Who is Drew Alexander Consulting? It all starts with our Founder, Tauna Batiste. Get to know her in the interview below.
What led you to start Epic Legacies (parent company to Drew Alexander Consulting & Tauna Batiste, Executive Coach)?
My dad’s family is full of skilled tradesmen and women, designers, builders, etc., I got the gene in a slightly different way. I love building programs, systems, and organizations. Just prior to launching Epic Legacies, I had reached a place in my life where I wanted more flexibility, I wanted to be involved as a parent, stay safe in the global pandemic, and I wanted to create a legacy for our boys to inherit. The best way for me to do that was to invest in and build my own family of businesses. I’ve had great opportunities to learn and grow in other roles. I knew it was time to put that together into something Epic.
So tell me about the development or creation of Epic Legacies’ two brands
For many, many years I’ve wanted to return to consulting. I love the varied and diverse work, meeting new people, and strengthening their growth strategies. And at the same time, I saw a gap in what was available in the area of nonprofit consultants beyond fundraising. There are some amazing firms out there that focused on development, I’ve even worked for one, but not as many that provide nonprofit management support.
As a former nonprofit executive director and leader, I knew there was a need for specialized support beyond raising money. I’ve seen organizations struggle because they didn’t have solid systems or processes. I’ve seen growth stunted because of a lack of marketing or communications plans. With 20 years of professional experience, I wanted to fill that gap and I knew just the people I wanted to do it with. And with that Drew Alexander Consulting was born.
At the same time, I am very passionate about leadership and helping people reach their goals. This is what inspired Tauna Batiste, Executive Coach. Throughout my career, I have had a few truly exceptional managers and leaders. The kind who inspire and support, who push you to greatness. They taught me how to be a leader worth following and what it means to truly be committed to helping others grow personally and professionally. I chose executive coaching and training because I want to continue my service in helping people achieve their personal and professional goals.
So what are your essential pillars or work philosophies?
I have many but they boil down to these integrity, passion, appreciation, and gratitude. Integrity means so many things to me. It means being trustworthy. But integrity defines me. I am always striving to maintain that.
Passion motivates and maintains you in the highs and lows. I believe we should find our passions and pursue them. As we do we may find our original vision may shift, but if we’re flexible we’ll see a grand design unfold.
Appreciation is huge and is all about people for me. Appreciation is recognizing the gifts and talents in others and not only letting them shine but encouraging them to shine. It’s also outward facing, it is letting them know and expressing it in different ways dash acknowledgment, gifts, acts of service, etc.
And gratitude, I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had and will have. I absolutely love what I do and that alone is a gift. I am thankful for my team who believes in me, our clients who depend on and trust us with their growth, and for those who support us.
On a personal note, tell us a bit about your family.
I’ve been married to my amazing husband for over 15 years. We are a unique balance to one another. RGB spoke of her husband in this way, she would say that one of the things she loved most about him was he gave her room to be her. I totally relate, Tremayne is supportive and encouraging and is the type of partner that grants me space to adventure while also anchoring me and providing a safe place space in this crazy world.
I am also mommy to two of the cutest, smartest, most hilarious little boys and two angel babies. They keep me on my toes and both bring me great energy and joy. They simply are my heart and tiny assistants. Drew Alexander is named after them. I’m also part of a large extended family, whom I love being with; an avid traveler, and most at peace with the waves in sight and my people nearby.
Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Be kind, be curious, be grateful.