We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meloni Boatswain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Meloni, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Embracing Independence: From Corporate Comfort to Fulfilling My Purpose
As a fresh-faced professional, I embarked on my career within the confines of Corporate America. The allure of a steady paycheck, job security, and the promise of a structured path to career growth seemed like the safest route to take. It was a narrative deeply ingrained in my upbringing, as both my parents were seasoned corporate professionals who also dabbled in real estate development as a source of investment. I was raised with the notion that safety lay in working a single job for a span of four decades, diligently amassing a pension, and patiently awaiting Social Security. Undeniably, the corporate world had its merits. It provided a sense of structure, stability, and the invaluable opportunity to learn from seasoned colleagues. Yet, as the years rolled on, I found myself increasingly ensnared in a web of stagnation, yearning for something more.
The Catalyst for Transformation
The catalyst for my profound career transformation emerged from a confluence of factors. At the forefront of this transformation was a profound yearning for greater autonomy and flexibility in shaping the course of my work. The rigidity of the conventional corporate nine-to-five grind was slowly closing in around me. But there was something more profound at play—a personal awakening that life’s true treasures are found in moments spent with loved ones. The aging of my parents, and particularly my father’s battle with kidney failure, underscored this realization. The memory of losing my beloved Aunt and God Mother while I was relentlessly climbing the corporate ladder, oblivious to the precious moments I missed, served as a poignant reminder. I vowed not to let history repeat itself as my father faced his own transition. The value of spending quality time with family outweighed the safety net of Corporate America.
Additionally, my professional yearning extended beyond the confines of corporate walls. I nurtured a profound passion for diverse projects and the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from varied backgrounds and cultures. My love for both business and technology was complemented by a genuine affection for hands-on work, especially on job sites. The prospect of being tethered to a single company’s vision and objectives held little appeal.
Taking the Leap of Faith
The decision to leave behind the comfort and security of a corporate job and venture into the world of independent contracting was not one taken lightly. It demanded meticulous planning and a willingness to embrace considerable risk. Here are the pivotal steps I took to facilitate my transition into this new phase of my career:
Networking: I proactively tapped into my professional network to seek opportunities in Atlanta that offered the financial stability I needed, coupled with the flexibility I craved. It was during this exploration that I was introduced to the concept of independent contracting.
Autonomy and Versatility: Transitioning into the role of an independent contractor afforded me the autonomy to define my own schedule and workload. Gone were the worries of managing PTO, vacation days, and sick leave. I had the freedom to engage in diverse projects concurrently, serving different clients and industries. This newfound autonomy also enabled me to expand my skill set by delving into fields such as Low Voltage Architecture.
The Payoff
Today, my decision to embrace the path of independence has unlocked a world of opportunities that resonate with my passion and purpose. I now hold the esteemed position of President of the Atlanta Chapter of Blacks in Technology and serve as the Executive Director of the HBCU Resource Center. These roles, alongside my contracting endeavors, including the positions of Director of Strategy for Transformation Lead and Smart City Consultant for a local government agency, have provided me with the chance to engage in work that truly nourishes my heart and soul.
In retrospect, my journey from the comforts of Corporate America to the liberating realm of independent contracting has been a life-altering experience. While it demanded courage, resilience, and calculated risks, the rewards have far outweighed the challenges. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s true calling and venturing into the unknown. The corporate cocoon may offer safety, but it’s the leap into the unknown that often leads to the most fulfilling destinations.
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?
Meloni Katrina Boatswain’s remarkable journey, from being a first-generation American hailing from the vibrant islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to becoming a trailblazer in the fields of construction and technology, embodies the unwavering strength of character, unrelenting hard work, and a fervent dedication to innovation. Born to resolute parents who held education as the cornerstone of success, she was imparted with a profound lesson from an early age – that, as a Black woman, she would need to exert twice the effort to thrive in this world. Growing up in a household of real estate investors and construction business proprietors, she imbibed the principles of diligence and persistence, forging the foundation of her extraordinary journey.
A Multifaceted Professional with Over 20 Years of Experience
Meloni Boatswain has carved a niche for herself as a highly accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in the Construction and Technology Industries. Her remarkable achievements resonate on a global scale, with a portfolio that encompasses large-scale projects spanning various sectors such as hospitality, data centers, commercial, industrial, and aviation. Her clientele includes federal government agencies, Fortune 500 corporations, and private enterprises, attesting to her versatility and expertise.
Beyond her hands-on experience, Meloni has also dedicated herself to the role of a knowledge disseminator. She is a prolific technical writer, accomplished author, and sought-after speaker. Her thought-provoking articles have found a place in leading Construction and Engineering Industry journals, where she shares her insights and expertise with the wider professional community.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Meloni’s career is studded with noteworthy achievements, with some of the most prominent ones including:
The construction of the illustrious St. Regis Hotel & Residences in Atlanta, Georgia.
The development of Paces 88 Restaurant, a culinary gem in Atlanta.
The contribution to the Hamilton Heights Show House, a distinctive project in Harlem, New York.
The establishment of a robust safety program at the University of Accra, Ghana, demonstrating her global impact.
Implementing the Fastest Free Wifi at the World’s busiest airport, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Creating a Smart City Fiber Net Strategy for the City of Atlanta.
Leading the operations of a Large Scale Tier III Data Center Construction Project in Huntsville, AL, marking a significant milestone in her career’s trajectory.
A Multifaceted Educational Background
In the field of construction, Meloni holds a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Construction Technology. She is a LEED AP BD+C (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction), showcasing her commitment to sustainable building practices. Moreover, she holds the prestigious OSHA 500 Safety Trainer designation, underscoring her unwavering dedication to workplace safety.
In the technology sector, Meloni’s expertise shines through her certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP), a credential that attests to her adeptness in managing projects with efficiency and precision. As a Six Sigma Green Belt, she excels in process improvement and quality management. Additionally, her certification as a Certified Cybersecurity Professional, with a specialization in Physical Security, underlines her competence in safeguarding critical information and infrastructure.
A Beacon of Empowerment and Innovation
Meloni Boatswain’s extensive experience, coupled with her myriad certifications, positions her as an invaluable resource in both the Construction and Technology Industries. Her passion for knowledge sharing through writing and speaking engagements reinforces her status as a revered expert in her field.
A Leader and Advocate
As the President of Blacks in Technology Atlanta Chapter, the world’s largest community of Black technologists and the Executive Director of the HBCU Resource Center, Meloni’s leadership extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is deeply committed to empowering underserved communities, championing diversity and inclusion in the technology sector, and fostering opportunities for individuals of African descent.
A Visionary in Emerging Technologies
Meloni is a trailblazer in the realm of emerging technologies. She is currently an Instructor for ISACA’s Certified Emerging Technologies Program where she teaches Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things. Her unique expertise positions her as an ideal thought leader to illuminate this cutting-edge field. She is a globally recognized leader in Construction and Technology and her impact spans industries, continents, and communities, making her a true pioneer.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Learning to unlearn the age-old adage of “work harder” has been a transformative journey in my life. While the Bible does indeed emphasize the value of hard work, it also imparts the wisdom that our blessings ultimately come from God, not solely from worldly endeavors. I often dedicated endless hours to my career, forsaking precious moments with my loved ones, and neglecting self-care. The backstory to this lesson begins with my unwavering commitment to success. I would immerse myself in work to the point of exhaustion, even falling asleep at my desk. It was my way of striving for financial security and success, but little did I realize the toll it was taking on my personal life.
The first seismic shift in my perspective came with the painful loss of my beloved Aunt. Her passing served as a stark reminder that time with loved ones is fleeting and irreplaceable. It was a wake-up call, but the lesson didn’t fully sink in until the heart-wrenching loss of my father. His transition reinforced the importance of prioritizing family, friends, and most importantly, self-care. No amount of wealth or professional success could ever compensate for the time lost with those who matter most.
The lesson I’ve had to unlearn isn’t about abandoning hard work but rather about aligning it with my core values. It’s rooted in replenishing oneself and understanding that blessings aren’t solely derived from unrelenting toil. One particular scripture that encapsulates this wisdom can be found in Psalms 23:1-3 (NIV), which states, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” This scripture underscores the importance of taking moments of rest and rejuvenation, reminding us that true prosperity isn’t solely measured by material wealth but by the richness of our relationships, inner peace, and the ability to cherish life’s most precious moments.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Embracing the role of a servant leader has been instrumental in building my reputation within my field. I have always been committed to serving not only my professional community but also the wider world, consistently taking on challenging projects and fostering a sense of dependability. This commitment to service has been a cornerstone of my journey.
I also had the privilege of having Tonya Hicks as a mentor, whose influence has greatly shaped my approach to leadership. Tonya’s pioneering achievements, including becoming the first woman to attain the status of inside journeyman wireman in the IBEW Local 917 in her hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. Having a mentor that is well respected within the community has been instrumental to building my reputation in the industry. Her mentorship extended beyond the workplace, instilling in me the importance of aligning my core values with my professional endeavors. Servant leadership means not only excelling in one’s field but also uplifting others and contributing positively to the community. This ethos has been central to my journey and has played a pivotal role in shaping my reputation as a dependable and community-oriented professional.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.transformationlead.com
- Instagram: TheTechGC
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/meloniboatswain
- Twitter: TheTechGC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzwHt0P9sCI
- Other: www.blacksintechnolgy.org www.hbcuresourcecenter.org
Image Credits
Ms. Hicks discussing a project with Meloni Boatswain in front of a Generator – Credit Audra Melton for The New York Times. All other photos are Eric Carmichael of Think Photography LLC.