We had the good fortune of connecting with Gail Dudley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gail, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am a native of Columbus, Ohio, USA. I was born and raised in the near East side of the city. Some would call it a struggling community; however, I would call it a neighborhood of opportunity. Over the last couple of years, the area is being gentrified. Growing up, I lived in a duplex home. My grandparents lived on one side, and my parents occupied the other side. Both my grandfather and father worked in decent jobs, but when work was slow on the job, and at times they experienced laid off, as respectable men, they would do whatever was needed to keep the bills paid. As a little girl, I would go with them as they painted, washed walls, repaired carpet, and do all sorts of jobs in a home. I would work alongside them, pretending to be the boss, and ask for payment from the homeowner. Over and over again, I would hear, “She’s going to run her own business when she grows up.” That statement came true. I became a business owner while in high school. I was never afraid to take risks and still take them today. Watching my grandfather and father hustle and do business professionally impacted who I am today.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a publishing consultant and media personality. In June 2020, I pivoted into news and politics as a journalist and began hosting my show each morning. After the success of the news show, I moved from owning a publishing company that housed an international magazine called READY Publication that I co-founded alongside my daughter, Dominiq, to handing the magazine off to her in October 2019. I found my purpose in bringing daily news to the world by sharing relevant commentary and a call to action mixed with an inspirational message on Facebook Live and my YouTube channel. Because I love to see and position authors of color turn their writings into books and pitch articles to major outlets, I spend about 25% of my time as a publishing consulting helping self-publishing authors navigate the self-publishing world.
I am most proud of seeing the News in Motion family of viewers help register more than 19,000 people to vote in the 2020 general election. I am also proud of this family of viewers helping people who are food insecure. Yes, I am doubly proud to have launched a news and political show that is growing daily.
It was not easy! It takes hard work and risks. I’m not afraid. I believe the Word of God that says, “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind.” I stay in God’s Word, and I remain grounded in my faith and belief. There have been times in business where I have failed miserably. I learn from my mistakes and get up and try again. I believe in seeking God and not opportunities.
It’s important to know that everyone is not in your corner. Some people sit back, waiting for you to fail. You must know who you are and stay true to who God created you to be. I was raised never to quit. Therefore, I keep pushing forward. I have cried many nights, but when morning comes, I get up, get focused, and press on.
My brand is Gail Dudley. I give. I support. I help. I encourage. I connect. I sit at my sweet spot of people, purpose, and politics. People call me the advocate. That word is fitting for me. I will advocate for you, your business, your writing, your ministry, your nonprofit, your voice, your vote, and your life.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s say it’s morning. The best place to enjoy coffee, sights, and great food would be La Chatelaine French Bakery in Worthington, Ohio, on the patio, as long as it is not winter. After enjoying the food and sipping on our morning coffee, we would make our way to the Columbus Museum of Arts and take in the exceptional display of Raggin’ On: The Art of Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson’s House and Journals. After taking our time walking through this unique feature, we would break for lunch in the museum’s cafe, starting with my fav, a mimosa! #Cheers!
After lunch, we would enjoy the rest of the museum and prepare for a mid-day snack. Sweet potato muffins from What The Waffle. My Lord! Amazing!
Taking a drive through the Bronzeville, the inner-city of Columbus, Ohio, we would take in the scenes of the older homes. We would stop by shops in the Short North to pick up something chic to wear for dinner at The Royce. Depending upon the time of the year, we could finish the evening by stopping by Hen Quarter Dublin for some soft jazz.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My upbringing has a lot to do with who I am today. Shoutout to my parents, grandparents, the Black community, and the educators of Pilgram Elementary, Champion Junior High School, and of course, Columbus East High School. Each helped formed and shaped me to become the person I am today—also, my late aunt, Charlotte Pryor, who introduced me to Second Baptist Church Columbus when growing up. Today, I would give a standing ovation to my friends. Too many to name, but I am a part of a sister circle where iron sharpens iron, and together we grow and lift up one another to soar. Then there is my husband, who encouraged me when we first met to fly without apologizing for who I am. It’s also fitting to name my adult children, Alexander and Dominiq. Later in life, I came across three books. One is titled Basic Black by Cathie Black. The second one is by Lydia Fenet, The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You. And of course, the book, The Personal Touch by Terrie Williams, which is outstanding! Great books to have in your library as a businesswoman.
Website: www.GailDudley.com
Instagram: @GailDudley
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaildudley/
Twitter: @GailDudley
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NewsInMotion
Youtube: www.YouTube.com/GailDudley
Image Credits
The single picture of me with the white shirt and pearls, credit: Aleatheia Mason The image of me behind the video camera (the camera is also in the shot), credit: Pastor Carl Wright