Stratechic’s Michele Thornton Ghee Gives Us a Glimpse Into How She Defines Success
Michele Thornton Ghee
Managing Director for The Strategic Alliance
This interview, by far, is one of my favorite interviews to date. If you don’t already know her, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Michele Thornton Ghee. Michele has worked with a multitude of brands across the communications realm for the last two decades, including BET, CNN, A&E, and The History Channel, to name a few. She’s currently the Managing Director for The Stratechic Alliance, where she provides her clients with strategic counsel to confidently navigate their industries, manage revenue, and meet their goals. She’s also the author of three books: Stratechic, Stratechic 2.0, and Success On Your Own Terms.
Tell me about your experience in your industry and how you got to where you are today? I spent 25 years in the Media/ Entertainment business working for brands like A&E and the History Channel, CNN and BET Networks. While at BET, I had the honor and privilege of creating the first network for black women, BETHer. In 2019, I transitioned to an agency so I could have a full view of the media landscape. In 2020, I earned my Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell. With 26 years of experience and now D&I certification, I launched the Stratechic Alliance with my partner Renita Bryant (founder of Sightsset) . Our mission is to help companies leverage their greatest resource: Difference.
How do you define success, and has that changed due to recent events (COVID-19)? Success is not allowing fear to guide any decision I make or not make. I was reluctant to launch my firm because I was fearful it wouldn't be a success. God does not place the spirit of fear in His children; we do that to ourselves. I no longer walk in fear. I walk in Faith. I'm more than confident than ever that my firm will be a huge success because there are very few women (or men) in corporate America with the depth of my experience in the media space.
What is the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is my 7 am Prayer call and 9 pm movie time with my family. It starts my day with thankfulness grounded in God joined with other believers who are praying for each other. I end my day with the most important people in my life, my family!
What are you most passionate about right now?
Holding Corporate America accountable for their oversight of talented African Americans.
If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
That time is one of the greatest resources in the world, so don't give it to undeserving things and people.
What is the best advice you can give someone who is looking to join your industry? Whatever industry you join, there are rules for engagement: Know yourself, have a purpose, bring a work ethic, invoke self-awareness, be prepared to give 200% effort, have a positive attitude, and center yourself with prayer.
What is your Ki Takeaway from your professional journey thus far?
I can't let other people or promotions define who I am and my value; my value is determined by me and my Maker. If I don't get what I've earned after asking for it, then I'm prepared to make the necessary move to be valued in all aspects of my life. I love this quote: "I don't want to get to the end of my life find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." Diane Ackerman
You can connect with Michele Thornton Ghee on Instagram. To learn more about Michele and her endeavors visit her website here.