We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaniqua Rischer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shaniqua, how do you think about risk?
I am a risk-taker, and I always bet on myself (plus God). I have lived life with a nothing ventured; nothing gained mentality. This mentality allowed me to step out of traditional roles more often than others throughout my career. My ability to take calculated risks and assess situations, both realistically and optimistically, is the reason I am an Entrepreneur.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Rischer Consulting is a full-service consulting firm providing services to businesses, nonprofit, and government entities. We specialize in education, workforce development, leadership development and coaching, and grant writing. With over 15 years’ experience in the public and private sector, Rischer Consulting is built upon integrity and execution. We use a collaborative approach that is personalized and unique to the individual and the organization. What sets us apart: • Our People • Performance-Based Processes • Client Relationship Management • Spirit of Innovation • Grit and Tenacity – We Will Get It Done I have an extensive background working with small to midsize organizations in both the public and private sectors with an emphasis on education and workforce development. Concurrently, I worked in grant writing and development for over twenty years. During my professional tenures, I served as a Volunteer Manager, Community Relations and Development Director, and a Grant Manager. Additionally, I have served as a federal grant reviewer several times. My experiences led to the natural path of starting my own business. Within the past year, we published online courses for grant writing geared towards small to midsize organizations. Our courses demystify grant writing in a way others can learn how to find funders and write award-winning proposals affordably. We also expanded services to include executive coaching and training with a couple of government contracts. Additionally, we now have clients in Los Angeles and Omaha, as well as the D/FW Metroplex. Business-wise, it has been an interesting journey and not easy. I have had days where I worried about client acquisition, paying bills, and paying contractors because someone was late paying me, as well as figuring out how to wear all hats in the business, and doing multiple things for multiple clients. Those days led to a few moments of doubt, but it has always worked out. Each time, something greater happens than anticipated. Also, I simply do not know how to quit. A former boss of mine called it “grit.” He made a little sign saying that is what he saw most in me. I tend to agree and have the sign to this day. One of the most significant lessons I learned along the way is every step is connected and builds upon a previous step and skill set acquired. Also, relationships matter. My professional relationships often turn into personal relationships because of my work ethic, integrity, dedication to excellence, and caring nature. These relationships have opened doors for me countless times. I also learned what balance looks like for me. It was a hard but necessary lesson for my spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. I am excited about the possibility of constructive social justice and transformation right now. It has been a challenging year for us all. Both the global pandemic from COVID and the global epidemic of racism has created a unique and challenging climate that has revealed several disparities. I am excited about it, however, because now is the time to actually do the work and tear down systems that have been in place for far too long. And more than that, people are willing to have the uncomfortable conversations to hear what others are saying. This awakening is translating into every level of society, including both the nonprofit and business sectors. I am seeing more clients needing executive coaching, seeking ways to diversify their business model, and increased funding available for both workforce development and social justice. One thing I want people to know about our business is that we care about your business. Your success is built into the vision of our company. And, we will get it done in excellence and with integrity. On a personal note, I would be remiss if I did not mention the upcoming release of my third book, “The Boy Who Would Be King: 7 Lessons from the Life of David.” Look for it late summer/early fall.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
First, I cannot believe I am telling you all this. I like keeping my spots to myself. But, businesses can only thrive if people know about them. So lean in. Let me whisper this to you. For a beautiful dinner and the BEST dessert in town, I take my friends to Parigi’s. The dessert, the half-and-half, is fantastic. It is a half peach cobbler and half molten chocolate cake. You cannot go wrong with dinner there. Next, I love Thai food. And I probably have eaten at every Thai place in Dallas County and some of Collin County too. No exaggeration. But, I finally found my spot in North Dallas. During quarantine, I had an appointment, and since I was out, I picked up to go from them – contactless. They are that good. It is called Saibadee. Get the level 4 of hotness if you like your tongue on fire, but still want to eat. Thank me later. And although I have not been in years, I would most definitely take a new visitor to R.L.’s Blues Palace in Sunny South Dallas. Seriously, some of the best nights of my life were there. Fun is an understatement, but you cannot be pretentious when you go. Just go with the flow. Lastly, Dallas is simply great for patio living. All over the city and Metroplex, you can find great patios. So you do not have to go too far to pull up a chair, have the sun on your back, and sip.
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?
My faith is the foundation for my success. It has sustained me in all aspects and at all times. Next, my success, and shout out, is to a group of women, all friends, who remain in my corner and root for my success. From my best friends, Tamara and Chenay, to my sister-friends Nissa, Christina, Kerri, Kacey, Erika, Cheryl, and MANY more. Each of these women has personally stepped to the plate to lend a hand with their professional expertise. From proofreading, creating budgets, creating take-a-way documents for my webinars, or teaching a course for me, they are the secret weapons to my success and make me look good. I am only as amazing as this amazing circle of women. I know more than a little bit about a lot because of my circle of friends that I can call on at a moment’s notice.
Website: www.rischerconsulting.com
Instagram:Â @Rischer_Consulting
Linkedin:Â linkedin.com/in/srischer
Twitter:Â @shaniquarischer
Facebook:Â facebooks.com/rischerconsulting
Other:Â Linked IN: linkedin.com/in/srischer IG: @shaniquarischer www.shaniquarischer.com
Image Credits
Cover Photo: Delores Spurlock
