We’ve Launched A Series of Consultant Profiles! In this post, we feature Foluke Houston-Gaddis.
Finding a consultant can be a stressful experience. How do you find the right fit for your organization? How do you know that they’re qualified? That’s why Momentum Nonprofit Partners launched our consultant directory in 2017 and have linked hundreds of nonprofits to qualified consultants in Memphis and across the country.
We want you to get to know our consultants better, and we’re launching a new series of blog posts to feature some of our most talented consultants. Below is more information about Foluke Houston-Gaddis, one of the consultants listed in our consultant directory. Foluke is the founder of P3 Human Capital Solutions. Be sure to check out our consultant directory for more of the best consultants around!
What led you to become a consultant?
I am a problem-solver, and as my leadership journey progressed over the years, I saw a need for pragmatic, innovative, problem-solving within organizations. My consulting services are also a product of my purpose and passion. Knowing the importance of operating in both, P3 was founded.
Tell us about your previous experience working in the nonprofit sector.
I have partnered with various nonprofits to develop and facilitate training for staff and volunteers in the areas of diversity/inclusion/belonging, HR strategy development, culture, and talent acquisition and management.
What services are your specialty?
P3 offers services to individual clients and organizations. For individual clients, specialty services include: resume development and enhancement, LinkedIn profile optimization, and career search and offer negotiation services. Organizational services include: strategy development within diversity, inclusion, and belonging and talent acquisition and management & training development and facilitation in those same areas.
Tell us about any formal education, certifications, etc. that you may have.
I have earned my Masters of Science in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I am also a Certified Diversity Professional, Professional Recruiter and a Certified Mediator, with 20 years of experience within Human Resources, including key roles within the Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Inclusion, and Employee & Labor Relations spaces.
Tell us a success story about your work with a nonprofit in Memphis.
Recently, I worked with the national arm of a nonprofit, providing strategic support to formulate and implement successful D&I initiatives. The goal of this partnership was to development initiatives, ensuring organizational culture change to achieve excellence in employee engagement and business performance. Sounds great, right? As I was wrapping up the assessment portion, the subjective and objective insights allowed me and the client to really see what some of the root-cause issues were. I love when this happens because too often, we treat the "symptoms" or behaviors and acts, while not eliminating the "root-cause" or why/what is creating the toxic environment or culture. After identifying a plan to address both, in my monthly touchpoints with the client, employee engagement and the culture began to shift in a positive direction. And that is a great win!!
What would you say are the biggest challenges your clients face, and how do you help them solve those challenges?
One of the biggest challenges is identifying the root cause or "problem" to certain issues and then developing a strategy or approach to address and/or eliminate the root cause. My clients are wonderful people and organizations, but t is often difficult to acknowledge that the culture or a strategy is not working, and that is where I come in. Guided by our five guiding principals, I create a comfortable and authentic environment where we have honest conversations around issues and how to solve them. I also create an environment where two-way feedback is welcome and expected so we can both ensure that the needs of the client are met. I understand where I can improve as well. I may be an expert, but I never stop learning and improving.
If you could change one thing about the nonprofit sector in Memphis, what would it be?
The access to resources, which is why I am a fan of Momentum. Nonprofits need access to information and training that can propel them to sustainable success and great impact.
Who are three outstanding nonprofit leaders that are superstars in your eyes?
Wow! For sure Dr. Shmeka Gibson, Founder of Innate Success. Shmeka saw a need to help propel current and aspiring business owners to the next level, by leading them through the process of ensuring their entrepreneurial foundation is set up for success. While Innate Success provides various services, the Business Mentoring Program ensures that business-owners walk away with a self-motivated attitude and mentality that drives you to fulfill your potential and purpose.
Second is Crystal Clark Chatman - Founder of Beautiful Spirited Woman, which is a girls mentoring non-profit. Crystal's story is inspiring and the non-profit is one of a kind with the programming and resources it provides to young girls. They uplift them to be confident and successful.
Lastly is Candace Haggans, Director of Student Services for REACH Memphis. I met Candace 2 years ago when I began mentoring with REACH, and she has a heart for service. The way she pours into the young student is awesome to witness and it inspires me and others to do the same.
If someone were an aspiring consultant, what three pieces of advice would you give them?
First, be a life-long learner. The spaces and industries we support are constantly evolving and it is important to be able to keep up and educate ourselves to be able to provide the best service possible. Next, be an authentic and innovative problem-solver, and expect the same. Be yourself because our clients appreciate authenticity. Be innovative to be ensure a competitive advantage, and be a problem-solver because that is the foundation of success in consulting. Lastly, integrity over everything. If people can trust you, I guarantee that they will be repeat clients and refer you to new opportunities. Trust is important also because it helps to foster an environment where problems are solved and innovation thrives.
What are three books that any up-and-coming nonprofit leader should be reading right now?
DEI Deconstructed by Lily Zheng : The book provides an action-based approach to creating and fostering inclusive and diverse work spaces
The Loudest Duck by Laura Liswood : I love this read because no matter the level of your understanding of diversity, it provides practical solutions that anyone can understand and implement
Good to Great and the Social Sectors by Jim Collins : The book is a simplistic viewpoint of how to be an intentional leader.
What shows are you currently streaming?
Balancing my firm, community service, and 9-to-5 can be hectic, so I indulge in my guilty pleasure of reality tv. My current fave is Real Housewives of Potomac. I love shows I can binge watch. I'm currently binging The Crown, Kindred, BMF, and The Evolution of Hip Hop.
Tell us about the special people (and pets!) in your life.
I am a newlywed (married on 2.2.22) and I am enjoying traveling with my hubby now. I'm also trying to talk my husband into us adopting a kitten, but he's not sold yet, so more to come.
What are some of your favorite restaurants?
I have several favorite places to dine in Memphis, but currently, I love The Supper Club, which is a black-owned restaurant located downtown. My favorite bartender, Stephanie, makes the best drinks (try the French Cuff), and the food and vibe is great. Another fave is Mahogany Memphis, which has great traditional and vegan options, along with some delicious drink options.
Why do you love Momentum Nonprofit Partners?
I love the work that Momentum does towards providing non-profits with access to innovative and, most importantly, impactful information and training
You can find out more about Foluke at her website. Click here.
Kevin Dean, Ed.D.
Kevin is the Chief Executive Officer at Momentum Nonprofit Partners.