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

Candyce, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

The Power of Parental Influence: How My Mother and Grandmother Shaped My Success

In life, we are often a product of the influences around us, especially those of our family. My journey is a testament to the profound impact that my mother, Cassandra Wright, and grandmother, Dorothy Mae Fairley, had on shaping not just who I am, but also the trajectory of my career.

Academic Excellence: From a young age, education was paramount in my household. Both my mother and grandmother were relentless in their support of my academic endeavors. They didn’t just encourage me; they celebrated every milestone, from winning school competitions, becoming valedictorian to graduating college. Their unwavering belief in my potential instilled in me a sense of confidence and a drive for excellence that has propelled me throughout my life. Their pride in my achievements fueled my determination to succeed, and I am forever grateful for their constant support.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: My grandmother’s industrious nature and my mother’s resourcefulness laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey. Selling candy bars on the front porch taught me the value of hard work and initiative from a young age. Their example showed me that with dedication and ingenuity, I could create opportunities for myself and others. Today, as a successful entrepreneur, I owe much of my business acumen to the lessons learned during those early days of entrepreneurship.

Musical Legacy: Music ran deep in our family, thanks to my grandmother’s gospel singing and my mother’s talent for directing choirs. Their passion for music inspired me to explore my own musical talents, from directing church choirs of children and adults, to learning to play the piano. Little did I know then that these experiences would cultivate skills essential for leadership and creativity in my professional life.

Presence and Support: Above all, what I cherish most is the unwavering presence and support of my mother and grandmother. Despite the challenges we faced, they were always there, cheering me on, and providing a strong foundation of love and encouragement. Their presence gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and the resilience to overcome obstacles along the way.

In reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the profound impact that parental support and guidance can have on shaping our lives. My grandmother may no longer be with us, but her legacy lives on in every success I achieve. My mother is still present today with my children and I today and partnering with me on legacy building. To Cassandra Wright and Dorothy Mae Fairley, I love you. Thank you for believing in me and shaping the person I am today.

Candyce, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a dynamic leader deeply passionate about empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve career wellness. With roots in leadership discovered as a choir director in my hometown of Chicago, I embarked on a diverse career journey spanning industries such as retail, real estate, and hospitality. As the Co-Founder of 5 Minute Career Hack, I am committed to providing invaluable insights and practical tools to help individuals navigate their career paths with confidence and clarity.

At 5 Minute Career Hack, our team offers a range of services tailored to the needs of organizations, including workshops, coaching, and consulting. With expertise in talent management, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness, I specialize in areas such as P&L management, process improvement, change management, strategic planning, customer experience, and community partnerships.

My extensive experience working with industry giants like Ross, Dollar General, WeWork, and Kohl’s has provided me with invaluable insights into best practices in talent management and organizational agility. She has supported these companies in various capacities, including coaching, mentoring, and providing strategic guidance. Additionally, my collaboration with organizations like Payscale, ASHA, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, LA SHRM, and The Vitamin Shoppe has further enriched understanding of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, I am most proud of the transformative results I have witnessed in the lives and careers of my clients. Whether navigating career transitions, overcoming obstacles, or seeking to advance in their roles, my team and I are dedicated to empowering individuals to thrive in their careers and live their best lives. Through personalized support, actionable advice, and a holistic approach to career development, I am committed to guiding my clients toward success every step of the way.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The story of how I met one of my business partners, Jamila Brown, is one of serendipity and profound impact. Our journey began when she was a peer to my boss, and her genuine kindness and selflessness immediately stood out to me. Despite being in different roles, Jamila graciously extended her support and encouragement, creating a safe space where I felt valued and empowered.

As our professional paths intertwined, Jamila became instrumental in my growth and development, generously sharing her knowledge, insights, and tools with me. Her unwavering support and guidance helped me navigate transitions and challenges, and her advocacy for my professional advancement was truly invaluable.

When I embarked on a new chapter in my career, Jamila’s recommendation opened doors and elevated my confidence, status, and income. Her belief in me propelled me to new heights, and I knew that I wanted to continue our journey together.

As burnout loomed in the workplace, I made the decision to pursue entrepreneurship, and Jamila was the first person I turned to. I trusted her implicitly, and I knew that working together would not only be a mutual learning experience but also a testament to our shared values and vision.

Since then, Jamila and I have collaborated as partners in various ventures, and her mentorship, coaching, and unwavering trust have been pillars of strength and support. I am immensely grateful for her presence in my life and the profound impact she continues to have on my journey.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My primary source of new clients stems from my personal, professional, and digital network, which I’ve meticulously nurtured over the years. Before stepping into entrepreneurship, I dedicated significant effort to crafting a strong and authentic presence on LinkedIn, where my expertise and insights caught the attention of individuals and organizations alike. This platform served as a springboard for new opportunities, with my genuine interest in helping others and sharing valuable knowledge resonating deeply with my audience.

In addition to my digital presence, my innate ability to connect with people on a personal level has played a pivotal role in attracting clients. Whether in professional settings or casual gatherings, my authoritative yet approachable demeanor and genuine interest in others naturally draw individuals to me. I pride myself on being the type of person that people not only want to work with but also trust implicitly.

Many of my clients are individuals I’ve crossed paths with, in various facets of life – from former colleagues and mentors to friends and acquaintances. They are drawn to my authentic leadership style, recognizing the genuine care and commitment I bring to every interaction. Overall, my network and personal rapport with people, coupled with my authenticity and genuine interest in their success, have been the driving forces behind acquiring new clients and forging lasting partnerships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.5minutecareerhack.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5minutecareerhack/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5minutecareerhack
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candyce-hunt/
• Twitter: https://x.com/5mincareerhack
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@5MinuteCareerHack

Image Credits
Cassandra Wright – Mother Jamila Brown – Business Partner Alicia Wade – Business Partner