Exploring Life & Business with Denisha Tate-McAlister of Denisha Tate & Associates LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denisha Tate-McAlister.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I have always been concerned about others being okay. My mom talks about me being a 3-year-old on the bus checking in with the commuters who had become my friends due to our daily routine. I would check in with them, remembering details about their lives, families, and state of being. I made sure my people were doing well. On days when she rode the bus without me, they would ask where I was and when I would return. I was the group’s morning cup of joy! Little Denisha has grown to expand her reach, but she still cares! As a nonprofit professional, I worked hard to ensure my staff thrived and we delivered services excellently together! We ensured that we left lives better than we found them. We partnered with individuals in creating the version of self they desired! The impact on the lives of others made me feel as if my life had a purpose.

One day, I began to feel restricted in my ability to help others. There were conflicts of interest as I helped others who worked in organizations different from those that employed me. I was a problem solver willing to help others regardless of which brand they called home. That fork in the road left me with a decision: keep doing great work with the organization that employs you, or spread your wings and help everyone, anyone, all of them. I then launched Denisha Tate & Associates LLC services. The limits have been lifted; I can go wherever I am needed and serve until my heart’s content, and that’s what I do. I help others with every ounce of my being!

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Challenges have been along the way, but they have welcomed interruptions to my status quo. One challenge I am very grateful for was the journey that taught me who I can serve. I excitedly launched a contract to support an organization in achieving operational excellence. I became excited as I learned about their issues, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. I love complex, multi-layered options. When changes occur in this environment, it is inspiring and gives the team such a lift in their confidence. I am honored to be a witness to their journey. For whatever reason, this organization took 5 steps backward for every single step forward. I changed my approach, recreated tools, and adjusted plans of action.

Again, I love a challenge, so this was smooth. However, the lack of progress could have been clearer. After 18 months of engagement, I asked the question that changed my understanding of my ideal client. “I must ask, do you want to change?” The desire to change came from the staff, board, and even those engaging with the organization. However, the organization’s founder never articulated a desire to change. My error was to assume the presence of his buy-in. Wow! I’ve spent eighteen months creating plans, adjusting processes, educating staff, and creating strategic plans- but who was it for? If the highest-ranking member of the organization does not buy into the change, someone other than me is the person to implement the change. I learned that I work with leaders who are up to something big, have a vision for success, and need a thought partner to bring their desires to fruition. I am not the change agent that forces differences in an environment. That’s not my assignment in the earth. I am the leader’s leader. I am your amazing number two- who can bring your vision to life. Now I know!

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Denisha Tate & Associates is a network of professionals focused on supporting business excellence founded in 2014. Every Associate is an expert in their field. Our anchor services focus on Operational Excellence through Executive Coaching, Strategic Planning, Policy and Procedure Development, Staff Training, Workplace Wellness Services, and Team Energizer Workshops. What sets us apart from others is our approach. We become an employment partner that immerses into the environment and joins the team in making the desired changes. We engage in assessment, plan development, staff development, implementation, and systems alignment. We truly partner with our organization to make change happen! The thing that I am most proud of brand-wise is our pillars of service that serve as our anchoring values. LEADERS LEAD AND LIVE LOVE.

A leader only sometimes has a title that recognizes them as a leader. They may be a team member and not in charge of any particular component. However, they are leading from where they serve. They become the go-to person on the team; they are often sought after by others for wise counsel. Their input is valued because they seem to see things others do not. They are a leader. We create environments for leaders to lead! Also, a thriving, healthy work environment allows individuals to live in love. We should not just be. We must live. We should not survive our week and tolerate our days. One should love. We teach people to wake up and begin to live life and love the life they live. That person shows up differently in the workplace, home, and relationships. Our secret to business excellence begins with the individuals and their success! This approach looks different, feels different, and sustains a workplace of difference that will help your business thrive.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share?
Covid-19 provided me the opportunity to live love. I learned the ability to create what I wanted despite the circumstances. I cannot always control the situation, but I have total control over my perspective and my next move. One day, after being stir-crazy from inside the house, I decided to have a day in the sun. I set up my office on my patio and had all my meetings in my new space. I was suddenly transported into a Walt Disney movie! My co-workers became the birds that had so much to talk about. People on my call asked if the sound was a nature soundtrack. I laughed- yes, but it’s live, not recorded. I took a break and watched three squirrels work together to steam food from the bird feeder. I watched them alternate who would leap the umbrella to land on the edge of the feeder. Fall after fall, but they did not give up. They eventually realized the opportunity to use the nearby light post with the picnic table umbrella to get momentum to land on the feeder. It was as if I sat in a strategy session with another team and had a chance to witness their experimentation and innovation. This was the best workday I had experienced in months. The opportunity was always there; I didn’t take advantage of it. I am now intentional about chasing my opportunity to live love. I am present, engaged, and alive. I find laughter, peace, and joy in my days. This was a gift of the Covid-19 crisis; I am forever grateful for this!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Denishaleads.com
• Instagram: @denishaleads
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisha.tate1
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/denisha-tate-mcalister-mba-47131121