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

Mark, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea of Agents For Advocacy occurred on May 14, 2022, precisely between the time of 2:25pm and 2:27pm. Tragically, during this brief timeframe, ten innocent individuals fell victim to a semiautomatic rifle wielded by a white supremacist. Among the casualties was my beloved mother, Geraldine C. Talley. It was in the aftermath of this devastating loss that the seeds of determination were sown within me, compelling me to dedicate myself to the pursuit of socioeconomic justice and the eradication of systemic racism. I firmly believe that these two compelling factors, coupled with the prevailing gun culture, are responsible for the absence of my mother in the present day. The primary mission and vision of Agents For Advocacy revolve around illuminating the pervasive disparities in socioeconomic status and exposing the deep-rooted prejudices of systemic racism. Our ultimate aspiration is to cultivate a future wherein an individual’s race and environment no longer dictate their prospects, fostering a society where true equality prevails.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Along with being the executive director and founder of Agents for advocacy, I am also the community and Family partnership coordinator at CAO of WNY and author of the book “5/14-The Day The Devil Came To Buffalo”, I found the strength to transform pain into purpose out of a deep desire to fight for social and economic justice, to challenge systems of oppression, and to ensure that no one else endures the pain my family and countless others have experienced. I am most proud that and what sets me apart from most is that people recognize my no nonsense attitude and demeaner to get stuff done. I am most proud that through advocacy, education, and community engagement, I’m creating lasting change.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Just recently I had to pivot and adapt to new circumstances. These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons and have shaped me into the professional I am today. One of the most significant lessons I learned from pivoting in my career is the importance of flexibility. When faced with unexpected changes or challenges, it is crucial to be open-minded and willing to adjust my approach. By embracing change and being adaptable, I have been able to navigate through various transitions smoothly and effectively. Another key lesson I have learned is the value of resilience. Pivoting in my career often meant stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on new roles or responsibilities. This required me to be resilient in the face of uncertainty and to persevere even when things became challenging. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong sense of determination and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.

Furthermore, pivoting in my career has taught me the importance of continuous learning. Each transition presented an opportunity for growth and acquiring new skills. By embracing these opportunities and seeking out new knowledge, I have been able to expand my expertise and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Lastly, pivoting in my career has reinforced the significance of networking and building relationships. During times of change, having a strong support system and a network of professionals can be invaluable. By cultivating meaningful connections and seeking guidance from mentors, I have been able to navigate through unfamiliar territory and gain valuable insights from those who have experienced similar transitions.

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

One such lesson that I have personally had to unlearn is the misconception that being direct in communication implies being mean or harsh. I’m tall, big and muscularly so when I come off as mean, people take it as me being rude, mean or intimidating. In our society, there is a tendency to associate directness with rudeness or insensitivity. We are often taught to sugarcoat our words or beat around the bush in order to avoid hurting others’ feelings. However, I have come to realize that this approach can actually hinder effective communication and lead to misunderstandings.

In my journey of unlearning, I have also discovered the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence. While it is crucial to be direct in our communication, it is equally important to consider the impact of our words on others. By being mindful of the emotions and sensitivities of those we interact with, we can strike a balance between directness and kindness. By unlearning the notion that being direct means being mean has been a valuable lesson in my personal growth. It has allowed me to embrace authenticity in my communication and foster more meaningful connections with others. By challenging societal norms and cultivating empathy, I have come to appreciate the power of directness in promoting understanding and clarity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.agentsforadvocacy.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agentsforadvocacy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Agents-for-Advocacy-100089106943107/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agents-for-advocacy-inc
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/14-Day-Devil-Came-Buffalo/dp/B0C51XDBMJ