Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shamika Minisee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shamika, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

It’s heartening to know that my brother took on the responsibility of being my mentor and guide, not only pouring into my life but also into the lives of others. His community-oriented mindset and willingness to uplift those around him are admirable qualities that contribute to a positive legacy. The conversation that I shared about my future plans and his response exemplified his belief in my potential and his determination to see me succeed. His words, “somebody has to make it out of the hood,” not only highlighted his faith in my abilities but also reflected his commitment to breaking barriers and making a positive impact on our community. My brother’s championing of my efforts and consistent belief in my ability to succeed instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dreams fearlessly. This kind of unwavering support can be transformative, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. My story is a testament to the profound influence and guidance that a supportive mentor can have on someone’s life. It reminds me of the importance of lifting others up, being a source of inspiration, and fostering belief in their potential. My brother’s legacy undoubtedly defined the numerous lives he has touched, including mine, and the positive ripple effects of his support and encouragement. My accomplishments and personal growth are a testament to both of our resilience and the impact of my brother’s unwavering belief in me.

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 am Shamika Minisee and I believe that I was born for business. Like the parts that many have no interest in….contracting and operations. I say this because as a teen, I’d sit around the kitchen table with my family telling them my dreams of building a family business. I’d take it a step further and interview family members inquiring about their passions. Equipped with the information given, I’d create a business plan for them. Business fuels me but I’ll be honest in saying that I took a route that was traditional for me. I went to college, collected a few degrees (in business) and set off on a journey to build my career in the Federal Government. I built a stellar career in Acquisition & Contracts Management that included strategic planning, communications, and leadership, acquisition management on multi-billion development projects, research, professional and writing and business development. I am CEO and Co-Founder of Presidential Concrete LLC and The Minisee Group and Im also on a mission to help women build and grow profitable careers and companies. In 2005, along with my husband, I opened my first business, Presidential Concrete. However, I treated it as “his business” because I wanted no parts of construction. In 2020, we relaunched, and I caught the bug. I wanted to build and grow and learn! Since then, I have become a 6x best-selling author(nationally and internationally), highly sought after resume writer, career and business coach and consultant . I have been featured on a few podcasts and radio shows and I love it. I also volunteer as an interviewer and contributing writer for KISH magazine. I love that collaboration because it affords me the opportunity to hold space with some dynamic business men, women and celebrities. Today, I am eager to learn how to scale business and gain perspectives that will aid in my success. My goal? Create more! I am in the early stages of developing a holdings portfolio that will include my first love, Presidential Concrete, The Minisee Group Consulting Firm, Real Estate, Logistics and Agriculture. What do I hope to gain? Community! I believe that community works collectively to ensure that everybody is good.

Memberships include Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Huntsville Free Dental Clinic Board, Alliance of Opportunity & Development Board, Habitat for Humanity (River Valley) Advisory Board, Diversity Leadership Colloquium (Scholarship Chair), Forbes Black, Black Excellence Society, and Sickle Cell Leadership Consortium National Board. In my spare time I help people with personal development services to include resume writing, business marketing & planning, and job search and placement opportunities.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to change my career by transitioning from the Defense sector to Construction. The contracts aspect was great since I had always been involved in acquisitions and contract management. However, learning about concrete and construction was a new experience for me. Additionally, working alongside my spouse added to the challenge.

I had to gain a solid understanding of the concrete construction industry. I also worked to familiarize myself with industry trends, best practices, and major players. I researched different types of concrete construction projects, such as residential, commercial, or infrastructure, to determine where our interests align.

Additionally, I acquire knowledge and skills specific to concrete construction. I did this by attending industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to learn about construction techniques, materials, safety protocols, and project management.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale are key aspects of effective leadership. Here are some pieces of advice to help you achieve these goals:

Communication: Transparent and open communication is crucial for maintaining high morale within the team. Clearly communicate goals, expectations, and provide regular feedback. Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and create opportunities for team members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

Recognition and Reward: Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and achievements of your team members. Recognize their hard work, provide constructive praise, and celebrate successes. This can be done through public recognition, personalized messages, or small rewards to show appreciation for their contributions.

Empowerment and Autonomy: Trust your team members and empower them to take ownership of their work. Provide opportunities for growth, delegate responsibilities, and allow them the autonomy to make decisions and contribute their ideas. Feeling trusted and valued increases motivation and morale.

Collaboration and Team Building: Foster a collaborative environment that encourages teamwork, cooperation, and mutual support. Encourage team members to work together, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects. This can be facilitated through team-building activities, workshops, or even informal social events.

Work-Life Balance: Recognize the importance of work-life balance and promote a healthy and supportive environment. Encourage self-care, provide flexibility where possible, and support your team members in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This helps prevent burnout and promotes overall well-being, leading to higher morale.

Professional Development: Invest in the growth and development of your team members. Provide learning opportunities, training programs, and mentorship to help them enhance their skills and knowledge. Supporting their professional growth not only improves their job satisfaction but also demonstrates your commitment to their success.

Lead by Example: As a leader, your behavior sets the tone for the team. Lead by example, demonstrating positive attitude, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. Show empathy, be supportive, and maintain a positive outlook. Your actions and demeanor can inspire and motivate others.

Remember that every team is unique, so adapt these tips to fit your specific context and the individuals on your team. By focusing on effective communication, recognition, empowerment, collaboration, work-life balance, professional development, and leading by example, you can foster a positive team culture and maintain high morale.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @theybeelovinmeek
• Facebook: Shamika Minisee
• Linkedin: Shamika Minisee