Meet Shaunta D. Scroggins | Author, Leadership Researcher, & Idea Developer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaunta D. Scroggins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaunta D., how has your work-life balance changed over time?
In previous times, work life balance was only for me. It amounted to time, money, skill, and purpose management. I was responsible for changing the math on how much of my time, money, skill, and purpose I spent on or with whatever focus. Over time, my work life balance considerations increased to include my octogenarian parents. Learning to serve as an aide-caregiver adds dimension to life planning. Because the lives of others cannot be balanced into mine, I think, I look toward harmony. Where is the peaceful blend? Where is the boundary line for certain things? What will be my response to the unpredictability of some situations?

Harmony is the new balance for me. I find I am growing in accepting the fluctuations that lend toward harmony, be they subtle or loud and abrupt.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Center for Legacy Driven Leadership was born just before my final classes and dissertation defense. I have two aims: toxic leadership awareness and sharing the language of leadership through articles, podcast interviews, book reviews, and leader development workshops. This continues to be a challenging undertaking to shift thinking about toxic leadership behavior and toxicity where people have firm opinions. And where there are firm opinions, people look for confirmation most times, not a call to action requiring and address of the firm opinions to think differently. Overcoming means persistence, to keep sharing the language of leadership and publishing the varied connections between real life, current events, and leadership theory. The most valuable lesson is knowing where to anchor my business and service offerings. I know the high value of what I do for leader development and toxic leadership awareness. I want the world to know that opinion and experience are not the sum of one’s leadership soapbox. We must add the consideration of leadership language to best engage one’s leadership path in crafting an evolving leadership philosophy.

Spin Silk Consulting is a thought leadership company for visionaries who need help with the how of their process. Our motto is “How Ideas Evolve.” The three pillars for every client interaction are courage, clarity, and the creative way. Services range from vision outline consultations to editing and proofreading. Clients are challenged to bravely think about their processes. What are the minor tweaks necessary for major impact? The idea for Spin Silk was planted by a woman named Kathy. She was a trainer at The Pacific Institute and conducted an extended training at my former employer. At the end of the training, with our certificates of completion Kathy gave us properly designed and customized affirmations. A key phrase in my affirmation reads, “she spins silk out of every challenge.”

I am proudest of Spin Silk’s success with emerging voices. They share their visions, unsure where to begin, and at the end of our time together, we have a draft process to begin assessment work. Idea development is fulfilling when I see clients realize there is hope for their vision and there are options for implementation. I want the world to know that idea planning is a phase of development that needs attention. I like to say that Spin Silk is the step before strategic planning or marketing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think the DFW metroplex has much to offer that visitors may not experience at home. When friends come to visit, I like to learn what they do not have at home. Depending on the time of year, I recommend visiting the Dallas Arboretum, Northpark Mall, Biblical Arts Museum, a performance at the Winspear, and a walk around the Bishop Arts District, the Dallas Museum of Art, African American Museum, and the Klyde Warren Park if we can get there.

For the food, we usually visit Eataly, Dallas Grilled Cheese Co., The Free Man for the food and live music, Rodeo Goat at Rockwall, and Whiskey Cake. Friends and I also look for places I have not been and create a new memory together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My immediate family are the real MVPs! My parents, sister, and brother-in-love (BIL) are great cheerleaders. My parents seem to believe I can do anything and they put their faith behind me. They read my books, listen to me speak, and when inspired, offer wise suggestions. My sister and BIL are gifted technical thinkers who help me identify blind spots. They watch my videos, ask provocative questions, and help me tailor presentations. I am grateful for their contributions.

Instagram: @legacyleadershipcenter

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drscroggins/

Youtube: @legacyleadershipcenter

Image Credits
Terry Omar