We recently connected with Misha McClure and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Misha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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.
I have learned a lot of lessons in life, that have shaped who I am as a wife, mother, community volunteer, and professional. One big lesson that has been a learning experience for me, is to not let fear keep me from taking risks.
One risk that is vivid in my memory is what I call “taking the big leap!” And – the leap was moving from one career opportunity to another. I’d worked at The Greensheet Advertising publication for 10 years, and I truly enjoyed the work, which was Community Relations. One day, my then leader came to me and said “Misha, I want you to begin thinking of what’s next for you. You’ve excelled in your work here – but what outside of print do you see yourself doing?” Immediately the fear factor crept in, but I’ve always been a person of action – and that fear quickly turned into connection. I called one of my first mentors in Houston, Ms. Lucy Bremond to get advice and guidance – and of course she had the best advice! The conversation we had ended with a call to action from Ms. Bremond, which was – “There are two job opportunities that I know of and I want you to apply for them both.” Let’s just say, me taking the risk and not letting fear creep and and stop me from moving forward has created a path for me to be where I am today. I took the risk – applied for both opportunities – and landed at Comcast as Community Investment Coordinator. That was nine years ago.
That, for me was a big risk, but it turned out great for me because it has led me to opportunities for growth, development, exposure, and an abundance of connections and friendships over the years. Risk taking big or small – can be paralyzing, but don’t let fear creep in – it might keep your from your next big “_____.”
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up on a farm in a small town in Louisiana and can remember shelling peas on the front porch, collecting eggs from the chicken coop, and exploring the expansive pasture where my family’s cows would graze. Those fond memories take me back to a simpler time when the most eventful sounds and “risk” taking activity’s for me were listening to the birds chirping and the joyous chorus of laughter of my cousins and I playing duck duck goose or just sitting in the back of my grandmothers truck listening to music.
Growing up in a small town afforded me opportunities to understand the importance of family, community, and building strong connections. Part of that community was my church and school. I credit my mom and church for helping develop my public speaking skills, and confidence, and instilling a commitment and passion to service. My elementary and middle school was unique – it was all on one campus. Walnut Hill Elementary School is where I understood what I wanted to be in life. I was in 5th grade. It was career day. Local news anchor, Jan Elkins, attended and shared about her career as a Broadcast Journalist. I was mesmerized! Her makeup, her clothes, her voice, and the way she captured the audience’s attention (we were all 5th graders- but enraptured nonetheless!).
From that moment, my life journey was to find out all I could about Broadcast Journalism, which led me to Booker T. Washington Telecommunications Magnet High School. There I learned the basics of editing, filming, anchoring, reporting, and news cycle deadlines. After graduating, I attended Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism.
Fast forward to today, as the Director of External Affairs for Comcast,Texas Region, I realize that every piece of my journey has prepared me for the next.
When I moved to Houston in 2002, I was a fish out of water. I had to build and form new relationships and connections, and I had the great fortune to have many mentors and supporters along the way. I would say, I am because of those lessons taught and experiences shared from individuals like – Lucy Bremond, Karla Newton, Yolanda Green-Barnes, Melinda Little, Michael Bybee, Toni Beck, Tiffany Payne, Chaun Vaughn, Sherlynn Howard Hall – to name a few – who believed in me and pushed me to take risks.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Networking and follow through. Networking has played a big role in growing my brand, but follow through is what built my reputation.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
We’ve all had those times where we’ve applied for a position, that we thought we were absolutely perfect for – and get the notification “Thank you for applying, we’ve decided to go with another candidate.” I’ve had that experience and can say it was hard, but I’ve demonstrated resilience through those situations because I didn’t let it stop me from pursuing my “What’s Next.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://
fashionablymimi.com/ - Instagram: accordingtomimioffi
cially - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/in/mishalmcclure
Image Credits
Quy Tran