Meet JaMichael Smith | Fitness Coach, Entrepreneur, Model, Corporate America Project Manager, Brand Ambassador/Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with JaMichael Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JaMichael, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance is something that I began to really lean into over the past 24 months as I have other opportunities that have flourished. In life we tend to spend a majority of our time working, and less time prioritizing what matters and that to me is our mental health, self-care, and prioritizing our self and families.

I am a full-time Project Manager at Mars Petcare HQ, Fitness Coach at Lifetime Gym, a Brand Ambassador/Influencer for several businesses in the Middle Tennessee area, Model for Tribe Talent Management, & own and manage properties.

Time Management is the biggest key to my successes for finding the right amount of balance for all the things that I am involved in and care about.

Balance becomes easier over time when you take the time for yourself to reflect on what should and needs to come first, which will carry you into a natural balance with your work & time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My professional career began about 12 years ago at Nissan North America, which I held several positions primarily as a Supply Chain Management Analyst working with several departments & learning how to manage internal & external stakeholders. Today I am currently a Project Manager at Mars Headquarters in Franklin, TN working on several brands and global projects for new innovation & renovation launches.

What has been able to set me apart from others is finding my way through Corporate America as an African American. The journey has been challenging over the past decade, but I have to say you have to find a groove, always give grace for ones that have never faced the same challenges as me.

What I am most proud of is coaching & mentoring Gen-Zs as well as baby boomers on Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, & belonging. My ultimate goal is to ensure we are all practicing positive intent to drive for the same results. I want to ensure we are bringing everyone of all ages, races, backgrounds etc, to the table instead of leaving them on a waiting list. As we take time to listen, intentions on our ultimate goals for our work-life and personal life will be more impactful for our future generations.

I feel as though my journey hasn’t been easy and have felt uneasy at times of wanting to speak the ultimate truth. I have over-come these challenges from mentors as well resources available. My place has also been supportive of helping navigate through these obstacles.

The lessons I have learned from these challenges is to be completely transparent by holding myself accountable and ensuring I am inviting individuals into my conversation with an open mind set to allow space for opportunities and resolutions.

I would like to believe I have been to get to where I am today from trusting and believing that the power of observing and listening before speaking is the key. Having alone time and reflecting on situations and using one of my other jobs as a Fitness Coach to build a behavior of vulnerability and happiness will allow people to build a trust a stronger bond and relationship with you.

I want the world to know that this journey as an African-American Black man in the Corporate Industry as well as in the world today has not been easy. I want to encourage and be a vessel to the black community as well as other ethnic backgrounds and women of all races to not quit when you are in the fire of doubt and giving up. There is a bright light on the other side that is beautiful and will help you through the journey that is made just for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Nature is one of the best benefits in all seasons of life and of the year and one of my favorite places to find peace, and I like to take friends is to Radnor Lake State Park. I feel as though spending out in nature with a friend visiting allows you that intimate time to really be intentional on your time together without the world of technology full of distractions. Walking nature trails also improves your immune system and reduces inflammation!

After a nature trail hike, I would recommend going to the nearest Juice Bar or Acai bowl shop for a light refresher while people watching.

Night Life I would definitely have a nice dinner at Fifth & Broadway at Eddie V’s, Slim & Huskys, or Hattie B’s and finish with a nice Mocktail or Cocktail at Pushing daisies before heading to Bridgestone Arena for a Preds Game or Concert or Nissan Stadium for a Titans Football game or concert. I would definitely end the night in Printers Alley at Ms. Kellys Karaoke.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that I have worked with in the Fitness, Corporate America, Entrepeneur etc, industry that have given me tools to help become who I am today. I would like to say my family & close friends is first & foremost a huge blessing in my life that continues to watch my journey unfold. I have several mentors that continue to support and give me the tools I need to execute success.

Website: https://www.tribetalentmanagement.com/portfolio/talent-men/men/2060646/jamichael-smith

Instagram: jcelebruh_teee

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jamichael-smith-m-s-06737356

Twitter: jcelebruh_tee