Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Russell.
Hi Monique, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My entrepreneurial journey began somewhat unconventionally. While working a corporate job that wasn’t quite aligned with my dream career, I started freelancing on the side, engaging in projects that fulfilled me. This side gig wasn’t initially about business; it was about passion. Over the years, I garnered accolades and recognition for my innate ability to help people connect the dots and stay engaged, which even led some of my former bosses to hire my company for their own needs. They respected my skills enough to seek my coaching later in their careers, an honor that truly humbled me.
For a decade, I played around with freelancing without fully embracing the identity of an entrepreneur. It was something I did for fulfillment alongside the “main” job. However, everything shifted when I connected with a women’s business organization focused on goals and entrepreneurship. Honestly, every time I connect with a women business, leadership, or entrepreneur community, I experience exponential growth. It pushed me to see my freelancing in a new light. I had already invested in personal and professional development based on what I observed my executives do in corporate, but I began to invest in business coaches and mentors, learning what I hadn’t known before and refining my offerings based on what I loved and excelled at.
It wasn’t long before I started to take my role seriously, identifying myself as an entrepreneur. I was building a brand from scratch and moving into arenas where no one knew me. By sharing my knowledge, speaking at events, learning social media and influence techniques, and teaching others, I started to see ripple effects of success not just for me but my clients as they benefitted from my years of trial and error.
Today, I am skilled at diagnosing complex communication issues quickly due to the depth and breadth of my experience. I have had countless clients tell me how they have finally been able to understand and grasp concepts like Emotional Intelligence and Confidence-Building from my ability to make communication simple.
I’ve had the privilege of training and coaching leaders across five continents, sometimes using translators to bridge language barriers.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Haha. Not at all. Navigating the right services to offer, understanding the business side of business, and leading the right people posed significant challenges. Identifying and maintaining a service mix that resonated with my strengths and client needs requires continuous adjustment and learning as they evolve. Leadership and business management came with its own set of trials, especially as I strived to build a company culture rooted in compassion, innovation, and growth.
Where I stand today, Clear Communication Solutions is a certified women-owned business proudly affiliated with WBENC, WOSB, and WEConnect International. My vision is to see my company become a cornerstone resource in providing Emotional Intelligence, Leadership development, and Communication Skills training specifically tailored for Leaders of Globally Diverse Teams. This focus not only reflects my personal heritage, but also my commitment to empowering leaders within these vibrant communities to excel in an international capacity.
This ongoing journey, filled with its unique challenges and triumphs, has shaped me into a leader passionate about fostering the growth of others. By sharing my story, I intend to inspire and equip more leaders with the tools they need to succeed, just as I have.
We’ve been impressed with Clear Communication Solutions, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Clear Communication Solutions is at the forefront of leadership development, specializing in strategies that enhance and accelerate connection and collaboration among leaders and teams. We specialize in four key areas: Emotional Intelligence, Public Speaking, Cross-Cultural Communication, and Intentional Motherhood.
Known as the Clear Communication Coach, I am dedicated to accelerating communication skills excellence, utilizing sound principles of instructional design and emotional intelligence to foster influential leadership and teamwork. My multicultural background—being from The Bahamas, having a Nigerian father, living in the U.S., and being married to a Togolese spouse, along with managing a multi-generational household—integrates a unique perspective into my work that enriches my coaching and training.
Clear Communication Solutions is committed to social responsibility. We use sustainable practices like cloud-based solutions to reduce our environmental footprint. Socially, we volunteer in the community, donate time and expertise to non-profit, youth and women-led organizations. We add thought leadership to the diversity conversation through my podcast, Bridge to U, which champions diversity and inclusion among Black cultures.
However, what truly sets Clear Communication Solutions apart is our global footprint, which I’ve built from scratch as an immigrant woman without leveraging a corporate brand, extensive network, or traditional business school education. I apply these same strategies and techniques with my clients to expand their impact and influence. Our differentiators include blending leadership acumen, and strategic cultural insight with advanced communication skills for individual and organizational growth. At the heart of our brand are the core values of compassion, accountability, commitment, flexibility, innovation, and a growth mindset. Whether you’re looking to enhance team dynamics or elevate your own leadership capabilities, Clear Communication Solutions is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill and “The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield have been monumental in shaping my approach to personal development and leadership. These books emphasize visualization and perseverance—techniques that have empowered me to set and achieve ambitious goals, both personally and professionally. Alongside these, I find incredible inspiration in the Wode Maya YouTube channel. Watching the progressive narratives emerging from Africa energizes me and reinforces the importance of the power of promoting a unifying global theme in business and life.
I also rely on several apps to stay productive and connected. OneNote helps me organize my thoughts and project details making it easier to stay on top of my diverse commitments. For capturing ideas on the fly, I use a simple Voice Recorder. CastMagic is an AI tool I use, particularly for managing podcast transcript recordings for my show, “Bridge to U,”. And let’s not forget ChatGPT, which has been a game-changer in helping me draft responses, brainstorm ideas for projects, analyze data, and so much more. It’s like having an assistant at my fingertips anytime I need a bit of extra help or a quick check on refining my thoughts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clearcommunicationsolutions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearcommunicationcoach
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clearcommunicationcoach/
- Twitter: https://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Motherhood-Said-Would-Easy/dp/0985090022
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjZpmFziJHN9xkz7UlzJgAQ
- SoundCloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridge-to-u/id1525102010
- Other: https://clearcommunicationinstitute.thinkific.com/
