We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Joycelyn Barnett recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Joycelyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
In 2019, I suffered a series of health issues that resulted in me having to decide to retire early from a 29-year career in Education as a Middle School Principal, former Coach, and Teacher. At that time, I thought my purpose was connected to what I did. Therefore, when that was taken away, I felt lost, confused, and not enough. After several hospital stays, procedures, and a brush with death, I began to understand and transform my thought process. Through this journey, I began to identify my uniqueness (talents, skills, and attributes) and, more importantly, claim that uniqueness. At this crossroads in my life, I realized that my career was only an avenue I used to live out and actively walk in my purpose with confidence. Our mission reflects the journey and inspires and empowers others to identify their uniqueness to jumpstart their pathway forward.
Dr. Joycelyn, 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 an author, motivational speaker, and leadership trainer. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Through my book and speaking engagements, I aim to ignite a fire within people to step out of their comfort zones and make a lasting impact. My passion lies in helping others discover their unique talents and skills and begin to walk in their purpose actively. Everyone has the power to make a difference in this world, and I am here to guide and support individuals on their journey towards success by unlocking the greatness in them.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
In this market, motivational speakers and authors often possess unique traits that enable them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. However, within this market, I built my reputation on authenticity, empathy, and resilience. No matter what you do or have accomplished, it doesn’t matter unless people can connect and see the true you. Even in my earlier years as a Principal and Coach, I was always my authentic self. You could tell when I was not feeling well, angry, happy, sad, focused, or excited. By being authentically myself, people who read my book and attend my training or empowerment sessions can connect with me on a deeper level. This has propelled me to not only be invited into different rooms in a short period but also have a seat at the table and hit the stage on a local, state, regional, and national level.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
It’s not so much a side hustle, but a year after retiring, a middle school administrator colleague asked me if I would come and speak to a group of 50 7th and 8th-grade girls on belonging, confidence, and purpose. What I thought was a one-time event turned into the development of the “I AM” mentoring program. I met with a group of 25 girls every three weeks for 45 minutes before school and conducted school visits. The mentoring curriculum I developed was the foundation for my leadership training modules, my book Walking In Your Purpose, and empowerment presentations. This ultimately led to the inception of Pathway Forward Mentoring.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pathwayforwardmentoring.squarespace.com
- Facebook: Pathway Forward Mentoring
- Instagram: pathway_forward_mentoring_
Image Credits
Dr. Joycelyn Barnett