We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Mary J. Huntley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Mary J. below.

Dr. Mary J. , appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Approximately five years into my professional career I began notice that there weren’t many women of color in the professional life coaching, professional mental health coaching, and professional counseling fields in my immediate area. Therefore, I began to network with various individuals to inquire about this gap. We discovered that this had been a frequently discussed topic. However, nothing concrete had been done to change the trajectory. We decided that we needed more women of color in the counseling and coaching profession in my area. Both my client and I get great pleasure from referrals to someone familiar with their culture, and background. It can provide a much stressful environment for both client and coach/counselor. This is usually a win-win situation. It is always important to have a cadre of counselors/coaches that are willing to network in my area. This enables me to build comradery and valuable relationships, while building my business. The wisdom and the moral of my story are that no one is an island. Therefore, share the resources and build the teams together. And of course, there is no “I” in team. So, grow together!

Dr. Mary J. , 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?

Dr. Mary J. Huntley is the Executive Founder/CEO of a 501 (c)(3) organization and certified academic institute. As the Chief Executive Officer, she is responsible for day-to-day operations of the organization including, but not limited to, finance, marketing, human resources, sales, and community outreach; strategically plan and monitor long and short-term business and outreach initiatives; work with the Board of Directors to review and establish strategic directions and policies; build and lead the team in the implementation of policies, goals, and objectives; and conceptualizing innovative approaches to build outreach and brand awareness. As a 501 (c)(3) organization we are honored to partner with our communities to help meet the plethora of needs. She is also CEO of an exclusive consulting organization where she provides professional life coaching, professional mental health coaching, and professional counseling. Integrity, motivation, and professionalism are the top characteristics synonymous with my brand. She provides high-octane motivation® to her ideal clients or those challenged with low self-esteem who feel rejected, overlooked, and unnoticed. She utilizes her platform to free those hurting and rejected individuals from the chains that enslave their minds. She motivates and empowers them by challenging them to believe in themselves, which results raised low self-esteem. I utilize my signature S.M.A.R.T. goals process to help them reach their desired results. It is paramount to teach them that you can live on a higher level; and possess a rich, empowering mentality that provides an escape route to success.
She is a Multi-international, Indy Author Legacy Award Bestselling Author, Multi-Award-Winning Master Certified Life Coach, and Certified Master Mental Health Coach, Certified Women’s Speaker, Mentor, Instructor, and Global Speaker.
Dr. Huntley’s formal education includes an earned Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Christian Counseling (with 8 Advanced Certifications), and an earned Doctorate of Specialized Ministry: Faith-Based Education, a Certificate of Completion in Leadership from Apostle Matthew Stevenson III, Vocalize Speaker Academy Certification Certificate, and Cornel University Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate, Board-Certified Master Life Coach, and Board-Certified Master Mental Health Coach.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most important lessons the pandemic taught me was to shift/pivot effectively from in-person to virtual. I discovered that not all clients were not tech savvy, not everyone had Zoom accounts, and all the other systems and automation involved in virtual sessions/trainings. However, we were able to assist clients with the process. After ensuring that clients were comfortable with the transition to virtual, I am happy to say that sessions are currently in full swing.

Any advice for managing a team?

I am a firm believer that leadership is determined by influence. Therefore, in order to effectively manage a team and maintain high morale I must show genuine interest in them and make a difference in other’s lives. I have accomplished this by serving as mentor or sponsor. Investing in my team shows that I am authentically interested in seeing them grow and win. I practice being an active listener that makes the team feel valued and appreciated, show genuine concern, and follow up when necessary. I love recognizing and appreciating the team’s work which makes them feel valued. The success of great corporations, universities, institutions, and organizations hinges upon great leadership. Therefore, I consistently execute these steps I have shared and find them beneficial in maintain high morale.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.drmaryjhuntley.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/authordrmaryjhuntley
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrMaryJHuntley
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mary-j-huntley

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Jackie Hicks, Lindria Dockett, Charles Harris and Linda Shaw