Episode Summary
In this episode of QueerHustle, Michelle sits down with Carol McDonald, CEO of the social impact communications firm, Meridian Solutions. Carol is a seasoned activist, changemaker and communications professional with over 20 years of experience working in and for communities of color. Carol is also a multi-entrepreneur who runs a total of three highly successful businesses. Michelle and Carol discuss the challenges Carol had to overcome throughout her entrepreneurial journey, what queerness represents and how to strike the appropriate work-life balance.
What we covered
00:49 – Introducing today’s guest, Carol McDonald who speaks to their drive to be a multi-entrepreneur, their personal journey and how they prioritize their work
08:41 – How Carol operates with their staff and their thoughts on finding balance
13:30 – Carol shares their definition of queerness, sexuality, and what it means to bring your full self to the world
19:32 – Advice Carol would give to other aspiring entrepreneur and why Carol refuses to be apologetic for being successful
Tweetable Quotes
“I feel fortunate that I can think beyond barriers and just really embrace possibility.” (02:54) (Carol) Click To Tweet “Everybody thinks that their sense of urgency is unique…Somebody said a couple of weeks ago, ‘I’m not working at the pace of white supremacy anymore.’” (09:43) (Carol) Click To Tweet “What actually is the definition of queerness? Because, to me sure it’s about sexuality, but it’s also about challenging oppressive systems. To me, queerness is about challenging white supremacy, patriarchy and extractive capitalism. Those systems… Click To Tweet “Joy is futurism.” (18:08) (Carol) Click To Tweet “My purpose in becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t to be like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna start a business cause I want to make a ton of money.’ I wanted to do a thing in the world that I cared about.” (21:54) (Carol) Click To Tweet
Links Mentioned
Meridian Solutions Website – https://www.meridiansolutionsworldwide.com/
Meridian Solutions Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/solvedbymeridian/
Meridian Solutions Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SolvedbyMeridian/
Black Girl Basel Website – https://www.blackgirlbasel.com/
Carol’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-mcdonald-a3a69844/
Michelle’s Website – https://michellecoyle.com/podcast/
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