We were lucky to catch up with Tamalia Meadows recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tamalia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

The most important experience that I have had that has helped me professionally is servant leadership. For some, this may be a foreign concept. I do not have a degree in communications or business, but when you are in the business of caring for others it gives you a different perspective. For over 30 years I have been immersed in caring for others and understand that it is a privilege and a trust that I regard as sacred to be with someone at their weakest point in life. This has helped me be a better co-worker, colleague, and even supervisor. One job has not helped me with this lesson, it is a culmination of all of the experiences that I have had taking care of others. I make it a point to connect personally and professionally to better interact with those around 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 a Licensed Practical Nurse and Allied Health Educator. I have been in the healthcare industry for over 30 years. Currently, I am the Founder and Executive Director at Innovative School of Health Sciences here in Phoenix Arizona, and the Director of Resident Services at a memory care facility. I am considered a subject matter expert in Patient Care Technician and Electrocardiogram and participate in item writing for national exams. My experience ranges from residential facilities to acute care. I have a strong clinical background that has led me to become a nursing consultant.

It is important to me to promote healthcare careers. Training those who are caring and compassionate to also become servant leaders. I am most proud when my students or others I have mentored demonstrate what I have purposed to instill in them. Many have advanced into management or even pursue additional healthcare careers. Recently, I have even added a former student as an instructor.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Choosing to be an entrepreneur was a leap of faith. I had no capital to start off with. Before I even opened in 2017, I bought supplies, from yard sales, offer up, eBay, and Let Go. This process took about 2 years. It was really the support of family, church family, and friends. When I first opened it was in my church. I didn’t think it would be successful, but it was.

I have read several books, but the most memorable one and the one I always recommend to others like me is Michael Gerber’s The Emyth. This book gives a realistic perspective on the roles that one must play to run, work and grow their business.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I am meant to be an educator. No matter what profession I would choose, education would follow. But, if I could go back and change something, I would become a doctor. I have always loved the practice of medicine. Even now, I have considered continuing my education to become a nurse practitioner and starting a practice. Who knows, I’m not 50 yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ishs.us
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceISHS