Life is a blessing incorporated with many challenges. Everyone experiences them. As we work through the highs and lows of life, most people attempt to transform themselves into who they need to become to thrive and be joyful. However, during these journeys we encounter circumstances that push us from being our authentic selves,  personally and professionally.

Being the youngest first female person of color in many leadership roles was difficult at times, especially without a coach or a mentor. Having leadership roles in non-diverse and inclusive work environments has its own unique challenges too. I understand the unique challenges and core values of social impact and faith-based businesses and leaders.

However, I have been in situations in which I had longed for respect and fought to be valued as a leader. Many of us have a desire for a workplace where our faith is not tested. An aspiring organization would be one where we can be guided and supported equally, especially as a new leader to help others successfully. In whatever necessary capacity, I was serving as a senior leader at a social impact organization, where the common theme was to work harder, do not make waves, and compete to be better than others. In the end, sometimes I  was left feeling as if everything I did was never enough. At times, I questioned myself and my ability to influence others and achieve the professional growth needed and desired to be recognized. I grappled with the question, “Why am I doing the job?”

During my upbringing, I learned that to succeed I must protect myself by limiting my vulnerability. I had to acknowledge that a glass cliff/ceiling does exist. And, also understanding that it would be a challenge for me as a woman and being of color to break through. This  allowed me to navigate and excel in many businesses and situations. However, it also limited my ability to connect and interact with others deeply professionally. My head took priority over my heart. I felt I perfected separating the work “me” from the personal “me”. Therefore,  I detached the two to be proficient in both.

At one point in my life, I externally perceived that all my accomplishments  were working in my favor. All good things would come from all the sacrifices I had made, but I was wrong. I thought being result oriented was the only key I needed to open the doors of opportunity. However, I was stunned when one of my peers mentioned to me, “No one knows you really, and many are intimidated by you because you do not open up.”

This shocked my world. I was thriving for many years. I felt defeated at one point but after deep reflection I realized that it was true. I conceived that I did not feel safe in my work environment to be authentically me. My blind spots were my armor of protection. I conformed to the norm which limited my ability to be a more effective intelligent  leader…the way I desired to be. I wanted to influence my team to thrive. My conception, I was showing up as needed. It was necessary for me to bridge my skill gaps due to limited leadership development budgets, resources, and support within the organizations I served. No coaching or mentorship was offered even though I was leading large teams and divisions. I just felt overwhelmed with the idea of perfection and felt pressured not to make mistakes. I delivered; however, this took a toll on me and those I cared for deeply.

I knew something had to change.  Even though I did know what that change would look like. Emotionally, I felt like a failure. Externally, I displayed bold behaviors of grit, confidence, resilience, and determination.

My faith in GOD gave me the strength to persevere. Hearing an encouraging voice during a very desperate and lonely time allowed the light to shine brightly to guide me and direct my path beyond work. This allowed me to reach my full potential and leadership competency. Reading, observing, investing in myself, and networking helped me identify what I love to do as a career and a ministry. Developing people and organizations is my passion. I transitioned from an operation’s leadership position to consulting businesses on management, recruiting, and developing talent; along with consulting with and/or coaching.

My goal is to minimize the possibility of other individuals falling into the same or similar situations. We all have blind spots and fears. The challenge is getting past that trap. Blind spots can delay our progression and keep us from connecting deeply within our immediate environment.

I have learned instrumental lessons. The experience has allowed me to embrace my calling to coach and consult leaders with businesses of high-quality team and talent development programs.

I envision that one-day leaders, teams, and businesses will have the best ingredients necessary to sustain people management with long-term results-based on experiences and development. It is my privilege to assist leaders and businesses develop Emerging Leader programs with effective recruiting, onboarding, and leadership development infrastructures. We should invest and build managers into leaders. My confidence is that our multigenerational workforce can create the most qualified, unified, purposeful, and highly potential teams who are creatively authentic and  respectful individuals.

I have had the honor to have over 20+ years of experience in leadership coaching and organizational development, retained executive search, management consulting in multiple industries, and held leadership positions within major nonprofit and faith-based organizations. ZC Consulting understands the unique challenges of social impact and faith-based organizations.

My family is  amazing, thriving, supportive and most importantly loving. My faith encompasses all  aspects of my life. I have learned my kingdom assignment is to build effective momentum maker leaders. This stems from being able to have a life of harmony of professional and personal dynamics.

Zándra holds a Doctor of Business Management in Business and Organizational Leadership plus a Master’s in Business Management and Human Resources Management. Her professional certifications include Executive Coach from the Center for Executive Coaching;  Mindful Leadership from the Institute for Organizational Mindfulness; Hogan Assessment from Hogan Assessment Systems, Inc.; DISC assessment from John Maxwell Leadership; TeamSight/Style of Influence from TeamSight, Inc.; Volunteer Administration from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration; and Full Online Teaching and Learning with Adjunct Program Certifications from Lonestar College.