Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Christi Monk.
Dr. Monk, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It actually started for me when I went to spiritual counseling in 2010. The book that we worked through was called “In Search of Significance.” I realized that I was not being who God had created me to be – especially in the workplace. As a natural introvert, I was constantly observant – figuring out the best way to share an idea. Introverts tend to process things deeply but it was giving off the perception that perhaps I wasn’t as interested or knowledgeable as my more talkative, outgoing peers.
Of course, this wasn’t true, but I had succumbed to their perception of who I was (self-fulfilling prophecy) and many times found myself on the “outside” and being passed over. I can relate to women who have aspired to have the corner office on the top floor. I was a top performer and couldn’t fathom giving less than 100%. I sought out certifications and degrees to remain competitive in the workplace.
Yet, I was still feeling empty. I consider myself smart and at the top of my game. Because I was marketable, I often thought it was normal to change jobs every two years. I would seek out the best opportunities that provided more money. I realized I was taking the same types of jobs and ending up still frustrated and still unfulfilled. I was confident in my ability to get a “good job”. It wasn’t until I was offered two severance packages less than two years apart, without warning, that I realized my outlook on my career was skewed.
Reflectively, I now know I was not working in my purpose. I finally accepted what several of my friends and family have been telling me for years. I should be coaching and teaching. Ironically, these are both things I have been doing personally and professionally. I am always the person who is sought out for personal and professional advice by women in the workplace and within my circles of influence.
As I shared my personal stories and professional experiences such as the dynamics of unhealthy relationships, being passed over for promotions because I just did not play “the game” or “did not have a sense of urgency”, and being bullied in the workplace, I could see the sense of relief in their eyes because I was able to relate and was transparent.
I realized how powerful my journey was and after signing up with my first coach of many, I have created The Women with Beauty, Brains & Boundaries Tour and The Workplace Leadership Institute as platforms to teach women how to use their voice and walk in their OWN power. One of my favorite sayings is Be the Voice, Not The Echo. This is why I have decided to take all of my life lessons and credentials to help women walk in their power unapologetically and authentically.
Understanding your life’s purpose and taking the steps to boldly reclaim what is already yours is freeing. The first step is to understand who you are not and what you have not been called to do. We all have individual assignments. Yes, you can be trained to do anything. However, training should be used to enhance your purpose and talents.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I struggled with honing in on one thing that I did well. I am a life-long learner so I also kept researching but not implementing. I have so much knowledge and wanted to share it all in the “perfect” way. The need to have it all done right before sharing with the world kept me stuck for a few years. I also compared myself to where others were on their journey. I quickly realized the value of “grinding in the dark” and limiting my social media use because sometimes what you see can cause you to question your calling and purpose.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My main platform is teaching and speaking. I specialize in helping mid-level career women lead on their level in the workplace. This is why I created The Workplace Leadership Institute and Women with Beauty, Brain, & Boundaries Tour. I specialize in working with women of color because we are the most overlooked and underserved population in the workplace. Statistics show that in the workplace 10% of women of color hold non-manager positions, 6% are managers, 2% are senior managers, and 1% are top executives. I am proud of my signature program called Amplify Your Influence in the Workplace.
This program itself is a Mentor in a Box. It focuses on the power of communication, leveraging relationships, powering up your productivity, and leading to your level. I understand that not all women aspire to be in leadership, but there is a HUGE opportunity to have influence regardless of the position you hold. The difference between what I do and others in the leadership development field is that I am in it to win it with any woman that I work with. I have a 100% success rate.
Each woman that has worked with me has either been promoted or received the salary they negotiated as a new hire. I keep it real with those who entrust their professional growth with me. My approach is, to tell the truth in love while challenging you to be your best – even when it hurts. What makes me truly standout is I am not doing what I do for the money. My goal in life is to help as many women as I can to become B.O.L.D. in their career choices. Be the best you. Operate fully in your gifts and talents. Live your best life. Dare to Be Different.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is home for me but I actually fully launched my business while living in Washington DC. I am fortunate enough to have resources in both places. What I learned is that you have to know your target audience and what they need.
It is not a matter of whether Dallas is a great place to start a business it is more dependent on knowing your city and how you can make an impact. The key to a successful business is leveraging your personal network and being able to meet the needs of your target audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christimonk.com
- Phone: 9728967874
- Email: cmonk@christimonk.com
- Instagram: @drcemonk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/drchristimonk
- Twitter: @christimonk
- Other: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/drchristimonk
Image Credit:
Theresa Wilson, Teresa Surles, Christina Murray, Rose Fauntleroy
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