We were lucky to catch up with Franki Bagdade recently and have shared our conversation below.

Franki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Three years ago today I took a chance, a really big one, and started FAAB Consulting. This picture was a “teaser” I posted the week before. I had been laid off unexpectedly from a job that I loved. A job I was so passionate about that I lost all sight of any sort of work/life balance and neglected my health- both physically and mentally. I wasn’t showing up for my family and friends in the way that I wanted to. Like so many things that feel devastating when they happen it was a true blessing in disguise. A huge life lesson wrapped up in a complicated bow! Since then I have had the pleasure of speaking to parents, mental health professionals, and educators all over the united states and even in a few other countries. I published a book and am celebrating the one-year release of my book, “I Love My Kids But I Don’t Always Like Them!” earlier this week! I’ve consulted at 10 different schools with teachers, para educators and families. I’ve worked with countless families and individuals. I got completely derailed by a global pandemic and picked myself up and went back to school–some days I can’t believe I actually did that!!!!, and became a clinical social worker and started a private practice that I run alongside FAAB Consulting. It’s been a rollercoaster adventure that I am grateful for every single day!

Franki, 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?

Franki has over two decades of experience in education and mental health. In the more traditional environment, Franki has worked all types of classrooms from special needs resource room to general education, pre-school through high school as a teacher consultant, resource room coordinator, and professional development trainer.

Described as a dynamic and creative consultant, skilled in “problem-solving” and out-of-the-box solutions.

Franki owns and operates FAAB Consulting, which offers school and camp consultation as well as training for professionals in education, camping, and mental health fields.

Franki recently launched a solo private practice as a clinical social worker specializing in ADD, ADHD, Anxiety, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, and Parenting Support.

Franki is also a published author. Her first book, “I Love My Kids But I Don’t Always Like Them,” was published in October of 2021. It spent several weeks on the Amazon New Releases Best Seller charts in the category of “Parenting Children with Disabilities.” Franki has written several articles for publications such as Metro Parent (Metro Detroit), Chicago Parent, American Camping Association-Camping Magazine, Autism Parent Magazine (UK), and more.

Franki graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Elementary Education, Wayne State University with an M. Ed in Special Education, and the University of Kentucky with an MSW in Clinical Social Work. She lives with her husband Jeff, three children, and Rocky-her co-worker/puppy in Metro Detroit.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Two years into my entrepreneurship journey I was invited onto the Your 3 Uniques Podcast and was interviewed by Brenda an amazing Business coach. When I went back and listened to the episode I realized I shared things on that podcast that I hadn’t fully processed. How I was told for most of my life I was too talkative, too passionate, too creative, too fast… basically too much. I had internalized those critiques and thought I just didn’t know better yet. What I’ve realized through entrepreneurship is I wasn’t too anything! I was perfect just the way I was, well ok I have flaws and things to work on, doesn’t everyone? However, I was in the wrong job with the wrong team and boss! I’ve now found my place. It was so therapeutic to share this entrepreneurial story, my journey to who I am today. How I not only grew to accept my ADHD but really to honor myself as a strong and passionate leader.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back in time I would go on American Idol and win! Ok, I likely wouldn’t make it past the hilarious auditions! Knowing that I wouldn’t change a thing. Every devastating turn including starting a small business 4 months before a global pandemic, lead me to where I am today. There were lessons in every twist and turn.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.faabcosnutling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faabparenting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faabfranki
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankibagdade
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/FAABConsulting
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mJU3WAWU_V5LThlb-qMEw?view_as=subscriber
• Other: https://www.frankibagdadetherapy.com https://www.faabconsulting.com/blog https://www.tiktok.com/@be_faabulous

Image Credits
Lauren Giuliani Photography