Meet Annette Gray | Business strategists

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annette Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annette, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Risk is a concept that is often associated with uncertainty and the possibility of undesirable outcomes.

In my opinion, taking risks has played a positive role in my life and career. It has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, learn new skills, and gain valuable experiences. By taking risks, I have been able to pursue my passions and achieve my goals.

I believe that taking calculated risks is essential for personal and professional growth. It can help us overcome our fears, build resilience, and develop a growth mindset. However, it is important to note that not all risks are worth taking. It is crucial to assess the potential perils and benefits before making a decision.

I truly believe that well researched, calculated risk-taking can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development. By embracing uncertainty and stepping out of our comfort zones, we can unlock new opportunities and achieve our goals.

What should our readers know about your business?

I did not grow up thinking I would be an entrepreneur. As a matter of fact I spent my early years surviving the foster care system and a very unhealthy family environment. I did not have any particular profession in mind. I began my journey as an entrepreneur in 1999 after hitting the preverbal corporate glass ceiling. I am currently the CEO of Risk & Resource Management International Inc. RRMI provides business strategy development tools, facilitator led strategic planning, workforce and leadership development training and coaching. I am certified as a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified Business Management and Valuation Consultant. Currently I sit on the Palm Beach County Advisory Commission on Women, Delray Beach SPRAB Board and the former Board Chair of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). MY unique selling proposition (USP) comes from my combined experiences at a variety of leadership positions in the private, public sectors, NGOs and entrepreneurial ventures. I am capable of leading my clients to positive results because I have working knowledge of all business structures from the vantage points of both C-suite leadership and non-leadership staff positions.

I am a self-proclaimed Education Futurist. I believe in education. I am a lifelong learner but I also believe that knowledge based organizations are more likely to survive their counterparts. Currently, the RRMI team is assisting organizations in both the private and public sectors to develop solutions to post-COVID problems such as workforce development, performance, and organizational culture. We are using a process of combining diagnostics tools such as surveys and DISC assessment with emotional intelligence and change management training to improve employee, leadership and team performance.

I have twenty-plus years of business applications, project management technical assistance, one-on -one consulting and training experience. In addition to twenty-plus years of experience in economic development and construction/redevelopment, procurement construction performa development. I can honestly say that I find entrepreneurship easier to navigate that being an employee. Entrepreneurship is hard, it is definitely not for everyone. I find the ability to make decisions without multiple levels of bureaucracy liberating. Being a successful entrepreneur requires me to know my risk tolerance at all times. I can clearly see the outcome and ramifications post positives and negative of my choices and sacrifices.

I recently became the author of an Emotional Intelligence Journal. I am particularly proud of this accomplishment. Prior to entrepreneurship, I led and managed teams at Fortune 500 Companies, such as MBNA America Bank my work ethic was essential to my success in the corporate world. I directly attribute my success with government entities such as the City of Boynton Beach, City of West Palm Beach and the City of Delray Beach to my emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. These critical skills helped me to build and maintain stronger relationships, both personally and professionally.

Over the years I have learned that people including me fall victim to their own emotions and that many unsuccessful ventures result from this emotional self-sabotage. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety are common, emotional intelligence can help individuals remain calm in challenging situations. It can also help individuals decode their emotions and understand the meaning of any particular emotion. I have found that people with high EI can learn to manage their feelings instead of allowing their emotions to hijack their thoughts. Moreover, people with high EI are more likely to name and express their feelings and connect to their emotions.

When asked for tips of navigating entrepreneurship I often suggest that entrepreneurial journey requires a great deal of self-awareness, the ability to be openly expressive, and healthily assertive. You must know what you want and make plans to achieve your goals. Entrepreneurs must have a better understanding of what drives them have clearly defined values and a clear definition of what success looks like and means to you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Biltmore Hotel Spa and Sunday Brunch Miami

Jamaican Food and Reggae Music Downtow nHollywood

Rent a boat for a day on the water Intracosatal form Boca to Miami

Margaritaville Cruise (WPB) over to the Bahamas

Wine Tasting Schnebly Winery Miami

Caribbean Spa at Pier House Resort keywest

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, my shoutout would be dedicated to the lack of love or support I did NOT received from my biological family and the multiple foster care host families. The lack of support has forced me to be self-motivated and resilient. This is not to say there were no positive influences in my life. I recently lost the person who I considered a father figure.  He did not have the skills or financial wherewithal to be of significant assistants but knowing he was proud was enough.  If you know me, this may help to explain why I have become or try to be the safe harbor for others or why I have developed a nonprofit that is dedicated to provide the support for today’s youth or why I am so passionate about helping women navigate their corporate or entrepreneurial dreams. ” I am trying to give back what I did not get. That being said, at the core of my drive is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Book by Stephen Covey.

Website: https://rrmanagementinternational.com/about/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/annette-gray-mba-six-sigma-71a49a18

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnetteGraySpks/

Other: https://annettegrayspeaks.com/