Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Wendolyn Robinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Dr. Wendolyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

At a certain point in most careers, one reaches a milestone that requires action. Not merely whether to accept a promotion but, whether to move completely and support a new phase in life. I took such a risk when I walked away from a position as a subprime contractor. The prime company’s renegotiation was underbid and I was asked to take a substantial reduction in rate and surrender my subprime agreement to become an employee of the new organization.

This was my Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” moment. Strike out on my own or repeat a cycle that left me dissatisfied and stifled my creativity. Of course, there are risks when the economy is downsizing, the people around you are encouraging you to find a different employer, and the waters you are about to embark upon may challenge every ounce of your resolve. I decided to take the leap wrapped in faith and adaptability.

The new people, new spaces, and new networks have been invaluable by providing support from places I never thought to seek it. I am still learning but, I would not change a thing! The journey may not look as I envisioned it however, everyday, it is still worth the risk. There have been plenty of long nights and reconfigurations in my thinking yet, I keep reminding myself this journey is for me. Previously, I omitted many hours of sleep for others so, am I not worth the same effort? If I am not willing to take a chance on myself, how can I ask others to?

Dr. Wendolyn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my company by happenstance when one of the colleges I worked for decided to close their brick and mortar. My position was no longer available online therefore, I had to pivot. I looked at my resume’ and remembered my training. As an individual with a doctorate in educational leadership, a certified learning and development professional holding a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), combined with my years of collegiate instruction, and my leadership skills surely, I thought, I can do something! One night, I read somewhere, “the glass is not half empty or half full, the glass is refillable!” That became my company mission statement.

Individuals with varying economic starts in life sometimes forget there are options. Maybe they have a plethora of disconnected jobs in their past that leave them wondering what do I have to offer? At Refilled Glasses, LLC, the atmosphere is grounded in repurposing talents to meet future goals. Our workshops, webinars, and coaching sessions provide strategies for aligning performance with vision. Those visions may be professional or personal however, if your mindset is open to growth and development, we can assist.

Every once in a while, a quote will resonate with me and I have built a toolkit of them for challenging moments within this entrepreneurial journey. There are two that have shaped my vision for Refilled Glasses. The great Arthur Ashe said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Likewise, Nelson Mandela said “It always seems impossible until it is done.” I carry those two thoughts with me everyday when I work with clients. Some have impressive titles but are struggling with imposter syndrome. Others with smaller roles need to be reminded of their worth and ways to bridge talent with opportunity.

My proudest moments are when clients attend my workshops and stay afterwards to tell me how much of an impact an activity, point of resolved contention, or increased empowerment they feel. Or when a coaching client states, “It was in me all along!” These comments have come from executives and entry level professionals as well as personal development clients who needed assistance in shaping their arsenal of blueprints into customized tools they can actually use. The best representation of the work done at Refilled Glasses are the calls that begin, ” So and so told me you were able to help them with…”

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

My approachability is the best source for new clients. When people talk to me, they are somewhat surprised by my ability to relate to all levels of individuals. I am comfortable with CEOs and people who are unhoused. All people deserve respect for the shoes they stand in and I never forget that there is a journey that led to their current location.

Once we move beyond the casual greetings and the discussion becomes more focused, they are surprised by what I do. Somewhere before the brief conversation ends, there is a light bulb moment for them. It typically ends with, “I know someone you need to meet. Their organization needs your services.”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was born in a small farming community in Arkansas with a population of less than 500 in its heyday. I started chopping cotton when I was six years old and did so until seventeen. The summer before my senior year I decided would be my last summer of blistering heat, cold sandwiches for lunch, and working for less than minimum wage. I took that mindset to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and never looked back.

I knew what was behind me and decided it was not a legacy I wanted to continue. Both my parents passed away while I was in college, so, I knew failure was not an option. Life tested every resolve I possessed with new lessons and encounters with people who were sometimes not concerned with my best interest. However, grace and mercy, those fraternal twins, along with my belief that God does not provide unnecessary lessons or coincidental meetings kept me moving forward.

My advice to anyone who has ever worked hard for a paycheck that felt more insulting than substance is to keep moving. The only way to break the chains of generational curses and learned helplessness is exposure. The journeys that lead to becoming our authentic selves have many hills to climb and valleys to crawl out of but, no one can diminish your light unless you provide the blackout cloth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://refilledglasses.com
• Facebook: Refilled Glasses
• Linkedin: Refilled Glasses, LLC
• Other: email: [email protected]