Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tami Hayes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tami, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Moving to Ohio I met a lot of people throughout the years. One person that constantly stays with me is my dear departed friend William who was homeless. Being a musician I played for a lot of venues and am in call for 7 funeral homes throughout the DMV. My friendship with William spanned over many years and sometimes I would lose him for months and sometimes a few years but he would always resurface. Then one day he didn’t resurface. A employee at one of the funeral homes asked if I could play for his wife’s brothers funeral. Imagine my heart sinking when I looked at the obituary picture and it was my dear friend William. It was bittersweet. I was honored to sing and play for his homegoing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m really a hack of all trades. My gift from God is being a vocalist and pianist. Although classically trained on the piano I play all genres. I am considered a Pslamist which is a musician who sings as inspired by God.

I did 37 years on the fitness industry teaching all over the DMV at every major gym chain, top of the line like Equinox, Government facilities such as, DEA, US Marshals, Dept of Energy, Education, National Zoo, NBC 4 Your Health and numerous fitness fairs.

I have a degree in Mass Communications and currently enrolled in school studying Child and Adult Psychology.

I also work for the DC Goodwill company.

Any advice for managing a team?

Having been an employee and a manager and regional director… my best advice to any manager is : “people are human beings with lives and no two people are the same.” People want to feel appreciated and valued. Talking down to people never work. As a manger for Goodwill I genuinely know about each employee. I remember important things about their lives. If someone has death in the family , even months down the road I ask them how they are doing. I genuinely listen to people BUT, I also believe in being firm and not letting employees take you for granted. Just being a human being and actually giving a toss about your employees is golden. People will follow you to the end of the world if you genuinely care. Fake crap can be discerned so employees will know if you’re full of it.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My mother was my greatest influencer even now years after she departed this world. She always said,” Tami … your word is your bond!” Always honor your word. I have had to honor some painful and difficult promises because my mother instilled that on my heart. HONOR YOUR WORD.

Contact Info:

• Other: I don’t do social media anymore. I believe in it and it works for other folks but part of my success is staying away from social media. If you have to use it… great but not all jobs require being on social media.

Image Credits
Shawn Farrin Nineteenth St Bpt