Meet Dr. Joy Gray | Author, Public Speaker, Spiritual Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Joy Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Joy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
From the start, I decided to grow my business like a tree – not a weed that would grow fast and get pulled up because it is annoying. Trees take time to grow. Trees take time to season. Trees take time. Yes, there are a lot of “get rich fast” ideas – and maybe some of them work. I would not know because I have never tried one. But a strong business that is successful needs the support to grow through the season and the business cycle. How to grow your brand like a Tree? 1) Trees grow over time – growth through the business cycle. 2) Trees need to be planted in an environment that is conducive to its growth over the long run – targeted audience. 3) Trees grow tall – do not minimize your authenticity even if those around you aren’t growing as tall… be authentic and true to yourself. 4) Trees strengthen due to the harsh winds – when your business is getting challenged, let those challenges make you stronger. 5) Trees provide shelter for others – be great as you can be so that you can assist others. I planted my “business tree” in an environment that is conducive to its growth over the long run. In clear English, target my audience and I make it easy for them to connect with me if and when they seek me out. I do not push my brand onto anyone who is not interested – I never was good and pushy sales. I advertise in places that would hold my largest target audience. There are many types of plants. Some grow low to the ground, and some rise to the sky. Do not look for others to give you permission to be yourself and your greatness. Give yourself permission to be the greatness that only you can be. You, my dear, might be groundbreaking. Additionally, it is good to benchmark; however, do not measure yourself against others – measure yourself against yourself. This will assist when you are in a competitive environment – it will allow you to keep your head cool and not be sharp with your allies. Prepare your brand for scrutiny – and do not take it too personally. Take the feedback and become stronger. I like to say that the larger a brand gets… the more haters it may have. So, take people’s opinions with a grain of salt. Sometimes it will bring you an awareness that you may have missed. Sometimes just toss it out if it is not healthy feedback. Allow the harsh winds to strengthen you and to become gracious. Trees provide shelter for others. When my business grows it does not only grow for me, it grows for those around me and those who I serve. Giving back is an extremely rewarding experience and keeps the ego from getting too cattywampus. At times, I tell myself that the more authentic I am, the stronger that I become, the bigger my brand grows… this is done so that I can be an inspiration for others to be their authentic greatness. I am sure that there are more examples of the “tree-like business model. What can you think of? When you are stressed or banging your head against the wall, I invite you to go sit under a tree and think about the wisdom of the tree. Apply these to your business model and we can all grow together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Here is my website www.granddaughtercrow.com. I got to where I am today because I allowed myself to be my authenticity. It took a lifetime of lessons to bring me to this point. So, don’t fear the lessons, embrace them. I have learned to approach the day with a curious mind and an open heart – your day may surprise you. My mission statement is: I am here to inspire, to encourage, and to empower others to be their authenticity. “Be the Greatness that only you can be!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them up to the mountains.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this Shoutout to the natural world. If is my greatest teacher. Book Wisdom of the Natural World by Granddaughter Crow.

Website: www.granddaughtercrow.com

Instagram: @granddaughtercrow

Linkedin: Dr. Joy Gray

Twitter: @Grnddghtr_Crow

Facebook: Granddaughter Crow

Youtube: Granddaughter Crow

Image Credits
Tra Urban – http://www.returntoselfsanctuary.com/