We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hady Mendez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hady below.

Alright, Hady thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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?

I had been thinking about starting a speaking side hustle for years. When I got laid off in early 2023, I finally decided, “This is the moment.” Despite having no entrepreneurial experience, over 25 years in corporate had taught me the basics: I needed a product or service, potential customers needed to know I existed, and every customer interaction had to be an opportunity to deliver.

It started off smoothly—maybe as a gift from the universe. I landed 2-3 gigs in my first month. Wow, I thought, this is going to be great! But then things slowed down, and I quickly realized it wouldn’t be the easy ride I had imagined. I needed to establish myself, build my brand, and let people know who I was and what I stood for.

So, I dove into social media. Thankfully, I was already engaged with a decent following and a clear point of view. Now was the time to step fully into the spotlight. LinkedIn, conferences, and networking events became my go-to methods for meeting people, getting my name out there, and generating leads. About six months into my journey, I had secured another 12 customers and was flying high.

Then, the end-of-year slowdown hit. It was a scary and lonely time. I questioned whether I had made the right decision by going all in with my business. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome crept in, and I worried about how I’d make it through the year. To survive this bumpy period, I took a part-time job, re-evaluated my decisions, and decided to invest even more in my business.

I was fortunate that a multi-author book project I was part of launched in the spring, helping to boost my visibility. I refreshed my website, posted on LinkedIn almost every day, and gave my Instagram a new look with brand photos. I volunteered for more gigs to stay in the public eye. Hearing from others that everyone was experiencing a slow year gave me some comfort, but not much. This is what I do for a living now and I want to be successful. I had to crack the nut.

If I’m honest, I’m still figuring it out. I’ve learned that business comes in waves, but I’ve also realized that I need to be super-creative in finding ways to not only ride the waves but also stay busy and productive during downturns. I’m learning as I go, and no matter what happens next, I’m so proud of myself for betting on me. I’ve gained so much from being a business owner. I highly recommend the experience to everyone!

Hady, 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?

My name is Hady Mendez, and I’m the founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking, a company dedicated to empowering and elevating underrepresented employees through speaking engagements, ERG coaching, and workshops. My journey into this space began after more than 25 years in the corporate world, where I held various leadership roles in high-tech and financial services. During my time in corporate, I discovered a deep passion for fostering inclusion and belonging, and helping others find their voice, which ultimately led me to create Boldly Speaking.

At Boldly Speaking, I focus on providing strategic guidance and coaching to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and their leaders, helping them align their efforts with broader business objectives and drive meaningful change within their organizations. I also deliver workshops and keynote speeches that center on self-advocacy, personal branding, and navigating the challenges faced by women and people of color in the workplace.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of corporate experience and deep commitment to equity and inclusion. I’ve lived the challenges that underrepresented employees face, and I bring that perspective into everything I do, ensuring that my clients not only feel heard but are also equipped with practical tools to advance in their careers.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on individuals and organizations alike—whether it’s helping an ERG leader secure a promotion or guiding a company in creating a more inclusive culture. The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know is that my work is all about empowering others to own their narrative and create the professional and personal lives they aspire to.

At Boldly Speaking, I’m not just providing services; I’m fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to shine and be recognized for their contributions. My work is driven by a deep belief in the power of inclusion and the need for all voices to be heard.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is the belief that customers would come to me simply because I’m in business. It turns out, being in business is just the starting point. The reality is that competition is fierce, and it’s crucial to identify and communicate what makes you different. But beyond differentiation, you have to consistently demonstrate your value.

Especially in today’s economic climate, companies are cautious with their budgets, so it’s vital to clearly articulate why they should choose to invest in you. This isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Over time, I’ve learned to ensure that every interaction highlights my unique value proposition. I no longer assume that people are familiar with my contributions, so I make it a point to guide them back to my website where they can explore my accomplishments, perspectives, interviews, writings, and more.

I’ve invested a great deal in building my brand and body of work, and my goal is to help customers and prospects recognize the depth and value I bring to the table. It’s about being proactive in showcasing who I am and ensuring that others see the impact I can have on their business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When 2023 began, I was on the brink of a major life change—I had finally saved enough to explore buying a house. I had even reached out to a real estate agent in Portugal when the unexpected happened: I was laid off. It was a gut-wrenching moment that completely took the wind out of my sails.

After giving myself some time to process the disappointment and sadness, I knew I had to act fast. With no source of household income and bills that still needed to be paid, I had to come up with a solid plan, and I had to do it quickly. Thankfully, I received a decent severance package, which I used to start my business and cover my expenses until I could get it off the ground.

Transitioning into entrepreneurship was a monumental shift for me. I had to be not only the service provider but also the brand builder, marketer, and results deliverer. I didn’t do everything right from the start. I relied too heavily on my existing reputation instead of actively expanding it. I focused on conference appearances and networking but delayed building a website until almost a year into my business. When the holiday season arrived, I anticipated a slowdown, but I wasn’t prepared for the extent of the downturn.

Each time something unexpected happened, I had to quickly learn the lesson and pivot. The past 18 months as a business owner have been a rollercoaster, filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. I’ve realized that thriving year-round requires not only resilience but also the ability to stay nimble and adapt to changing circumstances. Knowing when and how to pivot has been key to my survival and success in this new venture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.boldlyspeakingllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldlyspeakingllc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadymendez/

Image Credits

Photos in black blazer, pink dress and red Brooklyn tee are by Katie Godowski
All other photos are by Giovanni Jackson