We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Devon Moody-Graham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Devon below.

Devon , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Life is full of choices, some easier than others. Taking risks is a part of truly living life. For some reason, I usually gravitate towards the roads never or rarely traveled. I seem to find solace in creating a new path for others and learning as I go so that I can share that information. I know that I’ve always been built differently and I’m so glad that I can walk in being set apart. This is one of the reasons that I have been able to be successful in unchartered territory in my personal and business life. Outside of becoming a mother and getting married, I would say that the biggest risk that I have ever taken was choosing to become an entrepreneur.

It’s pretty funny that they word is French and I’m now doing business in Paris, talk about a full circle moment.

Let’s talk more about this journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I come from a family of business owners, shoe repair, cosmetology, and direct sales. Even though I’ve been around it for years, I still couldn’t understand why I started in consulting. Most people didn’t even know how to describe the work that I did in the beginning. Often times, when people think about the tangible product-based businesses, they forget that in order for a business to last and grow, there are other things that come into play. The strategy, the plan, knowing the resources, know who to talk to are what keep businesses operating. It was a challenge for me to charge my worth and it was discouraging.

Over 14 years later of business experience in dozens of interested, across the region, country and now international. I’ve worked with over 1000+ businesses one on one, in business accelerators, training programs and even more speaking.

For those not familiar with me:

Devon Moody-Graham, MBA is an international business strategist, author and community leader dedicated to seeing a positive shift in economic development through entrepreneurship in underserved communities. I am the Chief Solutions Officer of CEOMom Empire LLC and Lead Strategist in Business Development to several companies, non-profits, and universities. She creates and facilitates transformational entrepreneurship programs and experiences.

My experience and partnerships have brought over $4M in capital to small businesses. I have created a community for mothers that aspire to start businesses and develop professionally. I have worked with over 1000+ businesses and 15,000 youth and young adults in entrepreneurship and professional training over the last 13 years to bring awareness to the feasibility of wealth building. I served on a select White House committee on technology and entrepreneurial resource access. In 2018, she was selected to represent the state of Missouri in the SCORE and Sam’s Club America’s Small Business Championship competition with her business and social development group CEOMom, now The CEOMom Project.

My talents took me to Paris, France in 2019 to branch her mom community to other areas of the world and inspire people that have challenges or doubts about their purpose to move through the fear. I am building a pipeline for minority business owners to connect to international trading resources, funding, and opportunities. My goal is to increase business opportunities and wealth creation for underserved communities.

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

I have strategic approach to guiding clients and has a vast network of connections that takes both small business and corporate clients to the next levels of innovation and revenue generation. While most companies help you to make short term transactions, I focus on Startup Sustainability with my R3 Method focusing on Relationships, Resources, and Revenue.

I assist businesses with getting ready for capital and various funding opportunities by first leveraging mutually beneficial relationships. My goal is to create business foundations that can withstand economic, and trend shifts for business owners. Sustainability and the ability to pivot or exit profitably is the true success in business.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Be who you are authentically in business and have personal goals in alignment with your business goals so there is no power struggle. You want your life to compliment your business not fight with it. Intentional build relationships that can organically change your life. Be the person that gives, within boundaries, and the seeds you plant will come back when you least expect it. Be YOU. Be Kind.

Contact Info:

• Website: devonmoodygraham.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devonmoodygraham
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/public/Devon-Moody-Graham
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonmoodygraham
• Twitter: twitter.com/devonmoodygrahm
• Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/public/Devon-Moody-Graham

Image Credits
Taye Photography