We recently connected with Jude August and have shared our conversation below.

Jude, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I think success is less about one big moment and more about consistency in small choices. To me, it comes down to three things; the first thing is having a vision which is knowing what you want, even if the path there isn’t clear yet. The second thing is creating and nurturing relationships with individuals who will challenge, support and inspire you to be better daily. Thirdly, being resilient and understanding the art of pivoting when things do not go as planned.

When I was a young educator, I once had a class of students who were labeled as “unreachable.” They had low test scores, behavior challenges, and very little confidence. At first, it was overwhelming. I thought, what if I fail them, too?

But instead of sticking solely to the textbook, I tried thinking outside of the box for something different: I introduced the class to project-based learning, connecting lessons to their real lives so that they could make connections like budgeting for a field trip or writing letters to local leaders. those lessons helped them to understand the reason for writing class and math. Slowly, the students started to believe in themselves. Their test scores rose, but what mattered more was building their confidence and ability to trust the learning process.

That experience taught me that success isn’t about perfection or even immediate results. It’s about being persistent, flexible, and willing to invest in people. Now, whether I’m helping launch a business, leading in the community, or curating luxury travel, I remind myself: success is a marathon built on resilience, clarity of vision, and meaningful relationships.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always been driven by a love for people, growth, and experiences. My career started in education over 23 years in both private and public schools; where I discovered how much I enjoy building systems that help others succeed. Alongside that, I worked 15 years in behavioral health and became deeply involved in community leadership. Those experiences taught me resilience, how to lead with vision, and how to create opportunities where others might not see them.

Travel, though, has been part of my story since childhood. I grew up traveling with my family, and later I became the go-to person for planning trips for friends, colleagues, and organizations. What started as a personal passion grew into a business, and today I’m the founder of Chic International Group, a boutique luxury agency that curates high-end, one-of-a-kind experiences. We design everything from group getaways and destination weddings to concierge services for a personal touch. My focus is always on making the process seamless for clients so they can simply enjoy the magic of travel.

In addition to travel, I also serve as Managing Partner of Harris & Harris Global Solutions LLC, where we provide consulting and operational support for leadership, organizational development as well as project management for businesses and nonprofits. I stay very active in nonprofit work here in Baton Rouge.

What sets me apart, I think, is that I bring all of those worlds together, education, behavioral health, leadership, and entrepreneurship. When I design a trip, I’m not just booking hotels and flights; I’m crafting an experience that transforms people. When I consult with organizations, I’m not just writing strategies; I’m building roadmaps that help leaders and teams grow sustainably.

I’m most proud of creating spaces where people feel cared for, empowered, and inspired; whether that’s a client sipping champagne on a private balcony in Santorini, a nonprofit finding clarity in its vision, or a young leader in one of my programs stepping into his or her power. At the heart of it all, my work is about access and transformation.

If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know about me and my brand, it’s this: we don’t just provide services; we create experiences, clarity, and growth that last far beyond the moment.

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

One of the biggest pivots in my life happened when I transitioned out of education after more than 23 years in classrooms and leadership roles. Education had been my foundation, my passion, and honestly, my identity for so long. But as the landscape began shifting after covid and as I grew in my own leadership journey; I realized I wanted to make an impact in a different way. That wasn’t an easy decision; stepping away from something so familiar felt like stepping into the unknown.

The pivot led me into two spaces that have since become my calling: entrepreneurship and travel. At first, it was about helping friends and family plan trips, which I had always loved doing. But then I saw the opportunity to take that passion and build it into Chic International Group, a boutique agency that lets me design not just vacations, but transformative experiences. At the same time, I leaned into my consulting and leadership development work which is about helping organizations and nonprofits strengthen their systems, grow their people, and serve their communities more effectively.

Looking back, the pivot wasn’t just about changing careers; it was about expanding my vision. It taught me that your skill set is transferable, your experiences are valuable, and sometimes the very thing you think is an ending is really an opening. I learned that resilience and flexibility are just as important as strategy and planning. And now, I get to live at the intersection of passion and purpose or helping people experience the world, grow their businesses, and step into leadership with confidence.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I believe the key to managing a team well is remembering that you’re leading people, not just positions. Titles and tasks are important, but at the end of the day, people want to feel seen, valued, and supported.

One piece of advice I’d give is to communicate with clarity and consistency. Uncertainty can drain morale quickly, so the more open and transparent you are, the more trust you build. I always tell leaders: even if you don’t have all the answers, let your team know that and let them know you’re working alongside them to find solutions.

The second is to create space for growth and recognition. High morale comes when people feel like they’re not just clocking in but moving forward. Invest in professional development, celebrate wins (big and small), and be intentional about letting people know the difference they make.

Finally, I’d say model the culture you want to see. If you want positivity, be positive. If you want accountability, hold yourself accountable first. I once managed a team that was struggling with burnout, and instead of pushing harder, I started by checking in with each person individually, asking about their goals, and making sure they felt supported. It shifted the energy almost overnight, because people realized I wasn’t just focused on output I was invested in them. In short: clarity, recognition, growth, and empathy. If you can weave those into your leadership style, morale tends to take care of itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chicinternationalgroup.com
• Instagram: chicinternationalgroup
• Facebook: Chic International Group
• Linkedin: Jude A H August

Image Credits

Photo with blue dress and polka dot blouse – Eric Singleton
Photo with Black blazer with polka dot bouse – Miles Photography
Photo in office was taken by a Houston photographer, I cant locate her information at present.