Inspiring Conversations with Mario Jovan Shaw of Messy Roots

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Jovan Shaw.

Hi Mario, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began in 2012 as a teacher in Charlotte, NC, filled with anticipation to embark on the impactful role of shaping young minds. Teaching 7th grade English language arts, I delighted in broadening my students’ perspectives through literature, reveling in the experience. 

In 2014, the tragic shooting of Jonathan Farrell by a police officer in Charlotte opened my eyes to the profound influence teachers wield over their students’ lives. Responding to the emotional impact on some of my male students, I initiated an afterschool program for support. Discovering I was their first black male teacher sparked a mission to increase representation in schools, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. I seized the opportunity to advocate for more black male educators, amplifying our message through the Charlotte newspaper. 

This journey led to the co-founding of Profound Gentlemen, a non-profit dedicated to retaining male educators of color. Over eight years, we achieved a remarkable 98% annual retention rate in NC and beyond. My role as co-founder involved nurturing and expanding our coaching network, igniting my passion for research and development. Recognizing the universal need for coaching across various sectors, I realized its potential to cultivate impactful leaders, mirroring the transformative change I witnessed in the classroom. 

With a vision to empower and elevate coaches of color, I departed from Profound Gentlemen to establish Messy Roots. This organization is dedicated to nurturing and empowering current and aspiring coaches of color, harnessing the collective power of coaching to effect change on a global scale. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I must acknowledge that my journey has been a mixture of smooth sailing and encountering bumps along the way. For me, part of the process involved taking the necessary time to heal. Transitioning from my previous work to expanding into coaching, I confronted the harsh realities of homophobia and racism still entrenched within the very systems meant to dismantle them. 

In order to create space for healing from my past experiences, I approached the development of Messy Roots with caution, deliberately taking it slow. Despite the overwhelming interest from many wanting to engage with our work, I prioritized quality over quantity. While our organization has experienced rapid growth, surpassing 300 members in just 1.5 years, I’m certain that without these intentional pauses, our expansion would have outpaced sustainability. Therefore, recognizing the value of slowing down to ultimately accelerate progress has been crucial to our journey. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Messy Roots, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Messy Roots is a community that offers services to grow current and aspiring coaches of color. 

We imagine a world where leaders of color have access to coaches and resources to continue growing in the art of leadership coaching. 

Unlock the door to a world of possibilities for passionate coaches of color, both those starting their journey and those already on their way. Embrace the chance to earn a certification that aligns with the high standards set by the International Coaching Federation. Your dreams deserve recognition, and your voice deserves amplification – seize this opportunity to make your mark and create a future that shines with diversity and excellence. 

Step into a transformative experience where coaches of color not only attend empowering sessions but also take the lead in facilitating honing their practice while making a global impact. This is the platform where your growth as a coach merges with your role as a leader, reaching far and wide to uplift individuals worldwide. Your unique perspective is not just welcomed but celebrated as you contribute to a tapestry of leadership that knows no boundaries. 

Embark on a life-altering journey through studying abroad, immersing yourself in hands-on experiences that will shape your perspective in ways words can’t capture. Feel the energy of our annual summit, where coaches of color unite to weave a web of connections, amplifying your network and creating a shared learning environment. It’s not just an opportunity to learn but a chance to evolve, to gather wisdom from around the world, and to leave your mark on the global coaching landscape. Our membership is free and available on the Mighty Networks app. 

In collaboration with esteemed organizations, we proudly introduce our powerful two-part DEIB coaching model. This is more than just a model – it’s a catalyst for transformation. Organizations can harness its potential to elevate their leaders and cultivate profound communication. As participants engage, they not only gain insights but also earn a prestigious 20-hour leadership coaching certificate. It’s a journey of empowerment, equipping individuals to lead with authenticity and drive change that resonates far beyond the boardroom. 

We want readers to know that this space is available and that there are avenues for you to become a coach. You don’t have to do this work alone. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.messyroots.org/
• Instagram: @mariojovan, @mymessyroots