We had the good fortune of connecting with Wynette Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wynette, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always wanted to start my own business and I did, but it failed epically. After a few years of dreaming again, I started to get the nudge that it was time. I knew this time would be different and it was, but not the difference I thought. In 2021, my mom passed away. When she passed away, I knew I had to turn my dream into a reality. My dad and I conversed about me taking the leap of faith and starting my business. He gave me his blessings and support. Little did I know that he would pass away 14 months after my mom, unexpectedly. Two months later, I started Richardson Speaks Global LLC!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been in the field of education for 16 years with experience in K-12 schools and higher education. Most of my career has been in higher education; ironically, I dropped out of graduate school 6 credits short of my Master’s Degree. Eventually I went back to obtain my last 6 credits, but it was not easy as I was a full-time teacher. Early in my career, I was the youngest English professor in my department, and I had to demonstrate that I belonged! Building rapport with my students and colleagues allowed me the opportunity to grow and establish my scholarship. While growing and developing, I had opportunities to participate in leadership programs and one one one mentoring with Higher Education Administration. This led me to becoming the Director of Developmental Education. That is when my mission as an educator shifted; I still wanted to teach, but I wanted to work with educators as well. As a professional speaker, I help educators to transform to classroom culture champions through mindset, belonging, and effective communication! Most recently, I won Adjunct of the Year at my local community college as I implemented the strategies of culture champions!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Say it isn’t so! It is always a vibe when my best friend and I link up! We have been best friends 20 plus years! First thing is first, here are the things that we enjoy doing, so that is what we are going to focus on here! My best friend loves seafood, so I will definitely take her to Angie’s Seafood; the food is phenomenal, and let her choose a crab place! Since I eat mostly plant based, I will take her to my favorite plant based spot, Hue Cafe & Apothecary. We will most certainly find some other great eats in the city! Next, we will find some live music event that is happening in the city while she is visiting. Live music, especially music festivals are our favorite. If we are not able to hit up a live music event, we will most definitely check out the city, the aquarium, and the museums. During this visit, please know that we will take the city and paint it red!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, absolutely! If it were not for my champions that always saw beyond what I could see, I would not be able to the champion for others! First, my late parents! They always believed in me, encouraged me, and championed for me in and out of season! My first grade teacher, the late Mrs. Mildred Echols! Mrs. Echols would always say “this girl will be something one day” because I always talked in her class! She always saw beyond me being talkative! My tenth grade History teacher, Ms. Wanda White! She changed the trajectory of my life! My parents, Mrs. Echols, and Ms. White helped me to find the the champion within and helped me to champion for others.

Website: https://www.wynetterichardson.com

Instagram: wynetterichardson1

Linkedin: Wynette Richardson

Facebook: The Transformation Journal

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@richardsonspeaks6376

Image Credits
Shemeka J Photography LLC
Vianca’s Photo Booth

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