We were lucky to catch up with Dr Brendly Clark Singleton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr Brendly, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

I have been exposed to poor leadership in past positions. Because of that experience, I ensured I was the opposite of what I had experienced.

In a world where leadership is often equated with authority and dominance, the concept of a humble leader stands out as a refreshing and necessary paradigm. I am a humanistic and humble leader. A humble leader prioritizes the well-being and growth of their team over their ego. They lead with empathy, listen actively, and foster an environment of trust and collaboration. Unlike traditional leaders who may rely on authority, humble leaders inspire through their actions and integrity.
I believe that as a humble leader, I can make a profound impact in both the workplace and my community. By focusing on the growth and well-being of my team, I create a supportive and empowering environment. This approach leads to higher employee satisfaction, increased productivity, and a stronger sense of community.

Dr Brendly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My career has taken me on a pretty wild ride—from the world of banking, to the front lines of mental health (working with folks facing some of the toughest challenges), to standing at the front of a college classroom, and even rolling up my sleeves for community give-back projects.

I’ve always tried to be intentional about my journey. I wanted to understand how money moves, so I dove into banking. I wanted to know how people tick, so I spent years in mental health. Once I wrapped up my own education, I realized how much I love teaching and helping others carve out their own path to success. That led to a long stretch as a university professor, teaching from 1998 all the way to 2024. Along the way, I got to see the world—teaching in places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, seven states across Malaysia, and Singapore.

One of my proudest chapters was teaming up with Dr. Caroplyn Carter to open a charter school for at-risk students in Little Rock, Arkansas (2007-2012). Working with those students was something special, and collaborating with Dr. Carter to serve them was truly unforgettable.

I grew up in Eloy, Arizona—a small town that shaped who I am. As an African American woman from Eloy, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved:

– Doctorate in Administration and Management from Walden University.
– Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Human Resources Management from Ottawa University in Phoenix, Arizona.
– Certificate in Industrial Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
– I’ve been a full-time professor at University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, AZ, and an adjunct at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix. I’ve also taught in Ottawa University’s international programs, leading BBA and MBA courses in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, and Singapore. On top of that, I taught in DeVry University’s MBA program in Charlotte, NC, and mentored doctoral students at Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Here’s what else I bring to the table:
– Over 20 years of experience in reorganizing and turning around organizations, building and leading high-performing teams through transformational leadership.
– Three decades of tackling tough organizational challenges, stabilizing workplaces, and making work environments thrive.
– 20 years as a human resources pro—writing policies, training teams, handling recruiting and retention, and guiding talent management.
– At my core, I’m a lifelong educator.

But honestly, my greatest joy is being a mom to three incredible sons and “Nana” to five amazing grandkids. Nothing tops that.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Tragedy strikes us all one day. Sadly, I was struck four major times.

My late husband, James E. Singleton, October 2017. My best friend and partner of 30 years was the love of my life, and I am still struggling to come to terms with their passing. That void in my heart will be forever present, as I will never be able to replace the bond and connection we had together. Yet, I am thankful for the time we shared together and the stories they told me that I can pass down to our children and grandchildren. In a way, my friend will never truly be gone, as they will continue to live on through me and my loved ones.

My mother, Bobbie W. Ray in May of 2019.
My closet cousin, Rex Grant, June 2019.
My youngest child, Mykahl Z Singleton to murder, Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020. Time does not heal the loss of my child. He wasn’t important enough to have someone come to my door and inform me was murdered. I received a phone call from the morgue in Seattle, Washington, on Mother’s Day from a woman, indicating she was trying to locate the next of kin to someone who was recently brought into their care”. Disbelief is an understatement.

These tragedies has led me down the path of the community giveback I take part in to provide for homeless families, veterans, and at-risk children. I began this after my son’s murder in 2020.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Understanding the key traits of an inclusive leader, recognizing the stages of becoming more inclusive, and developing personal strategies for growth as a leader helped me create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

1. Self-Reflection: Reflect on your values, experiences, and leadership style. Identify areas where you can incorporate inclusivity.
2. Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from peers, mentors, and team members to understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Engage in Professional Development: Participate in DEI workshops, seminars, and training programs to continuously develop your leadership skills.
4. Find a Mentor: Seek out a mentor who exemplifies inclusive leadership and can provide guidance and support.
5. Practice Empathy and Active Listening: Make a conscious effort to understand and value the perspectives of others.
6. Foster a Collaborative Environment: Encourage teamwork and create an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected.

It involves a continuous journey of self-improvement and dedication to the well-being of my team. I needed to

• Leading by Example: Demonstrating integrity, empathy, and a commitment to collective success in all your
actions.
• Building Trust: Creating an environment where team members feel safe, valued, and empowered to
contribute.
• Encouraging Growth: Providing opportunities for professional development and supporting your team’s
growth.
• Inspiring Future Leaders: Leaving a lasting impact that inspires others to adopt an inclusive approach to
leadership.

• Leading by Example: Demonstrating integrity, empathy, and a commitment to collective success in all your actions.
• Building Trust: Creating an environment where team members feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.
• Encouraging Growth: Providing opportunities for professional development and supporting your team’s growth.
• Inspiring Future Leaders: Leaving a lasting impact that inspires others to adopt an inclusive approach to leadership.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.imaginethis-nsync.org (Non profit) www.nsyncbusiness.com (For Profit)
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendly-c-38115ab