We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adrienne Maye a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adrienne , thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
A significant risk I took was starting my own business. I have always wanted to experience running a business and helping others. Though uncertain about the specifics or how to start on the road to entrepreneurship, I believe in taking risks, especially on myself. I joined a nursing cohort focused on entrepreneurship and during that time we wrote our first books and started our businesses. This journey excites me daily as I continuously learn and embrace new opportunities. I have been able to network, collaborate, and grow my business, Moving Forward with Diabetes Management (MFDM), LLC, where I provide prediabetes lifestyle education to help individuals make positive lifestyle changes.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am the owner of Moving Forward with Diabetes Management (MFDM), LLC, Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) with 20+ years’ experience in various settings including Population Health Management, Outpatient Nurse Case Manager and Inpatient and Outpatient Diabetes Education. With Diabetes affecting millions in the US the goal of MFDM is to provide education and guidance for those living with prediabetes. Prediabetes currently affects more than 100 million people in the US. I have family members currently diagnosed and have lost family members related to Diabetes, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) also called Mini stroke, Stroke, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and other complications associated with Diabetes. I was determined to create something that would educate, help advocate for people living with diabetes and simplify the medical jargon that may be explained during initial diagnosis. Some of my proudest moments come when I can see the transformation of my clients as they continue to meet their goals and make lifestyle changes such as losing weight, getting their lab values down and really understanding that anything is possible that you set your mind too. Take Charge and Balance, our online Prediabetes Lifestyle Management Course includes bonus materials such as meal planners, blood pressure logs, water intake logs and so much more. It is self-paced and allows participants the convenience of learning and growing on their own time and schedule. Also, I have authored the book, “Beating the Sugar B.E.A.S.T. ™ Lifestyle Management for People of Color Living with Diabetes.” Our E-Books, Prediabetes Power Pack and Empowered Moves provide an opportunity to download the needed information and apply it to day-to-day lifestyle changes. My educational resources can be purchased at https://www.mfdmllc.com/beastshop
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Yes, I would choose nursing over and over again. This profession has been a blessing to me and my family. With over 20 years of experience, I have shaped many lives. Working at the bedside, I often wondered if I was making a difference, but patients frequently expressed their gratitude. I have been present during patients’ last moments and have seen mothers preparing to bring new life into the world. My career has been nothing short of amazing. Interestingly, I initially pursued Pre-Engineering with the intent to major in Electrical Engineering, but life had a different plan, and I am proud to be a nurse!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience is a word I have come to know well over the years. As an only child, I developed my own type of resilience. My mother, a single parent, taught me early on to be independent and to work hard for what I wanted in life. I learned resilience as a young child, though I did not know the term for it at the time. I am thankful for my mother’s prayers and the solid foundation she provided for me to learn and grow. She always taught me that the sky’s the limit. My upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic and the belief that I can achieve anything, I set my mind too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mfdmllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movingforwarddiabetesmgt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mfdmllc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennemaye/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mfdmllc
