We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tammy McDonald. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tammy below.

Tammy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

If I’ve learned one thing from my time here on earth, it’s that life lessons will occur at any time. For me, these lessons have sometimes created challenges and obstacles that have stretched me and motivated me to create opportunities for myself. In 2019, my previous job would provide me with a life altering lesson. I can honestly say that I diligently worked for this company for years. My only desire was to create a safe, nonjudgmental place for hurting people to heal. My program was at full capacity, and everyone was stable. In fact, the program was doing so well, that there was a waiting list to join my classes.

I was in a meeting one day, when I was asked if I would consider running the office in Raleigh. I asked for some time to process it with my husband. For us, it was an easy decision because of our love for the city. So, without thinking twice, I accepted the position, and we found a place to live. My transition had to be quick because my new position would start in two and a half weeks. One morning, I received a call from the individual whose position I was taking over. She had inquired about me starting a week early as she wanted to take some time off before starting her new job. She informed me that she had asked our supervisor and our supervisor told her that she had to check on some things, but she felt it would be okay, and to follow back up, with her the next day. Well, the next “day” turned into “7 days” later, the week of my move. That Friday, I was in my office writing my transition notes for my predecessor when my supervisor walked in to inform me that there had been a meeting and that the Raleigh office would be closed. Just like that, the plans had been altered and I was left in limbo. “What am I supposed to do?” I asked in disbelief, “I have already relocated my family to Raleigh, you know this!” Without an ounce of empathy, she replied, “You can drive back and forth and keep this position. We have been struggling with finding a replacement for you.” I told her that I would need to talk with my husband, and I would get back to her!”

For the next two weeks I drove back and forth from Raleigh to Wilmington to work. My hours were from 3pm to 11pm; which meant I would leave the office at 12am and arrive back in Raleigh at 2am. As exhausted as I was, the one question that kept me from falling asleep at the wheel was, “How did I ‘ALLOW’ myself to end up in this position?”

It wasn’t until day five that I was able to answer this question. You see, I had become complacent and comfortable to the point that I had stopped “Minding My Business!” As the CEO of my life, I stopped assessing and evaluating and prioritizing what my needs were and had abandoned all my plans and goals to tend to this company…, BIG MISTAKE!

For a minute, I found myself angry because no one at the company cared about what had been done to me; but then I realized, one day (the third week) during my drive to work that this was “just business,” and the contractual obligation that I had with this company had no emotional ties. Simply put, the needs of the company had changed, in the end! So, I could get on board, or I too could consider the need of my business (my life) and make changes as well.

I immediately called my husband and told him that I wanted to give a two-week resignation and focus on investing in me! With his encouragement and support, I moved forward with my plan. I walked into the office and before my shift, I typed the resignation letter and took it to my immediate supervisor and HR.

At the end of my two weeks, I felt good about my decision to be successful elsewhere. That evening when I turned off the lights for the last time, instead of leaving angry and bitter, I left with a clear understanding, that no business ever owes you anything, that you should never get so comfortable that you miss the warning signs, and that you should always keep your goals and plans in motion, even if you work for someone else.

Based on my experience with that company, I left and immediately created a Policy & Procedure for my life and my family, so that we could never find ourselves in that position again. Since then, I have enjoyed teaching individuals about the importance of creating individualized Policies & Procedures for their lives and the consequences of not “Minding Their Own Business.” Most importantly, I have thoroughly enjoyed “Minding, Tending, and Growing my Own Business!”

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 have always felt that my career path was one that found me. While my initial studies and training prepared me to be an Arabic translator; the universe would redirect my path toward supporting, teaching, and healing hurting individuals. To date, I still thank my best friend, and husband, Sean for his gentle nudge and continued support as I have navigated through this field as a Transformation/Life Coach, Behavioral Specialist and Counselor. I can honestly say, that since 1994, I have not worked a day, I have only been privileged to journey with individuals on their quest to learn the importance of understanding, appreciating, and loving themselves. Through the process, what I have learned is how vital it is for me to hold a non-judgmental space for individuals so that they can stand in their truth while they are reimagining and redefining their lives. This self-love journey is essential because they will be with themselves for the rest of their lives.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I can honestly say that working for yourself offers a plethora of lessons and learning curves. When processing lessons that I had to unlearn, I would have to say it was abandoning my goals and aspirations to seek the approval of others, and trying to include and bring everyone along with me even when I was aware that they were not equipped to journey with me. In 2005, I established a company much like my current agency. As my success grew, I wanted people around me to be included and have the same experience. To make a very long (7 year) story short, I had relinquished all my goals, visions, and control to unhealthy individuals, which cost me everything. In my quest to rebuild, I promised myself that I would always set my boundaries in “permanent marker,” instead of “pencil.” To set my boundaries and never waver, the next lesson I learned was to be mindful that not everyone was able to journey with me and that is okay, and sometimes even necessary to walk away to see my vision become a reality. Since 2012, I learned to become comfortable with “minding” my own business. In doing so, one must always remember never to freely give away your dreams to people with no direction.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When it comes to pivoting, I have learned that any business that wants to remain successful and relevant should always be ready and willing to adjust and change. This was true for me in 2012 when I was faced with starting over and again in 2019 when the entire world had to make changes due to the pandemic. Truth be told, having alternative ways to run your business should always be in the forefront of all business owner’s minds. Interesting enough, I used to have a meltdown when I had to adjust the direction of my business; now, I find that if I am monitoring the pulse of my surroundings and current trends, then I can measure the needs of my business and adjust my sails to avoid being slammed by the waves. So now, I focus on pivoting because I want to be innovative and creative versus pivoting because I’ve been forced to, so that I don’t have to close my doors permanently. For me, this is the power of “minding” my own business and being the author of my own story!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.truebalancewellnessgym.com
• Instagram: True Balance Wellness [email protected]
• Facebook: http://www.face.com/truebalancewellnessgym
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/TrueBalanceWellnessGym or www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-mcdonald