We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Terrice Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Terrice, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

One of the reasons Mentoring is so important to me is because I experienced it firsthand from my boss during my first professional job. She took an interest in me that went beyond just my career and helped me to grow personally as well. She also worked with me on those weaknesses she noticed, giving me tools and advise on how to improve and become a leader. Young professionals really need that guidance.

Her guidance also helped to shape the type of boss I wanted to be. I try to make sure my employees are able to grow personally and professionally. As Director of Memphis Programs for Project Transformation Tennessee, I want to make sure our young adults excel in not only our program, but in reaching their personal goals too. I hope that my book Mentor Coaching helps everyone see the importance of investing in young adults and helping them reach their full potential.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I am a graduate of Jackson State University (Jackson, MS) where I received a bachelor’s degree in mass communication. I also received a master’s degree in public administration from Keller School of Management (Oak Brook, IL). Throughout my professional career, I have served in various roles in the non-profit sector including fundraising and development, volunteer management, special event planning, and community engagement. I also worked in local government for many years, managing a library branch and providing innovative programming and resources for the community.

I’ve always loved writing and would do plays, poems, etc. since I was younger as a fun past time. But I noticed that I was gifted at it when people started approaching me to write things for them like grants, strategic plans, cover letters/ resumes and other professional documents. It became so many people that I decided to start my business venture, and that’s how Bluff City Resumes was born.

From that my book idea evolved. Many of my clients needed someone to help them gain valuable skills and mentor them. I took on a few folks but realized there is a great need out there. Gen- Z needs mentors just as much as children & youth. They have to make all of these pivotal life decisions without support and there are some things you just can’t learn in a classroom. That’s where a good mentor is needed for support and advice. My book Mentor Coaching gives tips on how to effectively Coach young adults for success and ways to help them achieve some personal and career goals.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Quality and customer service! Marketing and social media is great to grow your brand, but don’t underestimate word of mouth and referrals. If you give people what they paid for in quality and are nice in your dealings with them, not only will they come back but they will tell others about you as well!

My intention has always been that people have a positive interaction with me and leave happy with my work.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Like most people I had to pivot during the pandemic. There were no in-person events to attend and so I had to learn how to have more of a virtual presence. This was uncomfortable for me initially, because I love the audience and feeding off of a crowd. So, I had to pivot and learn how to make virtual trainings/ sessions just as engaging as live ones.

Also, learning How to still get my books in front of those who needed it.

I had to research how to spruce up my social media presence and cast the net wider than just Facebook and Instagram to interact on more platforms like LinkedIn, Slack, and Clubhouse.

Contact Info:

• Website: TerriceThomas.com
• Instagram: @TerriceThomas
• Linkedin: Terrice Thomas MPA
• Twitter: Memphis Mocha
• Other: Pttennessee.org for volunteer opportunities/ internships