Features #63 & 64: Gigi St. Juste and Tori-Ann Hampton, Co-Producers

                Gigi St. Juste                                               Tori-Ann Hampton     

 

                                                                                            

Names: Gigi St Juste & Tori-Ann Hampton

Current Job Position Title: Co-Producers of Catching Up With Gigi

Company Name: Catching Up With Gigi

Contact Information: catchingupwithgigi@gmail.com YouTube: Catching up with Gigi; Instagram: cuwg; Twitter: @cuwg

Special skills:

Gigi St Juste: Actress, writer, producer, dance & makeup artist

Tori-Ann Hampton: Actress, Writer, Advocate

Describe your job story:

Gigi: Being a black actress in South Florida the jobs are few and far in between, instead of waiting for my opportunity I decided to create one by starting my own online show. 

Tori-Ann: I have to piggy back on what Gigi said, it has been challenging to not only get work, but comedic work. Most of the auditions I've been on have been dramatic roles, which I love. But there's something about comedy that is so interesting and it's something I definitely wanted to explore.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

Gigi: What I like the most is being creative, having no one to answer to. What I like the least is the hustle, but If I'm going to hustle I might as well apply to something I love.

Tori-Ann: I absolutely love what I do. I'm living the dream. I love connecting with others through the stories. Actors are story tellers and when the audience feels what I feel, then I feel like I did what I needed to do. What I like the least is as Gigi said, the hustle. I just want to create and have someone take care of that part. It's growing on me though.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Gigi: Making Oscar worthy movies. 

Tori-Ann: In Hollywood, being a part of something special. I want to make films that leave a lasting impression on you. Something that's remembered, not just for that season, but for years to come. 

Are you happy with where you are in life?

Gigi: I try to be. Because I know where I am today is better than where I was at yesterday.

Tori-Ann: Yes. I understand that this is a process and I've seen the growth God has allowed me to make on this journey. I know that it gets better as time continues, so I'll be content with where I am, but keep striving because of who God is.

 
What more do you want to do with your life?

Gigi: Build a empire for my great grandkids. Leave money, business and creativity when I'm gone. 

Tori-Ann: I want my words to be few. I want my legacy to be seen. In other words, I don't want to talk about anything in particular, because I know that my mind can't possibly wrap itself around what God has for me. I just know that He's preparing me for it. 

What drives/motivates you?

Gigi: God, he pushes me to be the best that I can be & not take the easy way out.

Tori-Ann: God. 

What else do you do?

Gigi: I'm a makeup artist, Sunday School teacher and dancer. 

Tori-Ann: I am an educator. I work with mainly elementary school aged children. I also help motivate and encourage women through an organization I started with my partners called P.U.R.P.L.E. Producing Unique Responsible Proactive Ladies Through Education.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

Gigi: We are in a world where if there's not a way you can just make one. Don't take no for an answer. Keep God 1st, Stay focus & make sure you surround yourself with people who are doing what your doing. 

Tori-Ann: Never give up. Keep God first. This quote always helps me keep moving. “All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” T.E. Lawrence You have to work while everyone else is busy being mediocre. You have to be outrageous with your dreams. Why not?! 

Feature #62: Anthony Wilson, Associate City Solicitor

Name:  Anthony Ivan Wilson

 

Contact Information: tony.ivan@gmail.com

Describe your job story:

I defend the city of Springfield in civil suits in both state and federal court.  In state court I defend the city from claims for personal injuries or property damages.  In federal court I defend the city from lawsuits by individuals claiming that a city official violated their civil rights.

This includes defending the city in discrimination and contract suits. I also provide legal advice to the city councilors.  In that capacity I draft proposed legislation and tell the councilors what is legal under state and federal law.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?

As a child I wanted to design toys.  As a teenager, I wanted to be an engineer.

Are doing your dream job?

This is not the job I dreamed of but I'm am having a lot of fun and learning a lot.

 What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?  

I like the variety and the people alot.  I dislike some of the politics. Not office politics, real politics.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I don't know.  Hopefully, paid my loans off and still doing interesting work.

 Are you happy with where you are in life? 

What more do you want to do with your life? Yes.

 What drives/motivates you?
The responsibility and need to do a good job.

What else do you do? 

I am on a couple boards and I go to church.

 What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

I would say don't underestimate an opportunity because I job you don't like today may lead to a great job tomorrow 

Feature #61: Nina Brewton, Assistant Production Coordinator

Name: Nina C. Brewton  

Current Job Position Title: 
Assistant Production Coordinator

Company Name: M2 Pictures

Contact Information: infobaldheadqueen@gmail.com 

Special skills: 

I can clean house like no other...oh wait. Work skills...? Nothing special really! ;-) 

Describe your job story: 

I just recently wrote a blog about my job story actually, here it is (take what you'd like from it):   So, as I build my life as a writer and speaker, I work full-time as an "Assistant Production Coordinator" for a production company here in Hampton. In other words, I'm a receptionist. :-)

Some wouldn't think this job very glamorous, and they'd think right but I must say, I love my job and the people I work with. Besides having the freedom to write and work on my creative life freely, I am constantly supporting a company and individuals who work directly with the likes of Harpo Productions, Discovery Communications and Sony Records to name a few.

In other words, I'm cool by association, even as a measly receptionist.

Truth is, I have over 10 years of experience in administrative support and my heart for serving people helps me to keep things in perspective when I think about the careers that my peers have as full-time artists, educators, etc...

Over the years, God has shown me that my position, wherever I am, goes well beyond answering phones, keeping the calendars of executives and distributing mail. I have embraced my position recognizing the opportunity that I have daily to enhance the lives of those I work with. By simply being ME I am able to meet simple needs of stressed out producers, editors and researchers both in house and around the country.

Prime example: When I answer the phone at work declare, "Happy Monday! Thank you for calling...this is Nina. How may I help you?" *BEAM*

"Happy Monday!" normally catches people off guard. After giving pause, many callers express their appreciation for my enthusiasm!

Every day I seek to make someone's day brighter in whatever way I can, even if that means helping them to get over their "case of the Mondays"! Those who question my energy on Mondays will see that if they call on Tuesday, Wednesday or any other day, I generally share this same energy every morning even though I'm not a "morning person".

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 

A writer and motivational speaker. 

Are doing your dream job? 

Yes, I'm just not getting paid my dream salary yet. ;-) 

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

What I love most about my DAY job is the freedom it gives me to do/prepare for my dream job! I was literally able to rebuild my website, finish writing my book and do all that publishing a book entails from the comfort of my desk at my day job. 

I work in a creative environment so even the president of the company was encouraging me to "finish the book! We pay you to sit here all day, you better finish it while you're here!" #WhereTheyDoThatAt?

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I see myself as a continuously successful, multiple self-published author who uses music/poetry/spoken word to inspire the lives of people both young and old. I aspire to delve more into acting on stage and on television.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

Overall, I'm content. I'm always striving for more and often beat myself up over an apparent lack of progress/growth but have to remind myself to look at the big picture and to see me the way God sees me. 

What more do you want to do with your life?

I look forward to becoming a mother and raising and nurturing a beautiful, healthy family.

What drives/motivates you? 

Inspiring others to live better lives full of peace and joy drives me. The fact that God created me to love others and to teach them how to love by loving...it sounds so cliche but my heart is truly full of love for people in a way they've never experienced.  

What else do you do? 

I enjoy running and being outdoors. I find that cleaning is therapeutic so, I spend time cleaning house daily! I also sing at church and volunteer with youth ministries whenever possible! 

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

In everything, I find that building positive relationships is key. Whether it's with individuals at church, with former employers and even online. 

I came upon my current position through a connection on Twitter. A sister in Chicago that I met on Twitter (and have yet to meet in real life) connected me with someone she knows (from Twitter) who was relocating from Atlanta to Hampton for work. She asked me to reach out to the sister with hopes that I'd help her get adjusted to the area, which I gladly did. 

After meeting the sister from Atlanta, we remained in touch and about three months later, she text me asking if I had administrative experience. At the time I was wearing myself out working two part-time jobs as I worked hard to establish my life as a freelance writer (which wasn't going well...). Lucky for me, I have over 10 years experience in administrative support and immediately sent my resume to her. She forwarded it to the appropriate individuals and within two weeks, I had a new full-time job!

Again, not only did I have a new full-time position but I found myself working in a creative environment which allows me to freely work on my work as a freelance writer. I literally finished my first book while sitting at my full-time job!All hail the power of Twitter! LOL

So yeah...RELATIONSHIPS are important, even when looking for work!

Feature #60: Lizann M. Destin, Brand Manager/PR

Name: 

Lizann M. Destin

Current Job Position Title: 

Brand Manager/PR

Company Name:  

Brand Manager and PR for fitness company  “Fitness As A Lifestyle. LLC”

Contact Information:
Destined2n4@aol.com/ twitter:@destined4itall

Special skills:

I mange people’s lives for a living. I am forever organizing people’s lives and businesses. I am good at seeing someone’s dream and turning it into reality. The fact that I am well versed in writing, producing, and public speaking gives me the power to be great at what I do.

Describe your job story:

I’ve been in love with reading and writing from a young age, winning awards for writing short stories from the 3^rd grade. As I got older I struggled to figure out what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be in charge of whatever it was. I joined the United States Navy right after high school, to protect and serve and to find my path. After five years, It wasn’t until my last year in the military that I realized what I wanted. I wanted to be in the media, I wanted to write, inform and educate people about what was going on in the world. I decided to finish up my Bachelors degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Clark Atlanta University. Concentration Mass Media Arts, I knew that I wanted a career that didn’t feel like work, I want to wake up every morning and be excited about what I’m doing, and I’ve found that in media.  

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?

As a child my imagination ran wild! I was everywhere, I wanted to be Tony Danza from Who’s the Boss? Lol until my mom told me that wasn’t happening, she was like your not cleaning up houses! He just looked so happy! I wanted to be a doctor, and singer. Now I realize even as I child my main focus was to be happy, that is the thing that is most important to me.

Are doing your dream job?

I haven’t landed my dream job yet, but I’m on the path I want to be and I’m in the field that I love. I am fulfilling my dreams everyday by seeing my hard work turn into reality.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

I love being in charge and organizing things because I love to see things come together. It makes me happy that I am the key person in someone’s journey to their dreams. This the life that I chose.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years I see myself establishing multiple businesses in different markets and helping others establish their dreams of being a business owner. I want to be one of the biggest names in brand management.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

I am happy at where I’m at in life because I feel like I am exactly where I’m suppose to be and every goal that I set for myself a few years ago, I’ve accomplished and exceeded. I am happy but I am not content. I’m always trying to get better!

What more do you want to do with your life?

I want to wake up every day and love what I’m doing, I want to change lives in any way I can, and tell people my story. I want to live my life to fullest, with no regrets. 

What drives/motivates you?

My need to always do better and my fear of being less then the best motivates me. I truly believe that the only competition, I have is myself, so every time I accomplish something, I’m already thinking “what else can I do to get closer to my others goal?” “What else can I do to add value to me?”

What else do you do?

I am currently working two more jobs at the U.S. Department of Education (Office of Civil Rights) as an Automation Clerk, and at 11Alive News as a Producer.  I am also taking Small Business Management courses.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

Always try to do things that enhance your worth, take classes, learn a new skill, and find what makes you happy. Don’t be afraid to try new things and be persistence.

Feature #59: Corey S. Taylor, Founder/CEO

Name: Corey S. Taylor

Current Job Position Title: Founder & CEO  

  

Company Name:  

 Fitness As A Lifesyle, LLC 

Contact Information: 

faalifestyle@blogspot.com / faalifestyle@gmail.com / @faalifestyle on twitter 

Special skills: 

I am Atlanta's Number 1 Trainer, I provide High Intensity Interval Training - My clients are able to achieve more result's in just 25-30 minutes with me than most people are who spend up to an hour and a half with their trainer.

Describe your job story: 

It was a twisted rollercoaster of set backs, come ups and life lessons along the way, but after being an athlete most of my life and moving to atlanta for modeling, I quickly was able to recognize my nitch within the industry. Sports & Fitness have always been a part of my life, personal training allows me to stay in the competetive area of sports while also helping others achive thier inner athlete.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 

Growing up an only child I was always considered the "artist", sports were fun but I loved to draw and paint and was even in a few art academies during the summers, my creative side manifested into a love for music and I took that as far as college, receiving a full music scholarship out of high shcool. All in all my interests have allways been hobbies that kept me curious while allowing expression.

Are doing your dream job? 

I'm on beaches coast to coast on city rooftops in parks & gyms working to be the best trainer every client / athlete I see has or will ever experience, and I get paid to do it, every day is a dream for me but with persistance and patience things can and always will get better.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

I love the freedom that I have, no two sessions are the same and the entire city is my office, my creativity and passion creates an element that can only be experienced through a session with me, the only thing I don't like is that aren't enough hours in the day or days in the week.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

In the next 5 years I see my self operating primarily out of Los Angeles,California. Fitness As A Lifestyle, LLC will have a fitness studio in the Atlanta area with in the next 2 years, my market is world wide and I plan to change it one pound at a time.

Are you happy with where you are in life? 

I'm on the pursuit of happiness, I'm not there yet.

What more do you want to do with your life? 

I want to influence more people, I want to experience more challenges and gain more wisdom from life, I want to be able to show the world my talents, I want to work with the best and become better. I want to live long enough to exceed my potential and teach others.

What drives/motivates you? 

My goals keep me going. I have a fire inside of me that grows with each passing season,  I can't explain what it's like to wake up with the intentions of advancing on every opportunity that you may encounter that day, but that's what I do, thats how the city of Atlanta makes me feel. Life right now is pure sport and I play to win.

What else do you do? 

I'm also a working model, I've developed greatly over the past year with a boutique agency out of LA and am now seeking representation with the Fiteness Division of Whilemina Models, I'm done more spreaking roles on most of the LA/Atlanta based productions like BET's "The Game", Tyler Perry's "House Of Payne" and have most recently been featured in Columbia Records Artist RaVaughn Brown's music video which made the Track List for the movie "Think Like A Man" .I've most recently recieved a sponsorship from brands such as Vita Coco, Nitro Cut and Detour as an Athlete and ambassodor. I work closely with the 11 Alive news team as a trainer to the staff and most recently can be found In Kontrol Magazine with monthly articles, fitness advice & Information.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

 Trust your struggle; You have to put all your energy into putting your self in the postion to succeed, once you've found success, you then have the opportunity to do it gain at higher level and in less time. Hard work beats talent, daily.

Feature #58: Pamela Balentine, Internal Auditor

Name: Pamela Balentine

 

Current Job Position Title:  Internal Auditor

Company Name:
Meritor, Inc.

Contact Information:
Pam.Balentine1@gmail.com

Special skills:
Auditing, Microsoft Office, Oracle, Hyperion, Communication, Risk Assessment

Describe your job story:
After graduating from Michigan State University in 2007 with a BA in Accounting, I continued my education by obtaining my Masters of Science in Accounting with focuses on Financial Reporting and Assurance Service and Information Systems. During my college tenure, I interned at one of the Big 4 Accounting Firms, Ernst & Young, LLP. After receiving my Masters, I started full time at Ernst & Young where I spent 2.5 year of my career as an External Auditor. After making a choice to leave public accounting, I started with ArvinMeritor (now known as Meritor) in the Internal Audit department in November 2010 and have been there ever since!

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?

When I was a child/teenager I wanted to do something with numbers. I had no idea what it would be until I was a senior in highschool (Flint Northern High School) when I took my first accounting class that I knew that is what I wanted to do for my career.

Are doing your dream job?
For now...I enjoy what I do. But dreams do change everyday!!

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

What I like most about being an Internal Auditor is that I get to see every aspect of the company - from financial to operational processes. I perform high quality risk assessments and add value to the entire company everyday. 

 

The part that I like the least....that's a hard one. I'd probably say the traveling. I enjoy going to different places in the world but traveling can take a toll on you. And being in the automotive industry does not allow you to travel to the most glamorous places!

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I see myself as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working at a manager level (or higher) in a financial field. Not sure if that will be Audit or not....I keep my options open.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

Once I pass this CPA exam that I am currently studying for...I will be happy!!! But until then, I'm pleased with how things have been unfolding.

What more do you want to do with your life?

I really want to teach on a collegiate level!! Once I obtain my certification, I believe that is one thing I will work on doing.

What drives/motivates you?
I have, for the most part, been a self motivator. You will never reach a point where you stop learning or gaining knowledge about your craft/field. However, I have a great group of people around me that believe in me and encourage me to keep pushing forward.

What else do you do?

I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy volunteering and encouraging younger kids. I'm a self-diagnosed shop-a-holic. I just love to have fun.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
 There is always hope! Never give up and don't be afraid to use your resources and the people around you!

Feature #57: Tiffani-MiShelle Johnson, Writer...

Name:  Tiffani-MiShelle Johnson

Current Job Position Title:  Writer/Actress/Author

Company Name: T-MVISION, LLC

Contact Information: http://www.tiffanimishelle.com/

Special skills: Creatively Serving Through Words (which is the motto of my company). I serve words through writing poetry, scripts, songs, etc. I serve words through acting.  I also strive to bring the lyrics of a song to life when I dance and sing.  *Caution* Dancing and singing is not a "special skill," BUT... I do it because I can and I love to... Just call me Karaoke Queen...lol...

Describe your job story:
Well, within the past few months it seems like everything in my life has changed; from relationships to career to my living situation.  But... God is good.  So, while I am struggling a little financially at the moment, I have peace with my decision to leave the production side of working in television and film for six years to pursue a never-dwindling passion of acting.  I've taken what I've learned from working in the business, maintained certain relationships and am sacrificing the comfortable paycheck now to find a job that will allow more time and flexibility to continue honing my craft.

However, the more I have to wait to be hired by someone, the more I start thinking about starting my own business.  Right now, a video production and equipment leasing company is in the air... I used to shoot projects and edit them in college and just recently started dabbling into that again.  So, I'm thinking a company of that nature will allow me to be creatively free while helping other actors, filmmakers and business owners get closer to their dreams.   

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 
Haha! Well, I played basketball for 8 years and was a tomboy in my early teens, so before the WNBA even came out, I always said I was going to be a professional basketball player.  I also wanted to play football professionally.  I think I just had a lot of built up aggression, lol... Toward the end of my high school days I started pursuing acting more. The last thing I remember telling my IT Instructor, was I wanted to dance on Broadway... 

Are you doing your dream job?
Yes and no.  I'm a writer and an actress with ideas galore.  So, when I start seeing projects I create unfold through films, plays, etc... then, I will be doing my dream job.  

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?
I love being creative and stepping outside of who I am (not too far out, because there are certain roles I won't do).  Oh, and I love having a LIFE!  Working production hours in TV and film is no joke... It was worth it and great while it lasted and I won't say I'm never going back... but when I go, it'll be on an entirely different level... What I like the least, is not being able to get paid consistently for what I do and not being able to do it full-time... yet.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Hmm... good question... Happily married... A baby...MAYBE *with emphasis* lol ...  I def see myself more established in a career, financially stable... Shoot, I'm struggling to answer this... Looks like I'll be busting out a 5-Year Project Planning board real soon!!! Lol Thanks, Neely! 

Are you happy with where you are in life?
Yes.  I am.  It feels amazing to be performing again.  And I'm finally gaining a little peace in other aspects of my life as well.

What more do you want to do with your life? 
Publish another poetry book. Oh, and please check out "52 Hues of Poetic Love" on my website!   I also want to finish my album of songs and "songpoems".  It's almost done!  Lord willing, the release date will be this year... aaand I have plans to eventually do music videos to some of the songs... In addition to those things, which I consider more of a hobby, I would like to complete a web series that my friend and I created.  I'm wearing multiple hats on that project as writer, actress, director and editor. 

What drives/motivates you? 
GOD, The Freedom To Be Creatively ME & Sunshine!!!

What else do you do?
I'm learning how to play the guitar and I surf... Okay, I'm kidding about the surfing... I don't even know where that came from, lol...  
What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
God's got you!!!  Try your best to be content where you are as you continue pushing forward.  Even when I was working in production, making a nice little check, I went in to work one morning, left for lunch and came back and was out of a job!  It wasn't because of anything I'd done, but because of one aspect of the television show that had been canceled... For over a year I was looking for work.  My doggone unemployment ran out!  I started selling furniture to pay bills and everything! Through that process, God gave me the vision to make some poetry books out of construction paper and start selling them.  I made the book and called it "22 Hues of Poetic Love" and I started hitting up malls, salons, etc. I didn't even know I could hustle like that! Lol

A year or so later, I published my book (now called "52 Hues of Poetic Love") through my own company.  I don't have enough room to write everything else that went down before I FINALLY got another production gig... but just know, He's got you!  And honestly, when I started trusting Him and changed my attitude, doors started opening.  Scripture says, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11).  The following scriptures helped and are still helping me.  I have to constantly speak them til this day... (Phillipians 4:6-7) (Proverbs 3:5-6) (Proverbs 18:16).(Habakkuk 2:2-3) (Matthew7:7). Choose to be happy in spite of your circumstances.  Encourage yourself in the Lord! 

Feature #56: Michael J. Chambers, Human Resources Specialist

Name: Michael J. Chambers

Current Job Position Title: Human Resources Specialist

Company Name: Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

Contact Information: mikejcham@gmail.com

Special skills:
I'm a writer and public speaker. My written works include editorial, poetry, motivational, speech, and news writing. I speak in hopes to motivate others into actions that will better them as individuals personally and professionally, as well as provide insight on ways to live healthier lives, uplift our communities, and encourage innovative training and development of at-risk youth in the education system. I have experience as on-air talent to deliver news and documentaries. Being a communicator by nature and formerly employed as a pharmaceutical sales representative, I also possess substantial skill in the field of consulting, especially in sales and branding.  

Describe your job story:
Immediately after receiving degree in hand from Clark Atlanta University, I took a position with Pfizer, Inc., the largest pharmaceutical company in the world, as a Professional Healthcare Representative in South Bend, Indiana. After approximately nine months, I was a casualty of economic times, being laid off from the company. Six months later I resurfaced in the workplace, landing a position as a Human Resources Specialist for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Indianapolis, Indiana, my hometown. In addition to my primary role as a specialist, I also serve as a news anchor for the agency, delivering current events that are broadcasted throughout multiple sites around the country, as well as in Europe and Japan. I have been with the agency now for three years.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
I honestly do not remember, but I find difficulty imagining wanting to be anything other than a professional basketball player.

Are doing your dream job? Not even close. 

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the
LEAST?
DFAS has a Toastmasters club, of which I have been a member now for almost three years. I am actually the club's current president, being the first male and African American to serve in this capacity. I find a great deal of joy and personal satisfaction in inspiring my club members and serving as a mentor and  coach to aid in their development as effective speakers and leaders

The aspect of DFAS that I like the least is its rigidity to change and incapability to recognize, foster, and utilize young talent in a manner that best serves the agency and the employees' personal and professional development.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I would like to be self-employed, serving as a writer and speaker, as well as a private consultant in the fields of leadership development, health, and human potential.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
The term "happy" is very relative. I find great difficulty in saying that I am, because I often find myself discontent with my current career, and I'm a work in progress with my personal and spiritual journey. The best way I can answer this question is by simply saying that I am not at all satisfied with where I am in life, but I'm working on stopping every once in a while to smell the roses, because I am blessed beyond measure.

What more do you want to do with your life?
I simply want to wake up every morning energized and having comfort in my mind and heart that my talents and dreams are aligned with God's will and plan. No matter how big or small, I want to always feel like I am making a positive difference in the lives of others.

What drives/motivates you?
Pain and failure. Much like the fuel for a car, these two things drive me to push forward to my destinations, or goals, to try and change things. Being "happy" never changed anything. Things change when we're fed up, and decide that we will take responsibility to do our part in contributing to positive outcomes.

What else do you do?
I really enjoy reading. This both relaxes and stimulates my mind, and broadens my perspective on a wide-range of topics. I am also a health enthusiast. I enjoy physically challenging my body and learning good practices to promote and enhance one's well-being. Also, when I am not working, I spend a lot of time on the road or in the air traveling. I love going to new places and have friends all around the country. 

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have
no hope?
Put your pride aside. A major problem is that many are unemployed because they refuse to work some jobs. There is sometimes a sense of entitlement or a superiority complex that will not allow them to take a position that they feel is beneath them. You must start somewhere, and there is something extremely valuable to be learned wherever you work, and those are almost always transferrable job skills. It won't last forever either. Nonetheless, you cannot afford to have gaps in your resume. A prospective employer will always prefer someone who shows the initiative and humility to work,even if it is not an ideal situation. As my grandmother would say, "If you want something done, find someone who is already busy."

Feature #55: Ryan Hirsch, Manager

Name: Ryan W. Hirsch

Current Job Position Title: Manager of Multimedia & Video Services

Company Name: National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)

Contact Information: rhirsch@nasba.org

Special skills: Video Production, Video Editing, Writing, Strategic Planning

Describe your job story:
While attending Clark Atlanta University (CAU), I majored in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Radio, Television and Film.  That lead to an opportunity to serve as an Associate Producer for the WB Network's Emmy award winning talk show "ATL Insider."  During that time span, I also served as a production assistant for MTV-U (Viacom) and worked as an extra on the set of “Stomp the Yard.” 

However, I also had a summer internship in the Communications Department of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).  Although leaving Atlanta was a difficult decision, after graduation, I felt that NASBA offered a more stable career opportunity, so I moved back to Nashville to begin working there full time. I began as a Communications Specialist, and I now serve as the Multimedia & Video Services Manager. 

In this role, I manage all audio-visual components of NASBA's regional and national conferences, all video productions for internal and external clients, and
write web features and blogs for distribution through NASBA’s main website and social media channels.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager? 


Growing up, I wanted to be a news anchor.  In 8th grade, I served as the co-host of my middle school’s television news station. Although I still get the occasional bug to be in front of the camera, I realized I enjoy working behind the scenes as a producer/editor even more than being an on-air personality.

Are doing your dream job?
No, unfortunately I was unable to find a job as a full time pizza eater who watches ESPN all day, but my current position comes in a close second.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST? 

The aspect of my current job that I like the most is the freedom and ability to use my creativity.  Sometimes that comes in the form of putting a unique spin on an article, and sometimes it comes in the form of developing captivating graphics and transitions for our videos and related presentations. Ironically, the thing I liked least about my job does not exist anymore. I used to desire more opportunities to be creative, but over the last couple of years, I have been granted those opportunities, so I really don’t have any complaints at the moment.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

In the next five years, I can definitely see myself with the same company, but I am interested in getting more involved with the strategic planning and business operations side of the company as well. I enjoyed living in Atlanta, but my wife and I have settled nicely in my hometown of Nashville, TN, and we are enjoying life here; so we will probably remain in Nashville for the next five years.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
Yes and no; I work for a great company, which values its employees, has a great leadership team, and I enjoy having the opportunity to display my creativity.  However, I never like to become complacent, so I am always interested in finding ways to make an even greater impact on my company and community.

What more do you want to do with your life? I would like to increase my philanthropic activities. I was always taught, “To whom much is given, much is required.” and I have been blessed tremendously by mentors and teachers who have imparted their knowledge and wisdom upon me. Therefore, I want to continue my current efforts, but do even more in the future to ensure that I am helping the next generation.

What drives/motivates you?
I’m motivated by a number of different things. I always feel like God is watching, and even though we all fall short at times, I strive to act in a manner that would honor Him. Additionally, I am motivated to provide for my family, uplift my family name, and just be better than I was yesterday. I also like solving puzzles, playing chess, and things of that nature, so I am also motivated whenever I see a challenge, because I enjoy developing strategies to determine the best solutions.

What else do you do? 

In my spare time, I audition for and act in commercials and PSAs. Thus far, I have been featured in commercials for Acceptance Insurance, Krystal Hamburgers, the Nashville Zoo, and the United States Army.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
Be prayerful in your search, and try to make a connection with the company with which you would like to work. If they have not responded to your on-line application submission, try delivering your resume to the HR representative in person. Find companies with positive working environments, and be willing to take a position on a lower level, then work your way up to the position you are seeking.

Ryan W. Hirsch
Multimedia & Video Services Manager
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National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, Inc. (NASBA)
150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700
Nashville, TN 37219
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Phone & Fax: 615.880.4243
Email: rhirsch@nasba.org
www.nasba.org
rhirsch@nasba.org

Feature #54: Roy Edward Lewis, IT Director

Name: Roy Edward Lewis, Jr. (Jovon Lewis' Older Brother)

Current Job Position Title:  IT Director

Company Name: Perry Street Preparatory Charter School

Contact Information: rlewis81@gmail.com

Special skills: Can cook any meal from scratch

Describe your job story:

I started as a contractor 2 years ago and with hard work and some dedication, I moved up.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?

At first, I didn’t have a clue on what I want to be. I was at in a limbo state with no goals or ambitions and not as much faith after high school. My relationship with Him improved over the years and I started to see a greater purpose for my life then I originally thought.

Are doing your dream job?

Yes. I’m doing the professional job that I was trained for, but I feel that I can always improve and keep reaching for the top even if there nothing is up there.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?

Most: I like that I have more freedom with what I do. My decisions can help and improve everybody else when it comes to giving them reliable equipment to aid in their teachings and lesson plans.

Least: Trying to instruct others on how to use certain software, but I am patient, though.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Working at a bigger company (or my own) in the same field but managing more people and possibly hearing my child’s first words.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

I am content and blessed, but still have a lot of room for improvement.

What more do you want to do with your life?

I would like to travel more and volunteer in my community.

What drives/motivates you?

Truthfully, my late dad is what motivates me now. I used to watch him struggle with 3 jobs at one point to keep up his household, especially with his wife—who wasn’t employed—and sometimes family members. I want to live a stress-free life and be happily married with my wife so that we can provide a good stress-free environment for our children.

What else do you do?

I also go to people’s homes or businesses and fix/install computer equipment.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

 I was once unemployed for a year. During that time, I wanted to lose hope after I losing my car and moving back home, since my unemployment benefits had run out.  Somehow, during that time of me hitting rock bottom, my faith was renewed. To this day, I still don’t know how my whole mood changed. However, instead of me counting my woes and disappointments in life, I became thankful. I was thankful to the Lord for still giving me breath in the morning. I was thankful for having a wonderful family around me. I got into a period of being thankful and stopped stressing about everything around me. That same day out-the-blue, I had a job interview setup by my sister at a school. I was hired on-the-spot as a contractor and the rest was history after that.