We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Monique Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dr. Monique thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Career Development and Diversity & Inclusion go hand in hand. We all want to engage in work we enjoy that allows us to contribute something meaningful to the world. Beyond that, we want to work in a space where we feel valued, seen, and heard. My role is to merge and support the two goals and outcomes for my clients. That is what my work is all about.
Our mission at Dr. MCJ Consulting is to empower organizations and individuals who seek guidance in the area of career development, diversity, equity and inclusion, and leadership. Our goal is to help individuals thrive in their work and pursue their heart’s desire. We not only support individuals but we partner with organizations that are committed to building inclusive workplaces.
My experience growing up in New England in a community that lacked racial diversity had a profound impact on me. I was one of two Black girls in a class of over 350 students who graduated from my high school. I had diverse friends and an overall good experience but there was always something missing for me. As a result, I’ve used my experience to advocate for and cultivate diverse work environments and spaces.
As a former Assistant Professor, Assistant Dean, Assistant Director of Career Services, and now Certified Coach, Certified Master of Career Services, and Entrepreneur, I’m committed to supporting others on their career journey. I’ve worked as a Career professional for over 25 years. It’s a big part of who I am and always will be.
Monique, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I began my journey in the early 90s working in the DEI and Career Development space in graduate school at a large Big 10 University. I was a Graduate Career Counselor for a few years at our University Career Center. I gained valuable experience there that would later influence my career path. My master’s and doctoral programs were infused with a DEI framework that is still relevant 20-plus years later.
I went on to work as an Assistant Professor, Assistant Director of Career Services, Assistant Dean, Program Director, and Entrepreneur. I’m also co-owner of a 21-year-old real estate investment business that has achieved great success. Although a worthwhile venture, my heart work is coaching and consulting.
When I work with coaching and consulting clients, all of my services are tailored to the needs of the specific client. My approach is holistic, taking into account all of the unique talents, experiences, and needs of the client.
What sets me apart is I understand career transition having experienced it myself. I have relocated to five states while raising a family and pursuing my own career and personal fulfillment. It’s not always easy but it can be done and the results can exceed your wildest dreams.
In closing, my track record consists of positive feedback that has resulted in good experiences for my clients. That’s what it’s all about for me.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
In 2015, I decided to form my business, Dr. MCJ Consulting LLC. I was working as a general contractor for a school district. I attended a meeting at a local university a part of my work and I introduced myself as a general contractor. After the meeting, a retired Principal came up to me and said you are an Entrepreneur not a contractor. I had valuable insight and expertise to share. That always stuck with me, and I went on a journey to learn more.
It changed the narrative for me. It influenced how I represented myself and the services I provided. It’s been a great experience even through the highs and lows. I would not change any of it.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
In both my coaching and consulting and real estate business, relationships have been a core ingredient for our businesses. Establishing good rapport, being responsive, and maintaining open lines of communication have helped build my reputation. People value you when you value them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drmoniquecjohnson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmcjconsulting/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquecjohnson/
Image Credits
Melson Photography