Tanaya Walters

If you maintain organization in everything you do in life, family and work, then it makes for ease in being able to help others.

 

Tanaya Walters, Ed.D is the CEO of TW Enterprise Group, LLC and an emotional intelligence specialist. Her business focuses on helping both individuals and organizations improve their emotional social capital to maximize their performance and impact results. Before starting her entrepreneurial journey, Tanaya worked in higher education for more than twenty years. During that time, she helped enhance the student experience, improved organizational efficiencies and positively impacted student retention outcomes at colleges and universities. Her experiences span the fields of organizational development, change management, strategic planning, performance management, consulting, training, coaching and facilitation.

Dr. Walters attended Benedictine University, where she earned her Doctorate of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change. At Johnson & Wales University, Tanaya Walters earned her Master of Science in Managerial Technology and her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Tanaya also has a coaching certification in EQ-i 2.0 and EQ-i 360. As a frequent guest lecturer, she has shared her knowledge on a variety of topics, including leadership development; personal and professional organization; first-generation college student support; college advising and transition support for students and parents; and college student development.

Outside of her work in coaching and consulting, Tanaya spends free time volunteering for several local causes to help benefit her community. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Tanaya has held Board Member positions for Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture located in Charlotte and the Greater Charlotte YMCA. Tanaya is also passionate about mentoring young adults and helping them to graduate college. Most recently, Tanaya volunteered as an image consultant and guest lecturer for Dress for Success. Tanaya Walters is a graduate of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute and Leadership Charlotte. She has also received a number of certificates from the Center for Creative Leadership.

Where did the idea for TW Enterprise Group come from?

Reflecting back on my years in high school, my first kidpreneur business was a mobile food business where I sold homemade desserts and other snacks. This was done out of fun and to generate funds to support extracurricular activities. The next business opportunity came as a means to fund my college education when my mother and I started a catering business. From these experiences, it felt like entrepreneurship had always been ingrained in my DNA. Thus, starting my own business through the formation of TW Enterprise Group, LLC came after finishing my doctoral degree. My research on emotional intelligence, which translates to life skills prompted my interest in wanting to help people through coaching and consulting. Whether it be through feeding the mind or feeding the body, entrepreneurship remains a strong interest of mine.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My typical day starts at 6am and goes up until 9pm or so. It fluctuates and depends how many clients I have to see, speaking engagements, or community events. I typically use my calendar to log and keep track of my schedule so that I remain productive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Usually, I research the topic and read a couple of books to generate ideas. Once an idea has come to mind, I draft an outline to use as a guide to further develop the ideas and bring it to life.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The birth of AI, artificial intelligence. Using computers to study and master human behavior is fascinating to me.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Remaining focused-driven and being present in the moment when dealing with multiple projects on which I am working.

What advice would you give your younger self?

The advice I would give to my younger self is to have been more adventurous earlier in your career and placed entrepreneurship at the forefront of my career endeavors.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That everybody can improve their emotional intelligence to live a healthy and balanced life.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Remaining organized. Organization is something that keeps me level. If you maintain organization in everything you do in life, family and work, then it makes for ease in being able to help others.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Share your talents and gifts and the money will follow. I try to volunteer as often as possible to help people grow in their awareness of emotional intelligence and whatever aspirations they may have.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

As an entrepreneur, it is often stated that every business concept that is launched runs the risk of not working. Determination and persistence to push forward until the new idea works is what keeps me going.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Use your talents and skills to invest in yourself. For example, if you are great at organizing or enjoy helping people with decluttering, start a personal organization business.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I recently spent $100 on professional development. Lifelong learning and the opportunity for personal and professional growth is paramount. It is necessary for continued growth.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

My go to piece of software is Microsoft Word. I use Word to produce many of my business forms and documents.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

The Bible. For a great source of everyday applications of life.

What is your favorite quote?

“You succeed by failing, learning and doing again. The formula is simple, the execution is the challenge.”

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