Dr. TaKesha Jones James, PhD

I attribute my success to being obedient to voice of God and the aligned direction of service. For many years I was unclear of my woman-identity and what I had to offer in this journey which led me to creating a version of myself that had me feeling like I was going in circles, going nowhere. As women, we have expectations on us to DO but no expectations on us to just BE! Once I accepted my womanhood for the uniqueness that it offered, even to me, I began to appreciate the impact of what that uniqueness would offer to others. As a person with a servant heart, I lead by placing myself in the position of the client or the person with the need. This guides my communication style, approach to resolution, and ensuring the connection is viewed as a partnership to success. At the core of success is authenticity with right resources to help it grow. There is no person or initiative that cannot experience the necessary change for the better.

It was not so much career advice as it was a statement of assurance. I had been told this at several points in my adult life, from different sources but it was the last time I heard it several years ago that my being believed. "TaKesha, why are you here? You can write your own ticket!" This affirmed that the greatness I held just being TaKesha, was being hidden under the table. This was due both to the societal/organizational barriers as well as a self-inflicted mindset that minimized my own gifts. I was finally able to digest that minimalizing worth is a killer of identity.

This is advice for young women and rising women (girls/adolescents) in any industry. Take note of the activities and causes that give you butterflies in your stomach no matter how often you see it or take part in it. Take note of the concepts and ideas that keep you curious. Take note of your recurring dreams that just will not let you have peace until you have access. Write this information down as the starting point of your destiny. You are realizing the passion that drives your identity. Do not waver from this. Do not allow parenting, traditions, misogyny, or self-doubt sway you away from your woman-identity and the benefits of how you were created to execute that. Be firm in your personality and voice and never cower to be accepted. Across all industries, continue to demonstrate a consistency in presentation, while striving for continual academic elevation to take the reigns as the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). It is not a matter of if you can, it is a matter of when you are ready!

The biggest challenge in the field is also the biggest opportunity which is the misunderstanding of the Industrial and Organizational Psychology industry. The lack of knowledge affects: 1) knowing whether to hire our psychologists, 2) proper utilization of the generated knowledge base, and 3) understanding how the knowledge base supports organizational goals. There is a general fear of the unknown that can paralyze the forward movement of utilizing I/O Psychologists. However, it is important to know that Human Resource Management was birthed from knowledge generated from I/O Psychology. It is the research and assessments of I/O Psychologists that provide the statistical data that drives organizational change and provides strategies of resolution and advancement.

I value emotional and mental self-care. Taking the time to reflect and feel in an environment that is psychologically safe is a true companion of any leader. Physical health is also important; however, unattended emotional and mental health causes additional strain to our physical being. It is always better to address the reason for dying roots of the tree than to put all focus on the falling twigs.

I value privacy. Many are comfortable with the cross functionality of work and personal life from the perspective of overlap of bringing work home and relationships. My preference is to keep that separate and not allow my worlds to collide. Both realms will have their joys and sorrows and not always at the same time. I believe there should be a healthy balance of both without overlapping to ensure the ability to create spaces where each can receive 100% attention.

I value honesty. Where there is honesty there is the respect to know what I am dealing with at any given time. Situations are much harder when you cannot depend on someone's words or actions. Where there is no honesty peace is stripped.

I value environments of laughter. This was a gift given by my family in my upbringing. Environments that lack laughter are extremely tense, can lack a sense of humanity, diversity, inclusion, and are robotic in nature. Laughter is a gift and a release. It is like the ability to cry but it brings more joy.