Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Boggan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It hasn’t been a straight path for me. I tried my hand at different business ventures over the years, but it wasn’t until I did some contract work with a British-based (now headquartered in Germany) yacht charter company back in 2012, that the door to global business opened for me. I worked out of their Clearwater office for about six months and acquired some additional skills to take my consulting efforts to the next level— internationally. Prior to that experience, I had some engagement with the international sector, but most of my projects/ business ventures were domestic.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth path. Acquiring new contracts was hard work, especially when I was starting out. There were times I accepted less pay than what I was worth, as well as did some pro bono work to build my portfolio. Over time, I built a solid list of clients and saw God reward my efforts with more contracts and opportunities to work with larger brands. It wasn’t easy, but it was part of my journey and I’m glad I stuck it out because it paid off!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a consultant, I assist companies on a wide range of projects. I primarily focus on marketing and business development. I also work for a large global brand and have held roles focused on marketing strategy, recruiting, and communications for the past five years. Additionally, I‘ve also contributed to several travel, lifestyle, and business media outlets. I’m known for ideation and my ability to connect the dots, which is a plus when developing new strategies. I enjoy contributing to meaningful projects and watching the impact they make across companies. There have been many special moments throughout my career, but one that comes to mind is when the director of the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway tweeted a special thank you to me for an article I wrote (published on Black Enterprise’s site) on my visit to the center, (I was there doing some marketing work for a hotel). What sets me apart is I operate from a strong faith foundation and I’m not afraid to push the envelope with willing companies to take their business to the next level. There is reward with risk. Smart, strategic risk that is.
What matters most to you?
Purpose and passion matter most to me. If I don’t fulfill the purpose for which I was created, then I’ve failed. I believe part of that calling is sharing my creative prowess and learnings with individuals and businesses. My goal is to leave situations better than I found them, and there is growth in that for me as well.
Credits: Tyler Jordan
Credits: Tomika Byrd
Image Credits
Candace Boggan
