We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Brenda Combs recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Brenda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
One of the most unexpected and difficult challenges I faced in my business was related to a trusted friend and assistant who had worked alongside me for over five years. Our relationship went back to 1999, so I felt comfortable entrusting her with important tasks.
Regrettably, the situation took a turn when she betrayed that trust. I had sent her funds specifically for a trademark application, only to later discover that she never filed the application. When I attempted to reach out to her for clarification, she completely cut off communication and disappeared from my life, effectively “ghosting” me.
This experience was not a financial setback but an emotional blow as it involved someone I had known for a long time. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about trust and the importance of implementing checks and balances in business operations, regardless of personal relationships. In response, I completely revamped my team by hiring two virtual assistants and implementing a new strategic plan involving all of my agents, managers, and speaker bureaus. This restructuring not only restored my peace of mind but also enhanced the efficiency and accountability within my business operations.
Dr. Brenda, 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?
Hello! I’m Dr. Brenda Combs, known as the Ambassador of Inspiration, a title I carry with immense pride. Let me share a bit about my journey—a journey filled with resilience and hope.
My Story:
– For a decade, I fought the harsh realities of homelessness and addiction. Shot, stabbed, raped, trafficked and burned with cigaretts. Those were challenging years, but they did not define my life’s outcome.
– Determined to change my circumstances, I pursued education wholeheartedly, going from undergraduate studies to earning a doctorate in organizational leadership. This journey proved that change is possible.
What I Do:
– As an advocate and motivational speaker, I share my personal story across various platforms to inspire and motivate others.
– I am deeply involved in impactful initiatives, including managing MTB Sober Living, which provides a supportive environment for those transitioning from addiction.
– Through BRC Theatre, I embrace arts and creativity to spread powerful messages and connect with the community.
– BRC Publishing is an avenue where I facilitate storytelling and the sharing of transformative experiences.
– Furthermore, I founded the Finding My Shoes Foundation, which focuses on providing aid and inspiration to those overcoming adversities similar to my own journey.
Challenges I Address:
– I directly address issues related to homelessness and addiction recovery, drawing from personal experience to foster empathy and drive meaningful change.
– Education is a cornerstone of my advocacy work, empowering individuals to use learning as a tool for transformation.
What Makes Me, Me:
– My story is my superpower—it’s genuine and relatable, giving me the unique ability to connect deeply with others facing their own struggles.
– I’m driven by a mission to inspire positive change, continuously using my past to create a brighter future for others.
What Brings Me Joy:
– Reflecting on my transformation fills me with gratitude. The journey from adversity to resilience and accomplishment is at the core of my mission.
– I’m living proof that, no matter how tough things get, there’s always a path to redemption and success. This story is my brand and my life’s message.
A Message for You:
– To anyone facing tough battles, I say: Obstacles can be overcome. With hard work, learning, and support, change is within reach.
– Never give up, make the right choice, and do the right thing—even when no one is watching. This is a mantra I live by, emphasizing integrity and perseverance.
– Even in moments of complete darkness, there is a possibility for transformation. I am here with empathy and a genuine desire to help those ready to rewrite their own stories.
My journey is a testament to transformation, and I hope it serves as a beacon of hope and action for anyone willing to listen. Together, let’s move toward brighter futures, one step at a time!
How’d you meet your business partner?
My co-founder and business partner is my husband, Mark “Tony” Carter, and our story is one of redemption and transformation. We first met near the 7th Avenue Bridge in downtown Phoenix during one of the lowest points in our lives. At the time, we were both homeless, addicted to drugs, and surviving as hustlers. It wasn’t a romantic connection back then—we were simply partners in the struggle, navigating the streets together.
Eventually, life took us in separate directions. I went to rehab, and he ended up in prison. Years later, as fate would have it, we crossed paths again, but this time in a completely different chapter of our lives—at the University of Phoenix, where we were both pursuing degrees.
Our most profound reconnection happened when he saw me featured on CNN’s Heroes and The Today Show. He sent me an email, telling me that my story inspired him to return to school. That email became the beginning of a deeper connection between us. By the time I was in the middle of my doctoral program, we had fallen in love. We got married, and in one of the most beautiful full-circle moments, we graduated together—me with my doctorate in Organizational Leadership and him with his Master’s in Business Administration.
In 2011, we combined our shared passion for helping others and founded Making Things Better Sober Living. Since then, we’ve built a successful business, providing a safe and supportive environment for people on their own journeys to recovery. Our journey has taken us from partners in crime to partners in love to partners in business. It’s a story of how hope, education, and resilience can truly change lives.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale requires intentional leadership. One of the most important things I do is lead by example. Your team needs to see you walking the walk, not just talking the talk. If you expect professionalism, dedication, and respect from your team, you have to model that behavior every single day.
Effective communication is also key. I make it a point to ensure my team knows exactly what’s expected of them by providing a clear set of guidelines and standards. When everyone is on the same page, it eliminates confusion and creates a sense of accountability. At the same time, communication is a two-way street. I encourage feedback, listen to concerns, and make sure my team knows their voices matter.
Finally, I believe in celebrating the wins—big or small. Recognizing and rewarding your team’s efforts boosts morale and shows them their hard work is appreciated. High morale isn’t just about creating a positive work environment; it’s about building a culture of respect, trust, and shared purpose. When your team feels valued and supported, they’ll rise to meet challenges and push for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brendacombs.com
- Instagram: @drbrendacombs
- Facebook: Brenda Combs
- Linkedin: Dr Brenda Combs Ed.D
- Twitter: @brendacombs
- Youtube: Brenda Combs
- Other: https://www.makingthingsbettersoberliving.com
Image Credits
BRC Media Group AZ