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

Hi Renee, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

At the beginning of 2023, I realized I was tired of living my life on autopilot, checking boxes, neglecting my own well-being and not showing up as my authentic self.

On the outside, everything appeared to be great. I was the Vice President of News (commonly referred to as News Director) at NBC4 Los Angeles and the highest ranking Black woman at a local TV station in the market. This was the dream job I had wanted from the day I walked into my first newsroom as an Associate Producer more than 20 years ago. Indeed, it’s common for producers to aspire to become News Directors. And that is what I did, moving to six cities and working at seven TV stations to make my dream a reality.

As a newsroom leader, you find yourself constantly on call, with your phone always within reach even during downtime. The commitment to being available 24/7 for breaking news stories and addressing personnel issues underscores the dedication required, often leading to working on holidays, weekends and vacation.

Additionally, as a Black woman and senior executive, I was subjected to microaggressions, and frequently felt the need to code-switch. Also, I often found myself monitoring my tone and the way I spoke to avoid appearing difficult or aggressive and being labeled with the angry Black woman stereotype.

Don’t misunderstand me; there were elements of the job I found enjoyable, such as keeping people in our communities informed, recruiting and hiring along with helping employees achieve their goals. Yet, I still felt unfulfilled, and it was time to walk away. After making that decision and acting on my resignation last year, I felt an immediate sense of freedom! Now, here I am one year later no longer dreading going to work, building a coaching business and living a life that enables me to fully embrace and express my true self.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I launched Resilience Wins Coaching in 2023. I specialize in empowering first-time and senior executives to overcome career and leadership challenges. I help clients raise their self-awareness, get clear about their values and build their self-confidence.

What sets me apart is that I am not starting from scratch, I am starting from experience. I have a successful career track record that spans more than two decades. During that time, I effectively navigated the twists and turns of professional development advancing into senior leadership roles at Disney ABC and NBCUniversal.

In my most recent position as Vice President of News, I worked with an executive coach. Understanding, firsthand, the life-changing impact coaching can have, I chose to become a professional coach.

I am most proud of my resilience which is my superpower. I certainly encountered my fair share of adversity, particularly as a Black woman in a leadership role. The ability to bounce back swiftly from setbacks has been instrumental in my pivot to entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader seeking career advancement or an established executive grappling with Imposter Syndrome despite your success, I have been in your current position. My coaching services can provide valuable insights and strategies to help you thrive professionally and personally. Coaching is a collaborative process. I provide a non-judgmental, safe space for reflection, learning, and growth. Investing in coaching can propel you toward your aspirations in all aspects of your life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Say less! The first destination after LAX is Dulan’s in Inglewood for some delicious soul food. Next up, the gym to work off those calories with my trainer, Xavier Waller, at Self Made Training Facility in Hollywood. After working up an appetite, it’s burger time at For the Win, also located in Hollywood.

Reservations are set for the week at Saltie Girl in West Hollywood, followed by Bacari, Taisho, and Blvd Steak in Sherman Oaks. Houston’s in Pasadena remains one of my all-time favorites. For late-night cocktails, Linden in Hollywood is the spot, with Dot LA next door offering great vibes and music.

After indulging in wining and dining, a hike is certainly called for. Fryman Canyon Trail is my favorite for visitors—it’s not overly strenuous, yet it’s enough to elevate the heart rate. Then, we must sample the ice cream flavors of the month at Salt and Straw, especially since Studio City is just around the corner.

For a dose of art and culture, The Broad is a must-see, and no visit to Southern California would be complete without spending a day on the beaches of Malibu.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Debra Martin!

My mom’s unwavering unconditional love and encouragement have allowed me to pursue my passions with perseverance and resilience. She has always been there cheering me on from city to city, providing comfort during illness and offering support through heartbreak.

Her selflessness and dedication have instilled in me a sense of responsibility and gratitude. I will always be thankful for the freedom I have been given to live my life on my own terms, thanks to her steadfast commitment to motherhood. I will never be able to repay her for the many sacrifices she made to secure my future.

In addition to my mom, my grandmother, Mary Etta Ayers, had a profound impact on my life. She inspired me to never give up. Affectionately called Tee, my grandmother was born with a birth defect that prevented her hands from fully forming in the womb. As a result of relentless bullying, she never finished grade school. However, a disability and a lack of education didn’t hold her back.

Tee overcame insurmountable odds; advancing into a leadership role at a hospital in my hometown in Indiana, adopting my mom and living a life of independence filled with family and friends who loved her dearly.

The woman I have become today is a result of the influence and guidance from my mom and grandmother.

Website: https://resiliencewinscoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcoachrenee/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneewashington-resiliencewins/

Image Credits
Chris Peart, videographer/photographer IG @Traxstar.film – for headshots & flower dress at Brand Library (steps & concrete wall with palm trees in background)

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