Empowering Connections: Philanthropy, Leadership, and Building Confidence with Froswa Booker-Drew
Froswa Booker-Drew, Ph.D. is a Network Weaver who believes relationships are the key to our personal, professional, and organizational growth. She is the CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, which provides DEI and leadership training and helps companies expand their impact and do good with her philanthropic advisory services. When she isn't busy consulting, Froswa is helping elevate success for Black-led nonprofits as the CEO of R2 Foundation.
Her work has garnered worldwide recognition and honors, including the 2023 Texas Women’s Foundation Maura Women Helping Women Awards and the City Square Hometown Hero Award.
During this interview, Froswa shares how her faith and persistence as an entrepreneur have helped her cultivate confidence.
Thanks for sitting down with Confidence Daily! Tell us about what you do.
I provide philanthropic guidance to organizations along with community engagement strategies to better serve marginalized communities. Much of my work is with leaders so I also provide coaching and training to help build the capacity of individuals and organizations.
How do you cultivate confidence?
Confidence is something that evolves. The way I saw myself at 30 is different than in my fifties. In my 30s, it was based on the approval of others. Now it is rooted in my faith. I've been fortunate to have past experiences that have served as lessons and a foundation for my future. I've learned over the years that my confidence can not be based on what others say or focusing on accomplishments. It's knowing that at the core of who you are that you are deserving of whatever you choose.
What does being a woman-owned business mean to you?
It means that there is no cap on opportunities or possibilities. It also means that I can create opportunities for other women especially younger women. I see this as a way to model for other women what they can do when they believe in themselves. It's not easy but you can make your dream a reality and do well!
What was your business origin story?
My business actually started in 1995. I had a really bad supervisor and chose to leave my job and bet on myself. I came up with the name Soulstice because of the changing of seasons. I wanted my business to be something that changed individuals and organizations at their very core because of the relationship. Over the years, I've had the business either part or full-time because of being a mom or while working on my Ph.D. I am elated to do this work for the past year solely.
Okay, coming up with a great idea and actually taking the steps to become an entrepreneur and launch your company are two very different things. How did you know it was time to get started?
I have been blessed to have an amazing client that was the beginning of me recognizing that I could do this full-time. In addition, I had an experience in my previous role that also challenged me to see that I was limiting my possibilities and value. I knew that I had the experience and expertise to offer something that made a difference. I also knew that my security was not in a job and that with God, anything is possible. My trust could not be in a role but in knowing that God had something greater for me if I only believed it was achievable--even when I didn't see everything or that the plan was not completely hatched. I surrounded myself with people that could help me--I didn't have to do everything but there were others that could bring their gifts and talents to speak into my dream and life.
Sometimes entrepreneurship can be a hard and isolating journey. How do you stay confident along the way?
My faith is what has allowed me to stay confident along with great mentors, supportive friends, and a family that also believes in me and what I do.
If you had to list three traits or attributes that have been pivotal for your success, what would they be?
Being adaptable, a constant learner/reader to grow in my work, and generous.
What's one myth you'd like to debunk about your line of work?
It's more than just meeting with people, it's about strategy, knowing the landscape, and building trust.
What advice would you give to burgeoning entrepreneurs?
Surround yourself with a coach that brings out the best in you and challenges you, mentors that share wisdom and offer guidance, and sponsors that can say your name behind closed doors and make introductions to their social network.
What words do you live by?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”--Marianne Williamson
Any final words of wisdom?
Self-reflection and awareness is your superpower as an entrepreneur.
