We recently connected with Sharah’ Nicole and have shared our conversation below.

Sharah’, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

GreatHER Purpose came from a vision in 2014. I was scared and had a lot going on around that time, so I did not make a move on it. The name, GreatHER Purpose continued to pop up throughout the years. One day while going through a dark phase in my life, a friend of mine encouraged me to start a podcast. During the beginning of the pandemic, it only made sense to jump out on faith and just do it. At first, I just took my tablet and recorded my thoughts and feelings. After some time, it hit me that it was time to take it up a notch and provide a platform for others to discuss how they found their purpose. I just began asking people in my community who I admired or looked up to and they were more than willing to be interviewed and share their stories.

Initially, I envisioned a GreatHER Purpose Summit. I became discouraged when the pandemic hit but decided to do a virtual event and it went beyond my expectations. It was really all God. And Ephesians 2:10 was the foundation of trusting God and doing what HE directed me to do. I wanted to be intentional about not being in control of what was to come for the platform.

Sharah’, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up the oldest of three girls to a single mother, I learned quickly about adapting, faith and being resilient. I witness my mother overcome many challenges and I vowed that I would not allow anything to stop me from what I dreamed of doing. That of course was not always easy. Growing up in California and living in South Georgia the past 16 years has been an on-going transition in many ways. Because of my experiences, I wanted to focus on doing things in a more positive head space and focusing on the goodness of life. Public Relations was my passion, and I used my experiences in nonprofit, radio and media to keep pushing forward. In March of this year, after 10 long years of waiting to get an opportunity, I wanted for so long, the City Manager, Mark Barber gave me that chance that no one had provided me before. He will never know just how much that means to me. To do a job as the first minority in the role of Community Relations and Marketing Manager for the city further showed me that with hard work, faith and consistency God will open those doors of your dreams when you least expect it. I am honored to be in this role and for Mark to see something in me that I was beginning to doubt. For years, I would go to interview after interview and many times be told what I could do but still not given the opportunity to do it. I was beyond discouraged. I was not even going to apply. But I truly am humbled and thankful to do marketing and public relations on the level that I am on now. God had to allow me to go through some things, build humility and have a long talk with myself on what I needed and desired to change personally and professionally. Not a simple journey but definitely a necessary one. I want people to know that whatever it is you desire, it is not impossible, but you must take a long look at yourself, reflect and trust the process. The hard part is sticking to it, but the easy part is once you receive that blessing, you appreciate it much more. I love what I do, and I am truly humbled to lead in this capacity based on my expertise and leadership abilities. Leadership roles prior to this opportunity truly groomed me for my career.

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

One of the biggest lessons I learned throughout these past 10 years was the importance of self-reflection and accountability. You are the only one standing in your way of achieving your dreams. It is so easy to blame others for overlooking you or not taking you seriously- however, you have to have a realistic and objective discussion with yourself on what you have to do to grow, learn and excel. When I first graduated with my master’s degree, I had a false sense of the idea that opportunities would just fall on my lap. That is not how life works. Anything you want to accomplish, you must put the time, sacrifice and work in. Once I understood that and went through a trail of mistakes and jobs, I realized that in order for me to get to the level I desired, I had to look within myself and do whatever it took to learn and grow. I also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with leaders and individuals who are already on the level you are seeking. I had no shame asking some to be my mentors and teach me even at my age. I learned that I could also teach them, and it was a mutual beneficial relationship in many ways. We can learn from one another. I had to unlearn looking at other blessings and questioning it. That was time and energy I could be spending on growing and developing my own skills.

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

With the GreatHER purpose summit, I had to pivot many times. The first year, having to pivot from in person to virtual due to the pandemic. Having people, I trusted copy or recreate ideas that I sought their guidance on was also hurtful and forced me to pivot and look to God for direction as well as, not take it personal. This past June, I hosted my second GreatHER Purpose Summit in Atlanta and there were many roadblocks leading up to the day of the event. However, it turned out great and people from difference chapters in my life flew in or drove to the event just to support the vision and the speakers. People I had not seen in over 20 years. Ironically, the theme this year was, When the Pivot is Necessary. And there were so many necessary pivots, but I am thankful for every one of them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @greather_purpose_summit
• Facebook: @Go4ItCommunications
• Youtube: Go 4 It Communications, LLC

Image Credits
Blue Dress Photo: Devin Kirkland Photography If Resilient Was a Person Graphic: Paula Lorraine