Welcome to Business Innovators Magazine…Please introduce yourself and a brief thumbnail sketch of your background.
TJ: Hi, I’m Toccarra James, and I’m originally from Ocala, Fl, which is a very small town but don’t let that trick you, the crime rate is major. It’s so easy to get in trouble there because it’s so small.I have six sisters and not one brother. I am one of the middle children. I’ve been on my own since I was 16 years old which caused me to take the long way around the barn. From all of the trouble and turmoil from my life of trouble, God produced a non-profit organization of which I am President and Founder of, Gods Servant Empowered Me Inc where I provide Life Coaching, Keynote Speaking, and Mentoring services.
BI: What would you say is the area in business that you are most passionate about and why?
TJ: I am most passionate about helping people to find their passion. My passion is to help those that have fallen through the cracks of life and those who appear to have no potential. Diamonds in the rough if you will. I was once that person. The girl who sat in the back of the class hoping to be overlooked. Too shy and timid to bring attention to herself. The girl to never look someone in the eyes and to always take that last spot in line gladly. I didn’t know my worth. There is a world full of people who simply don’t know their worth. I take great satisfaction and pride in helping others to discover their potential.
BI: How are you different than your competitors?
TJ: My past does not define me, but it does help me to stand out against those who offer the same service solely off of the education they’ve received. I am a firm believer that experience will always be the best teacher. I’ve been where my clients are so I know how it feels. That lost feeling. The feeling of loneliness as if I have to figure it out on my own. Not only do I have the experience but I was also called and chosen for this.
BI: Please tell me about any recent business accomplishments that you are most proud of and why?
TJ: I walked away from my career as a Business Analyst after five years and went at my passion full time despite what others wanted me to do. I chose to believe God. The ultimate test of your faith is when you do not have anything else to fall back on. Because of the promises of God, I knew the reward would be greater than the risk. You have got to have the great risk-taker mentality. I stepped out of the boat. I also recently released my first book which is a true story: Like the woman at the well, he waited on me. A true story of a sinner turned saint which is now available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle here:
BI: What Leadership qualities in Leaders do you most admire and why?
TJ: Leaders will not take no for an answer and leaders are persistent. We’re diligent which will take you a long way. Leaders are also self-starters and are motivated by accomplishments, failures, and rejection. Failures and rejection only show you your areas needing improvement. There are people who are born leaders and then there are people who will lead because they’re asked or promoted to do it. Born leaders produce businesses; forced leaders produce better employees. I admire the drive of a leader and their ability to think outside of the box. I also admire that leaders are risk takers and most times leaders see the glass as half full instead of half empty.
BI: What has been a key element of your success?
TJ: The key element of my success has to be my faith in God. I was successful in my career (I thought) as a Business Analyst, but that’s not what the Father wanted me to do. My faith has opened more doors in the last year and a half that I’ve been on this assignment than has been opened for me since I’ve been alive and I’m sure they’re more open doors to come.
BI: What are some of the business projects that you are currently working on that you are excited about and why?
TJ: I am in the process of working with an organization that has a similar vision as my vision so that we can collaboratively impact more lives. This is another reason I love what I do, the partnerships. It again allows more individuals to be impacted in larger territories. Very exciting!
BI: What are 1 or 2 things you would like to say to a prospective client who stumbles across this interview?
TJ: You and I had no idea that this article would be published. We also had no idea that you would read this article, at this particular time in your life and I would be the author of it. This did not happen by chance, and I believe there is something about my coaching program that you are in need of. What area of your life would you like to see restored? Is it in your finances? Your communication skills? Does it have something to do with your past? Let’s chat.
BI: Can you please share with the viewers how they can contact you?
TJ: Sure. For interview, booking or any other request, please send an email to bookgsemi@gmail.com
BI: To wrap this up, what are you most excited about in the upcoming months in your business?
