Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Davis.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Colorado born, yet raised by a Southern Belle. Ultimately, I’m a mountain chick with Southern morals. I have had the pleasure of living in all the sexy cities in the US. I always love seeing people just winning at life! Yes, I am naturally this energized, no coffee needed. As a performance development coach, I assist individuals and enhance work environments with advancing through stages of change management. My formal education in Criminal Justice and Philosophy fueled my career transformation from the food & beverage industry, to climbing the “corporate ladder” and becoming a solid HR operations partner. I gained a unique leadership style from my diverse life experiences and 15yrs as an HR executive. I’ve acquired the title of “HR’s Fun-Aunt” and I’m honored to wear the badge.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Like many from a destructive childhood, I was angry and fighting was my “creative outlet.” I came to a fork in the road after a series of juvenile probation stints. I decided, before the age of 18, the best option for me was the one that kept me out of jail. I stressed my mom out and she released her parental rights when I was 16. With that, I withdrew myself out of traditional high school, enrolled in a parochial school, worked overnight shifts to keep me from being tempted to go back into old habits, and bribed a property manager at an apartment building inhabited by addicts to get my under aged-self into a roach infested apartment without a cosigner. It worked. Later, I moved across the country for a guy. I am a survivor of that violent relationship which resulted in me being shot with the gun I illegally purchased for him as a gift. I know… love, right? After straightening my crown, I obtained a role in Human Resources. I’ve had to deal with the most difficult micro managers, owners, employees and customers. Nothing can compare to me climbing out of my past trenches. However, it refined and pushed me to become the entrepreneur I am today. You see? I am not perfect, I have stumbled but last I checked a few stumbled footsteps have led to some of the best choreography that I have witnessed.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am a Performance Development Coach, not a personal coach. I specialize in enhancing work environments and uplifting team dynamics. While I do assist my clients achieving both personal and professional success, what makes me different is that I am on a mission to develop a spirit of excellence in our future leaders. The world is littered with coaches who tell you to “have a positive mindset,” and they often create a plan that is either gimmicky or disconnected from your very particular circumstances. They follow a copy-paste method rather than connecting to the substance behind a person’s character. No substance. I am not transitioning anyone into a fake shell, I do actually work with you/your team to challenge your current habits and create a personalized experience that provide you with a pathway to develop new norms and drive full throttle to success. It’s a true transformation not a “fake it ‘till you make it” act.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Learning never stops.
Learn to laugh at your failures and continue to develop yourself, so that you are prepared to jump over life’s next hurdle. It’s not a matter of IF you will be overwhelmed it’s a matter of WHEN. Condition yourself to learn how to adjust and handle yourself appropriately.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
It’s not about money or who you know and who knows you. Success for me is when you are able to feel comfortable and confident with who you are in totality. Success is never final, it is always evolving but you should need to become a different person in different crowds or settings. Be authentic, WHO you are as person should remain consistent.
What’s next for you?
In addition to facilitating leadership workshops, I have been toggling with opening a non-profit providing similar workshops for At-Risk Youth. So, I am just learning and researching how the non-profit sector functions and how I add value.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Let’s connect on LinkedIn, look for Nina Davis “HR’s Fun-Aunt” or send me an email NDavis@theonelife2live.com
