From The Mississippi Delta To The World Stage – Exclusive Interview With Dr. Veronica Powell
- Brainz Magazine
- Nov 15, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 1, 2024
Dr. Veronica Powell's journey is a symphony of contrasts and perseverance, a narrative that resonates with the resounding clarity of a bell. Born in the Mississippi Delta, she navigated a childhood shadowed by the haunting legacies of the Emmett Till tragedy and domestic violence. Her life, a tapestry of struggles against perfectionism, anxiety, and the pursuit of self-identity, is a tale that twists through the dark corridors of fear and emerges into the light of self-discovery through Life Languages™ and empowerment. As the 'Communication Doctor’, Dr. P’s story, as she is lovingly called by many of her clients, is not just one of personal triumph; it is a clarion call to those seeking to find their own voice amidst life's tumultuous journey.
Dr. Veronica Powell, Measures4Success, LLC
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Well, hello there! I'm Dr. Veronica Powell, a small-town lady with big dreams that took flight from the humble beginnings of growing up in the Mississippi Delta in a town called Philipp. Picture this: a town so small, we knew each other's business before it even happened! No stoplights, but a whole lot of heart. And location wise, Phillipp is one town over from Money, MS, which became known as ground zero from the series of events that led to the killing of Emmit Till in 1955.
Growing up in a large close-knit family where each of my grandmothers had more than a dozen children. I saw firsthand the challenges associated with poverty and educational barriers, as depicted in the documentary "LaLee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton." Yet, my upbringing in a family of land and business owners instilled in me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the transformative power of education to rise above adversity.
My education was my passport out of poverty. I soared through high school, graduating with honors from West Tallahatchie High School in 1987, and immediately started my college career at Alcorn State University. There was no summer break for me between high school and college. I now see this was my escape from home life.
In 1993, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in psychology (all while giving birth to my second child). I completed a master’s degree in counseling education in 1997 and later divorced my first husband in 2001. I eventually earned a Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology in 2009. Although I earned my advanced degrees, life wasn't just academic accolades; it was a rollercoaster of experiences.
As the eldest of three children (two brothers) born to my parents, we witnessed our parents' tumultuous relationship of domestic violence. They married and divorced each other twice. Our household was complex in that our father was a disabled Vietnam Marine Corp Veteran with diagnoses of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Bipolar I along with substance use disorders. He lived with the demons of war and drug abuse all his adult life and was the inspiration for me pursuing my degree in psychology. Sadly, my dad passed away from cancer in 2001. Through it all, I learned the art of survival, the grace of resilience, and the power of communication.
Today, my life is enriched by my beautiful and bustling family. As a grandmother to eight wonderful grandchildren and a mother to two biological and four bonus adult children, I find joy and grounding in the love and laughter we share. My 22-year journey in marriage with my second husband has been another cornerstone of my life, teaching me invaluable lessons about love, commitment, and the delicate balance of personal and professional life. It is this deep-rooted love for my family and close friends that keeps me grounded and drives me forward. Each chapter of my life has contributed to who I am today – a woman deeply connected to her roots, yet ever-reaching towards new heights.
What is your business name and how do you help your clients?
Established in 2006 and headquartered in Washington, DC , Measures4Success, LLC is my brainchild, a culmination of my life's learnings and professional expertise. Here, I blend my skills as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Trauma and Substance Abuse Professional, Industrial Organizational Psychologist, and Life Languages™ Communication Coach to guide individuals, professionals, and organizations. I delve into the depths of personal traumas, untangling the complex web of emotions, and in the corporate world, I help enhance workplace dynamics. My mission? To arm people with the ability to communicate with clarity and empathy, making their personal and professional lives not just manageable but meaningful.
What kind of audience do you target your business towards?
My clients, whom I lovingly call 'The Working Well,' are those balancing the tightrope walk between their personal and professional lives. They come from diverse backgrounds, each grappling with their unique challenges. Additionally, I collaborate with forward-thinking organizations keen on nurturing a healthy, communicative, and supportive workplace. Whether it's a one-on-one session or a corporate workshop, the goal remains the same – to foster understanding, resilience, and efficiency.
What are your current goals for your business?
My vision for Measures4Success is bold and ambitious. I see it transforming into a multi-million-dollar entity, a beacon in the realms of communication coaching and training. I'm focused on revolutionizing telehealth and Human Resources through Life Languages™, developing my virtual reality skills to stay ahead in the AI wave, and expanding my influence both nationally and internationally. The aim is not just growth, but transformative growth that touches lives and changes narratives.
What would you like to achieve for yourself and your business in the future?
The future holds boundless opportunities, and my aspirations for both myself and Measures4Success are soaring high! I'm eagerly anticipating the launch of my first book on communication, focusing on the nuances of 'Dirty Fighting,' set to debut in the spring of 2024. This book will mark the beginning of a series that aims to transform how we perceive and engage in communication.
Simultaneously, my goal is to elevate Measures4Success into a leading communications coaching and training hub. By integrating Kendall's Life Languages™, we aim to bring a revolutionary change in the way individuals and organizations communicate, moving beyond traditional therapy and coaching to embrace a more instructional and transformative approach to communication.
Additionally, an integral part of my vision is to elevate Measures4Success's role in personal and professional development. I aim to become a recognized Continuing Education Provider for esteemed organizations such as the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). Additionally, achieving status as an Approved Provider for the Human Resources Standards Institute (HRCI) would mark a significant milestone in providing continuing education for Human Resource Professionals. This expansion would not only amplify our reach but also enhance our credibility while actively shaping the competencies of counselors, psychologists, social workers, addiction professionals, and human resource experts alike.
Through these endeavors, Measures4Success is poised to become not just a name in the field but a beacon of excellence and innovation in communication training, personal and professional development.
Who inspires you to be the best that you can be?
My mother, a fortress of strength and sacrifice, is my eternal inspiration. Her resilience in the face of life's storms has been my guiding light. My husband, too, plays a pivotal role – our marital journey, with its highs and lows, has been a profound learning experience. And then there's my childhood friend, my business muse, who encourages me to dream beyond the conventional, to envision a legacy not just of self-employment but of impactful entrepreneurship.
What is your work inspired by?
My work is a reflection of over 50 years of life's kaleidoscope – the joys, the pains, the victories, and the setbacks. From a yearning for something beyond my rural roots, through the upheavals of marriage, divorce, single parenthood, and remarriage to the pinnacle of academic and professional achievement, my journey has been fueled by faith, grace, gratitude, and an unwavering support system. Each step has been a building block in my quest to understand, heal, and empower through communication.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
One of my most remarkable career achievements is my discovery and integration of Kendall's Life Languages™ into my practice. This breakthrough, akin to uncovering a universal key to human interaction, has profoundly transformed both my personal insights and professional methodologies in communication. Kendall's Life Languages™, devised by Fred and Anna Kendall, offers a nuanced understanding of human communication that transcends mere words, delving into the complex interplay of actions, feelings, and thoughts.
Explaining Kendall's Life Languages™:
Kendall's Life Languages™ Communication System is a groundbreaking approach to understanding and improving communication, conceptualized by Fred and Anna Kendall. It categorizes the ways people communicate into three primary categories - Action, Feeling, and Thinking - each encompassing distinct 'Languages™' that reflect different communication styles and preferences.
Categories and Languages:
a. Action (Mover, Doer): Emphasizing directness and efficiency.
b. Feeling (Influencer, Responder): Focused on emotional connections and responses.
c. Thinking (Shaper, Producer, Contemplator): Centered around logic, structure, and deep analysis.
Embracing Kendall's Life Languages™ has been a game-changer for me. It has not only enriched my ability to communicate more effectively and has also allowed me to connect with others on a much deeper level. Understanding these languages has given me the tools to recognize and appreciate the diverse ways people express themselves and interact with the world around them. This knowledge is a cornerstone of my practice as the 'Communication Doctor,' enabling me to facilitate more meaningful and impactful connections in both personal and professional spheres.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a pivotal altercation with my daughter changed my life's trajectory. This confrontation, more than a mere dispute, catalyzed a profound transformation, leading me to discover Life Languages™. This discovery was not just a tool for personal growth but a critical component of my professional evolution as a more effective and empathetic communicator. I learned the true essence of communication: it's less about the words spoken and more about fostering understanding and building connections.
My journey, from the Mississippi Delta to international business, has been a saga of resilience and continuous learning, shaping my holistic approach to counseling, coaching, and training. Each life experience, be it joyful or challenging, has enriched my narrative, enabling me to empathize deeply with my clients. I share my story not just as a personal triumph but as evidence of communication's transformative power.
As the 'Communication Doctor,' my goal transcends traditional therapy. I'm committed to initiating change, starting with individuals, and extending to families, communities, and organizations. I focus on empowering people to express themselves and understand others, fostering a world where every voice matters, and every interaction bridge gaps.
Looking forward, I'm optimistic about the future. My journey with Measures4Success is expanding into new areas, including authorship and digital platforms, grounded in my core values of empathy, resilience, and belief in the healing power of communication. I envision a future where effective communication brings healing and unity, transforming not just individuals but society as a whole.
Ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and enhanced communication? I invite you to take the first step with the Free Life Languages™ Mini Profile. Discover your 1st Primary Language and begin to unravel the unique ways you connect and interact with the world around you. This insight can empower you to communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease. Don't wait to unlock the secrets of your communication style—take the free profile today and start the transformation!
Thank you, dear readers, for joining us. Your support fuels our mission to cultivate effective communicators for humanity and global peace. Together, let's continue fostering understanding and harmony in our shared journey.
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