Suzzette Turnbull | Social Media Management Specialist & PhD Candidate, Social Media & Technology

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

Hi Suzzette, let’s start with a hypothetical. What advice would you give to someone facing insurmountable odds?
During this COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been challenged in different ways. This is one of those seasons where I believe we have been tasked with applying the wisdom from our past experiences. Personally, I have been challenged with balancing double the workload and intensity, social isolation, being single during a global crisis, and managing my mental health. It has not been easy, but I firmly believe that we are equipped with the things we need to overcome any situation we face. It does, however, require that we dig deep into our toolkit. So, I would like to share a few things that have helped me through. First, my faith has been priceless. Knowing that God has my back has been a constant reminder that I will get through this. Regardless of your religious/spiritual beliefs, it is important to believe in something bigger than yourself. Persistent prayer and leaning on the word of God has given me great relief. Second, regardless of the situation, tackle it one step at a time. I’m reminded of this question, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Situations feel more manageable when they are broken down into steps. Third, while many of us have busy schedules, managing our mental health is not an option; it is a necessity. Find a “healthy” outlet that brings you comfort and relief. Keep in mind that your outlet may change depending on the season that you are in. For me, a “technology-free” brisk 30-minute walk throughout the week has given me renewed energy and peace of mind during this time. Fourth, remember that there is a solution to every problem. You are more likely to discover that solution when you are emotionally balanced. If you’re having a moment, give yourself permission to have that moment and feel the emotions that accompany that situation. You are human and you need that release. When you are past that :), step into a creative, problem-solving space and figure out which resources (i.e. people, money, websites, etc.) will help you to resolve whatever you are facing. YOU have the creativity to solve that problem. While this list is not intended to be comprehensive, these are all fundamental things that can be applied to any crisis or season of insurmountable odds you may be facing. Remember that every situation you face is intended to make you better; situations ARE NOT intended to destroy you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Critical to my brand and story is perseverance. Over a 10-year period, I built my brand as a social media management specialist leading a successful business that worked with reputable clients, such as Recording Artist JAVEN, former NFL player Terrell Fletcher, mega-ministries such as The Faith Center and Henry Fernandez Ministries and a multi-million dollar beauty and accessory brand, Traci Lynn, Inc. Over the last five years, however, I have been pursuing my doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Development with a specialization in Social Media and Technology. I have enjoyed the journey but it has been a true test on many levels. The expectations to deliver during the program persist regardless of the things that take place in life. One of those things was helping to care for my mom during her last year of life and working hard to work through the grief of losing her. I am very close to the finish line but I am reminded that this is a marathon that requires significant sacrifice to complete the journey. Perseverance is required to truly stay the course and achieve monumental goals.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my A-Team: Keisha Turnbull, Millie Phaeton, Phil Lake, Samantha Gourzong. A strong support team is one of the important keys to my success.