Throughout her career, Shields has worked with many corporations for-profit and non-profit and currently serves as a mentor at Vanderbilt University’s Wond’ry Innovation Center. She has been privileged to work with various celebrities such as CeCe Winans, Darrell Green, Art Monk, Tony Boselli, and many others. “My work always includes a component that gives back which is a core value for me and has been a part of the work I do in the continent of Africa and the USA. I believe if you are a servant leader and give back you will succeed. I am a passionate leader that believes everyone should have an opportunity to succeed in whatever they are called to do and it is possible with the right training and support,” she says. She launched Yes Builds after holding many senior level positions and running several businesses, including consulting part-time for well over 15 years and decided it was time to do it full time. “I tell many entrepreneurs it’s okay to start small and build something that can be sustainable,” she says. Entrepreneurship is not easy but it is rewarding if you have a plan and resources to sustain the work during hard times. She admits there have been many times she wanted to quit and go back to working for someone, but would tell herself “If I can do it for them I can do it for me”. “When those times come you have to get creative and innovative and I have done just that with great collaborations and partnerships. I know those thoughts will continue to come and that’s when I reevaluate what we are doing and why and make changes where they’re needed. You have to keep it fresh and relevant and not get stuck doing things that are not working or bringing in revenue and great value to your clients and customers,” Shield says. As an entrepreneur, Shield loves the opportunities she has to make an impact on the next generation with her Youth Entrepreneurship Summit. The summit is hosted each summer, along with her Entrepreneurship Power Hour in middle and high schools. “I believe entrepreneurship is about finding solutions to problems and I love that I am able to play a role in helping my clients find solutions,” she said.
“My work always includes a component that gives back which is a core value for me and has been a part of the work I do in the continent of Africa and the USA. I believe if you are a servant leader and give back you will succeed.”
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HuamiMagazine.com
Nashville - Jan./Feb. 2018
As Shields continues to move forward, her focus remains with faith, family and friends. “Sometimes you don’t see how much you have accomplished until it’s shared by others. My faith in God continues to remind me that I am destined to win as I walk towards all that I was born to accomplish. I am inspired by the many women and men throughout history that have paved the way for me and how hard they pushed without giving up. That is why I don’t give up,” she says. “Never take small beginnings for granted. Every opportunity is leading you to the next open door. Always give 100 percent and remember things happen when you not only talk about your dreams and visions, but when you put action steps and a plan in place. Give more than expected, be a lifelong learner, give back, never stop believing in yourself, work hard, and always have a prayer strategy.”