Tell us a bit about yourself and your family
I am a law enforcement instructor, litigation expert, and TV analyst who will turn 55 this year. I am also a solo mom of four amazing young adults; two daughters, two sons, and a granddaughter. I share my age because I lost my mother at 49 to pancreatic cancer 25 years ago and spent many years thinking more about preparing my children for my absence than embracing every moment of my life. Being a parent has been my most challenging job but also rewarding. The on-the-job training as a mom has shown me that I can do anything.
I've been an advocate, educator, counselor, uber driver, athletic coach, mediator, crisis negotiator, doctor, and financial guru (somehow making ends meet that was so far apart they never touched, but we somehow survived). We have had an interesting journey that, at times, tested the boundaries of our relationship, strength, and endurance, but what never wavered was our faith, love, and commitment to one another. I now enjoy watching my young adults navigate their journeys, leaning upon the nuggets instilled within and knowing that I'm still their first call when things are uncertain.
As for me, it seems as though I spent the first half of my life personally taking care of my family and professionally lasered focused on saving the world and, at times dragging my children along with no regard for my own well-being and mental health. However, in 2021, while navigating the COVID crisis, I decided to shut things down and re-evaluate every aspect of my life. I stopped working and didn't take calls or engage in social media for almost seven months. I got quiet. I went from saving everyone else to searching to find myself. I had no idea how lost I was until then. I thought I was okay, brave, and doing a great job until I stopped lying to myself.
Going to therapy wasn't the issue. After all, I was not ashamed I didn't think I could stop because people depended on me. When I took down the mask that so many women wear, particularly women in business, I could see myself. I saw the scars, wounds, tears, fear, disappointment, and pain that I carried like a cape or some misguided badge of honor because I hustled for almost twenty years until it hurt. As a woman, I was tired; as Black Woman, I was more than burnt out and exhausted. I was terrified I could see myself, but I was afraid it might be too late to save myself. There was no therapist this time, and my close sister circle gave me the space I needed and checked on me through the kids.
During this time, I also learned the difference between my tribe and the people I knew. Those who knew me best didn't make my journey about them but about me and how I needed to go this leg alone. I went deep within, removed all distractions, and leaned on my faith. I checked my physical health and had two cancer scares at the beginning of 2022, but because of the work I had done on me, although I was apprehensive, I was ready for whatever battle was next. When I finally reemerged, I did so with clear boundaries, a clear vision, and a new attitude.
I AM the priority nothing or no one comes before me. I say yes to what I want and no to what I don't, I've disregarded traditions, and my work has evolved in such a way that things I once dreamed of are manifesting, and I can finally say that I'm living my best life and enjoying this part of the journey.
Have you had any formal training or family business?
Yes, I have formal training. EEO and sexual harassment training for the US Navy Federal Women Program. EMT classes, Princeton University, NJ. Criminal Justice Major, University of Alabama at Birmingham.
I am also a federally certified law enforcement instructor formerly with the US Department of Homeland Security, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. I completed the Domestic Violence Instructor Program. I received special permission and completed the Drug Task Force Supervisor School (DEA-Birmingham). The Hate and Bias Crimes Course, California State University at San Bernardino (both for sworn law enforcement only). And many other law enforcement certification and training courses to perfect my craft.
I am a fellow of the Community Health Leadership Program, Morehouse School of Medicine, Satcher Health Leadership Institution. DEI and human resource courses, University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Although I've had formal training, nothing prepared me more for the work I've done and continue to do throughout my life than hands-on experience, the mentorship of others, and the constant self-learning that I've done to teach, learn and test my capabilities.
I'm well-read, studied, and connect everything I've done personally and professionally. I've been called the Olivia Pope of Crimes and Master-Connector.
How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what was the process of turning that idea into a reality?
I have well over 38 years of professional experience. However, it all began in 2007 after attending a church service at Gardendale First Baptist Church where the Pastor preached a sermon on the book we were reading by John Ortberg, "If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat," I bought the book. After reading it, I knew it was time. I was terrified because I had no money and four young children, but I couldn't shake this yearning. I was doing things outside of work, but I knew I wanted and could do more, but only if I took the steps.
Growing up, my mother always told me I could do anything, and somehow I always did. So, I had a conversation with my children. My oldest daughter wanted to support me, but she was concerned because we were already struggling, and she was right. My three youngest were all in, but they were so young; I don't know if they understood, but they were game. We talked, we prayed, and I walked away from my full-time job.
Initially, N-Motion Consulting was the name of my company; however, I realized that my unique name was a great marketing strategy. People could and have stolen my ideas, content, and work, but the one thing they could never appropriate was my name. I also studied how Oprah Winfrey used her name to brand, market, and elevate everything she did. She puts her name or the "O" on everything and owns it all. So that's what I've done, and it's who I am. I don't redelivery other people's work or material. I partner and collaborate strategically, meaning I put a lot of thought into who I attach my name, brand, and work. I also require my name to be listed separately.
How have you grown as a leader since starting your company, and what have been some of the key lessons you've learned along the way?
My leadership growth has been a developing and humbling experience. As a Black Woman, I haven't had the same guidance and support as many of my counterparts. In the beginning, much of my work was about community advocacy and initiatives because I did not want to go in the direction of being a non-profit; I often felt overlooked and overloaded by everyone. For the most part, I had professional knowledge but not the benefit of other leaders to assist me in navigating the more traditional business setup for opportunities, funding, and support that did not involve being a not-for-profit. I always knew I wanted to provide professional services as a solo entrepreneur. That said, I've been very fortunate to be nurtured, supported and mentored largely by leaders who did not look like me but saw something in me that has played a huge role in my success.
Some of the critical lessons that I've learned along the way:
● There's ALWAYS more than one way to do things. Most often, people who claim to be enlightened and supportive are likely to tell you that you can't do something a particular way based on customs, norms, and practices. Business systems and industries are complex and designed with institutional traditions that often limit innovative thinking. Don't be afraid to step out and be different. You can always be first!
● Authentic leadership is seeing what others cannot see in themselves and others. It's about not getting stuck or being afraid to go ahead of the crowd to test the waters or go alone when necessary.
● Never stop dreaming, growing, or being afraid to walk on water because there's always something to learn, and even failure teaches us something.
● Your elevation can be tied to those you have access to, gain access to, and envision becoming. If you think small, you are likely to stay small. If you reach big, you are likely to get something more significant than what you have, but if you stop trying, you won't ever know.
● Trust your gut, and don't overshare your dreams. People might want you to do well, but some don't want you to do better than them.
Can you tell us about a time when you faced a major setback or failure in your business, and how you overcame it?
I don't know if it's been a significant setback as much as a consistent one. As a Black Woman, I've always had confidence in my capabilities, and for decades, I spent time accepting less ($$) in opportunities and contracts than I knew I deserved to make ends meet. It's been a constant prove myself, prove myself knowing that I have a unique lens, skillset, and experiences that others do not.
When I re-evaluated my life–personally and professionally–in 2021, I decided to start saying no! No matter who it was or what it was for it, my expertise is transactional based on my value and not the customer's need or request. I no longer negotiate or accept contracts or opportunities that are disrespectful. I am fine letting a seemingly good opportunity pass me by for a chance that deserves my attention while respecting what I bring.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals, especially during challenging times?
Despite the challenges and obstacles that have come my way, I have always been self-motivated, focused, and a visionary. I believe in myself, and my children are my biggest fans. They have watched me stay up working all night, reading, teaching myself new things, and, most of all, never giving up. Crafting my skill has been a real commitment. They've gone with me to classes out of town, knowing we barely had enough money, and now they are watching planted seeds, a steady grind, patience, and commitment bare fruit.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of running a business?
I've finally learned how to do this over the last few years. I take breaks. I take 2-year-old naps during the day when necessary–stretched out and mouth open. I say no to work and yes to me. I also spend time with family and friends and am learning to enjoy my time. I also make sure others respect my boundaries.
I run the business; the business no longer runs me.
What are your plans for the future of your business, and how do you see yourself evolving as a founder and leader?
My plans involve more consulting and strategic partnerships. Now that we have normalized safety precautions with COVID and other public health issues, I plan to actively seek in-person opportunities and engagements that elevate my global presence, expertise, and relationships.
I knew that I wanted to be an on-air TV expert. Although I had a fair share of interviews for local, national and global media outlets, I wanted to do more. In January 2023, an unexpected door opened when a producer found me through my online presence and reached out. Since then, I have become a recurring expert weighing in on the most high-profile cases in the country, appearing on The Law and Crime Network, Crime Door TV, and several appearances on Scripps News. I will begin another show in the upcoming weeks. I love this part of my journey because it's something I've always wanted to do.
I also want to navigate behind the scenes working on films, movies, and documentaries. Lastly, I want to complete and release the many of my books I've started and speak at more academic institutions, corporations, and events. I've always been "the outlier and outliner," the one no one saw coming or expected, I don't fit in a box, but I've always been good at showing people how everything is connected.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Make a mental note of everything you do, everything that happens to you, the people you meet, and the places you go. Compartmentalize it and then use it all to design the life you want, and don't let it define your current life.
What's the most unconventional thing you've done to grow your business, and what was the result?
Everything I've done has been unconventional, from not going the conventional route with business start-ups to not being boxed into one area of work. My marketing strategy is to do and put out what matters without staying in a box or category.
I have not allowed other people to define who I was and whether I could or could not do something based on formal education or some set of skill others that I needed to have. The results are the manifestation of the woman in business you see now. Transparent, unboxed, unbossed and unbought. I'm doing everything people said I could not do or tried to stop me from doing. I am proving all of them wrong!
What's the most important lesson you've learned from a failure, and how have you applied it to your business?
Every failure teaches you something worth remembering, from how to do it better and get it right to recognize the people who are there to help and the ones sent to harm. Although it may hurt, never let your failures be a sign of embarrassment but rather embrace them as a reminder that you tried. I've come up with ideas that didn't work, written books that I've never published, and learned to hold my head up after falling with everyone watching. There were times when I failed to keep my commitment to myself. Sometimes failure is about timing. When it's the right time, all will be well; if it doesn't happen, it wasn't supposed to.
What's the most meaningful compliment or feedback you've ever received from a customer, and why did it resonate with you?
Someone I have worked with who was familiar with my skillset connected me with a client when I was introduced to the team. She was reading my bio; she said, "I could go on and on but let me just say once you get to know her, you will find that Sunny is a whole experience." Those words resonated so profoundly, as that tends to be the case. I am confident but humble. People never forget who I am. I believe in building relationships and treating everyone with respect. And then there's the name. It always gets attention, and because of my work, people always want to know if it’s my real name.
If you had to choose one thing that makes your company truly unique and sets it apart from the competition, what would it be, and why?
ME. I'm the one thing that makes my company unique.
I have acquired a unique and eclectic set of professional skills intersecting. I do my best to connect intentionally with others hoping I can make a difference because people are going through a lot. I've used everything, and I mean everything, I've ever been involved with, touched, learned, experienced, and exposed to. I’ve created my lane, and I own it.
I also never think of others as competition because no one does what I do, and I don't compete with others I lead, admire, or ignore. I'm just doing my thing my way.
Find Sunny Slaughter on Social Media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnyslaughter/
https://twitter.com/Sunny_Slaughter
https://www.facebook.com/sunnyslaughterconsulting/
https://www.instagram.com/iamthesunnyslaughter/
https://www.tiktok.com/@iamthesunnyslaughter?lang=en
Hope you enjoyed reading Sunny Slaughter’s story!
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