Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Margaret A. Brunson.
Hi Dr. Margaret, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Whenever I share my story, it’s important for me to name that I’m the only daughter and youngest child of Doris and Jesse Brunson and a product of the village. As the African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and that was certainly true for me. Both my pastor father and counselor mother grew up on farms in rural Jim Crow North Carolina and were deeply committed to raising my brother and me in a cultural and faith community that instilled pride in who we are and showed us that we are here to serve. So much of who I am now is because of that upbringing and reality.
I was raised in Raleigh and lived right next door to my church! Needless to say, faith and church involvement were a major part of my life. People give pastors/preacher’s kids a tough time but imagine being accessible to people and their life challenges at all times. It’s a lot, and to be honest, sometimes it was too much! I’m so grateful that my parents allowed me to explore other interests, cultivate friendships, and helped me find ways to cultivate my leadership gifts. I started working in the 8th grade and was always active in my schools and community. I was a “bossy” child – that’s what they call girls who lead – and at the same time, very sensitive and shy. I didn’t feel unlike many other children, but I absolutely knew that I stood out in a crowd. I enjoyed living and growing up in Raleigh in the 80s + 90s, and it’s wild to see how much it’s changing.
My formal educational journey spanned 29 years (with breaks) and includes K-11 in Raleigh and 12th grade in Fayetteville, two totally different but life-changing and memorable experiences. I then earned a BA in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University, and a Ph.D. in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University.
After a successful administrative leadership career in education and mental + public health, both the nonprofit & public sectors, I founded Illumined Leadership Solutions, a consulting and coaching firm that leads people to and through transformation. As a thought leader, scholar, + practitioner, my passion is guiding leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, organizations, and businesses to and through transformative leadership practices and solutions that will lead to holistic success.
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?
No, the road hasn’t been smooth all the time. My life path has included both straight shots and detours. It has been easeful at times and challenging at other times. But, whenever I reflect on where I’ve been, all roads lead back to an early and strong call to a purposeful life of leading and serving others. I’ve lived a very human life in that I’ve experienced a range of stressful life events, turning points, and transformative experiences. Honestly, those experiences taught me the most about myself, what I’m capable of, and what I want out of life.
My humanity brought me to this point, and my spirit moves me forward.
We’ve been impressed with Illumined Leadership Solutions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Illumined Leadership Solutions leads people, organizations, and businesses to and through transformation. We light the path for transformation through coaching, consulting, speaking, and training/education programs.
Illumined utilizes thought partnership + coaching to help organizational and executive leaders identify problems, create impactful solutions, and lead with intentionality. We also provide coaching to folks with entrepreneurial vision who need help figuring out how to get started.
Our consulting services are a combination of assessment, thought partnership, and coaching to facilitate the transformative process for systems, people, and communities. This usually looks like strategic planning, but we aim to incorporate the work of cultural transformation to help people develop healthy organizational cultures as they strategize. We speak at conferences, seminars, and unique gatherings to create opportunities to teach, inspire, and begin the process of identifying leadership purpose.
What sets us apart from other coaching and consulting firms is that we believe it is imperative to focus on transformation, to focus on becoming something we’ve never seen or something we’ve never known. That requires a shift away from cookie-cutter approaches to solving challenges. We allow vision to emerge and purpose to drive the work.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think we’ve yet to see all of the long-term effects of the global pandemic, but one thing that is obvious to me right now is that the culture of work, leadership, health, connection/relationships, etc., is shifting. I’m experiencing more people seeking out coaches for clarity of vision, direction, vocational discernment, and support for entrepreneurial endeavors. People, now more than ever, want to experience greater fulfillment and peace. I think my industry will continue to need people who can integrate ancestral wisdom and lessons learned with innovative approaches to improving the human condition and experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.illuminedtolead.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mbisfree
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbisfree/
- Other: www.mbisfree.com
Image Credits
Kumolu Studios
Amy Paulson Photography
Leadership NC
Youth Mentoring Collaborative
