We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonathan Dumas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My mom once told me, ‘I wanted you to know that you were LIMITLESS.’

In the tapestry of my life, the most vibrant threads are woven by the wisdom and love of my mother, Stacia. She isn’t just a parent; she’s a guiding light and phenomenal human being.

Being unapologetically a mama’s boy is more than a badge of honor; it’s a testament to the invaluable lessons she instilled in me and my brothers. Amidst her myriad teachings, one stands out as the cornerstone of my journey as a coach and leader:
Believe in people.

It’s a simple yet profound truth that reverberates in every aspect of my life. My mother’s unwavering belief in our potential, in the idea that we are limitless, has become the compass guiding my career trajectory.

As a coach, I find immeasurable joy in witnessing the rekindling of my clients’ confidence. My ability to instill in them the belief that transcends self-doubt is a direct reflection of the powerful lesson my mother imparted: Believe in others, sometimes even more than they believe in themselves.

In the realm of leadership, this mantra is transformative. It’s about fostering an environment where individuals not only recognize their worth but confidently declare, “If that company doesn’t hire me, it’s their loss. On to the next.”
Belief in others is the catalyst for personal and professional metamorphosis. It’s not always the effortless path, but the profound impact it leaves is unequivocally worth every challenge.

So here’s to my mother, the architect of belief, whose teachings continue to shape not only who I am but the limitless potential I see in everyone I encounter. Mom, you didn’t just raise a son; you nurtured a belief that transcends boundaries and propels careers and lives to unforeseen heights. 💜

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I wear many hats. I’m a husband, brother, son, and all-around friend. My squad, the people who’ve been there through thick and thin, are the heartbeat of who I am. Their love, support, and endless laughs have seen me through the highs and lows of life.

Now, let’s dive into my three passion lanes:

Podcast Host: I’m the voice behind “Highly Visible & a Little Misunderstood,” where we unpack big topics with a dash of insight, a sprinkle of humor, and a whole lot of inspiration. It’s not just about talk; it’s about sparking social transformation in our daily lives, pushing both our listeners and me toward greater commitments.

Career Transition Coach: In my coaching practice, I guide Black millennial professionals from career despair to career joy. It’s not just coaching; it’s a partnership. We demystify the career transition process, creating a space for clients to understand themselves in relation to their work, clarify their career vision, and break down mental barriers preventing them from aligning passion with profession.

Organizational Psychologist: Confused looks often follow when I mention this one. But let me break it down – I study people, work, and how to make workplaces better. At Common Culture Consulting, alongside my amazing business partner Katherine Castro, we’re on a mission to create a more equitable and inclusive world. With over 25 years of collective experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, blending Organizational Psychology, DEIB, and Coaching from a Social Justice lens.

Our mission? Empower individuals and organizations to create sustainable change. We believe everyone has the potential to make bold moves and unlock their full potential.

Joy, authenticity, community, and equity. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the building blocks of a fulfilling career. I’m on a mission to empower individuals and groups to own their stories, unleash their skills, and cultivate workplaces where they truly thrive.

In a nutshell, I’m here to help you transition from career despair to career JOY! Let’s make those bold, courageous moves together.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Launching my own business felt like stepping into a world of boundless possibilities, but a persistent frustration gnawed at me. I couldn’t figure out why, despite doing what I loved, my productivity didn’t soar. The epiphany hit me like a ton of bricks: I was clinging to the outdated notion of an 8-hour workday—a relic from the industrial revolution.

I had to unlearn the ingrained belief that productivity equated to an exhaustive 8-hour grind. As a business owner, I cherished the flexibility entrepreneurship afforded me. Yet, paradoxically, I found myself chained to the idea of a full workday, haunted by guilt on days when I deviated from the norm. With my partner working from home and inconsistent income streams, the guilt only intensified.

I’m on a journey of shedding the shackles of the “grind” and “hustle” culture, realizing that true fulfillment and sustainability aren’t born from perpetual hustle. It’s an ongoing process of releasing society’s expectations and embracing a new paradigm—one defined by ease, rest, and intentional work.

Sure, there are days when I dive into hustle mode, but I’ve learned that it isn’t the recipe for the lasting fulfillment I crave. I’m grateful for the freedom to forge my own path, where every day is a conscious choice to break free from societal norms. It’s about building something new and enduring, one intentional decision at a time. And that, to me, is the true essence of entrepreneurship.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I may not label myself a social media influencer, but the community I’ve cultivated on both LinkedIn and my podcast platforms is a crew I genuinely want to kick back with in real life. Starting out, I fell into the trap of feeling the need to post daily, obsessing over likes, and hoping for that viral moment. The posts I poured my heart into seemed to vanish into the social media abyss, while quick 15-minute creations struck a chord. And truth be told, I still grapple with these feelings—it’s a tough game.

But through this journey, I’ve picked up a few tricks to ease the self-imposed pressure. First and foremost, be yourself. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the secret sauce. When you show up as you, not some glossy version, or worse, a wannabe someone else, people sense it. And those who resonate with your realness will find you, and that’s the magic.

Consistency is key, but it doesn’t mean drowning in the daily posting frenzy. I found my pace—once or twice a week on LinkedIn, and my podcast drops seasonally. Your consistency might look different, and that’s okay. Decide what’s sustainable for you, and stick to it. If life happens and you miss a beat, a day, a week, or even a month, no biggie. Just regroup, come back, and keep going. The journey is yours, and it’s ongoing.

Lastly, embrace experimentation. I discovered that writing isn’t my forte, but gifs? They’re my social media soulmates. You won’t know what resonates with your audience until you try. So, mix it up, play with different forms of content, and let your creativity run wild. Social media is a dynamic playground, and the only way to find your groove is by dancing to the beat of your own content.

Contact Info:

• Website: heyjonathandumas.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-l-dumas/
• Other: https://highlyvisiblepod.podbean.com/; commonculturecc.com