. I am also certified by the John C. Maxwell Team. I specialize in personal and professional development, specifically with women in technology and minorities. Having come from a technological background, I know there are opportunities to increase the female leadership presence and help women feel more empowered. I am known for teaching women how to lead from whatever position they are in by building their influence, thus leading through influence.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I was extremely shy but loved academics. I am the oldest of four children and considered that role as a responsibility since I was ten years older than my next sibling but if anyone had told me I would be standing in front of large crowds speaking and teaching, I would have thought they were totally wrong. Over the years, I realized that being “big sis” played a part of forming my leadership skills and with time, I took steps to overcome my fear of presenting and everything else is history.
It’s funny because I don’t think we are ever fully “grown-up” because we are constantly learning and growing, so I would like to share one of the lessons I’ve learn that helped me tremendously with my business.
One of the lessons I’ve learned is mistakes and failure are part of achieving success. There’s no way around it, any level of success will require that some mistakes be made, and in fact that’s how you learn. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have allowed the fear of making mistakes cripple me. I would likely have tried many more things much sooner. I might have seized some of the opportunities that came my way. I might have been more willing to invest my time and resources sooner but it’s never too late and so here I am even now willing to mistakes so that I can succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sccalhoun.com
- Phone: 972-740-3445
- Email: ncalhoun@sccalhoun.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/PurposedLife/
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