Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda McClouden.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melinda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I think I have always had a sense of calling or felt very purposeful in giving. Like most people, my heart warms up when I see strangers helping one another, kids sharing with each other or hear words of love and affirmation being spoken. I think my journey to this space has been a combination of a few things: my upbringing, and those who have poured into my life over these years. First, as a young girl raised in the South, I watched my elders give and sew seed into the lives of countless people and had them share with me through their words and deeds how important it is to give unto others. Second, would definitely be those experiences that I’ve had in the corporate world. During the early years of my career, I wanted to be a part of “big” well-oiled companies that churned out amazing product and made lots of money. But what I soon learned is that in these companies, the focus was on developing Great products, not Great people. And eventually you find yourself doing the work yet lacking a voice in the decision-making process. So, I focused my free time on a charitable space where my efforts and talents were not readily available yet desperately needed.
When I witnessed organizations utilizing the strength, the efforts and the knowledge of individuals but not giving them a seat at the table. I then realized that the space I was looking for didn’t exist and needed to be created. So, I created phil-work to be the eyes, ears, voice, and hands for strengthening engagement.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Some of the most difficult spots in the voyage has been the times when I was relying on other individuals to be a mirror for something that they could not see. My journey has been a trail with remote but connected pathways all leading to people, purpose, and processes that are equally important to success.
My advice to other women that are starting their journey is to “Use it ALL”! In my work, I use my education, my experience, my expertise and my passion when looking for value-adding solutions and processes for business. Also, “Seek Support”. Support is so critical and it covers so many different aspects of development. You’re going to need the support of evidence and research to give value to the work you’re doing. You’re going to need the support of positive influences to encourage and rejuvenate you in times of opposition. You will also need the support of people who are in the same arena (industry) to help you identify gaps and connect dots. I see these people as puzzle pieces because sometimes you have to lay out what you have in order to identify the things that are missing.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into melinda@phil-work.com story. Tell us more about the business.
Phil-work is a purpose-driven support platform. We work to advance civic potential through focusing on strategic network building, knowledge sharing, as well as process improvement and outcome engagement. Through our combination of customized consulting services, idea innovation, process implementation and contributor mobilization we help, people, businesses, nonprofits, and foundations around the world reimagine and redesign the contributions of charity and civic engagement.
We consider our work to be “bridge building”. We work to create both internal and external pathways that increase the value and support of all parties. I enjoy the process of taking a deep dive in understanding the work and becoming immersed in the mission of my clients. Then, use this knowledge to assess how that mission and vision is conveyed and received by an internal support and external parties.
I am most proud of being a part of the global work. We are currently preparing for an implementation of a civic engagement project in Laos that is supported by a partnership between the U.S. government and private sector in Cambodia. To me, the most gratifying part is doing work that is received, respected, and rewarding not just to me but to all involved. It’s this type of “soul-satisfying” work that is not restricted to a person, a place or a cause. This is the work of phil-work.
Phil-work sets itself apart by its commitment to providing creative approaches to strengthen engagement. Author and management expert, Ken Blanchard stated, “There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses – only results.”
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Oprah stated, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself”. I would add to that and say a mentor is also an “unofficial and under-compensated investor”. My advice regarding both networking and mentorship is “start close and build out”. The support that you need and those that believe (in you and your dreams) may be closer than you think.
Second, make sure those you chose as mentors are truly interested and have the capacity to mentor.
Lastly, seek that which you give. Make sure that you pour into others just as you are seeking individuals to pour into you. This will strengthen your network and help you understand the need and value in your mentoring relationships.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources that help you do your best in life (at work or otherwise)?
• Atlanta Daybook (local favorite)
• Mark Nepo: The Book of Awakening
• Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think
• Linchpin: Are you indispensable?
• Charity Navigator
• Philanthropy news digest
• Huffpost Impact
Contact Info:
- Website: www.phil-work.com
- Email: melinda@phil-work.com
- Instagram: phil_work
Image Credit:
Joseph Mapp
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