We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sonya McCoy-Wilson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sonya below.
Sonya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?
In 2016, I chose the Doctor of Education in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development at the University of Georgia because the program was designed for leaders who were positioned to lead change within their organizations. This was exactly my purpose.
The first and most important lesson I learned in the program, the lesson that forever changed me and shapes my practice today, is that in order to lead change anywhere, you must first start by changing yourself.
I immediately understood the significance of “being the change,” and I surrendered to the process.
For the next three years, I embarked upon a journey of transformative change. So many of the practices and lessons I learned during those years that focused on individual, group, and systems change was the stuff that moves society progressively forward.
The change leadership that I was learning and practicing was informed by adult learning theories. These same theories and practices drive my coaching and consulting business today.
Since graduating, in 2019, I was inspired to monetize my credentials and start my own consulting firm, McCoy Wilson Consulting, LLC.
Without the double and triple-loop learning in that Doctoral program, I would not have been able to examine and change my own flawed behaviors. And if hadn’t been able to change myself, I would not have been able to guide people, groups, and systems down the path of deep learning and transformative change that is imperative in society today.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am one of those women who holds space for several passions simultaneously.
I am an Associate Vice President of Learning; thought leader; executive coach; consultant; speaker; writer; and professor.
There are two things that set me apart in the coaching and consulting industry.
1. It is uncommon that coaches have doctorate degrees in LLOD (learning, leadership, and organizationdevelopment). I was trained as both a scholar and practitioner.
2. I have 20 years experience in higher education leadership.
I provide professional development, education consulting and coaching services, leadership development interventions, and organization development consulting. I specialize in helping my clients transform themselves and their organizations.
My research interests are diverse and transcend the boundaries of multiple disciplines: transformative learning, culturally responsive teaching and leadership, race, gender, and social constructivism.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for building my clientele was developing my social media brand.
Some of my new clients responded to social media ads and posts.
The vast majority of my clients came from leveraging my existing network who consistently share my website and socials with potential clients.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to stop striving to be “universal.”
Often, women and folks from BIPOC communities are encouraged to “appeal to a more universal” audience. What that really means is appealing to a more white, male, cisgender audience.
I shared this with a Black woman friend and colleague. She gave me some words of wisdom.
She said, “What’s wrong with being a Black woman coach who appeals to Black clients?”
My answer: absolutely nothing.
I am unapologetically Black.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sonyamccoywilson.com
- Instagram: @sonyamccoywilson
- Facebook: McCoyWilsonConsulting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyamccoywilson
- Twitter: @SMcCoyWilson
- Youtube: Dr. Sonya McCoy Wilson
- Other: https://linktr.ee/sonyamccoywilson
Image Credits
Dave & Jess Photography