Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shernette Grant.
Hi Dr. Grant, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 1993, I graduated from junior college in Jamaica with a degree in Medical Technology. Having migrated from Jamaica in 1995 as an international student, I graduated in 1998 with a degree in Biological Sciences. Due to unexpected barriers, however, I was unable to pursue a career in Medical Technology and instead began a career in education as a teacher at a local high school in Broward County. For the next 22 years, I served as Director of Magnet & Innovative Programs at the district level; and Principal, Assistant Principal, Magnet Coordinator, and Teacher at several schools across Broward Schools; the 6th largest school district in the United States. A divorced mother of two teenage daughters and currently the Chief Program Officer for Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA), in 2018, I also earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University.
As I am most passionate about working with leaders I founded Unorthodox Leadership Consulting & Management Services LLC in 2020 to be a resource for providing training and coaching for leaders and teams. Also in 2020 and at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wrote and published a book entitled “Unorthodox Leadership…leadership for real people in real organizations.” This book conveys a preview of my philosophy on leadership development and further provides valuable insight into actionable strategies for leaders to utilize in everyday practice. Leadership development is my heart and I am passionate about working to coach and develop leaders and teams to maximize efficiencies and effectiveness, especially when working in challenging environments.
While working for Broward schools approximately 2.5 years ago, I had the opportunity to visit a friend who lives in the Florida Panhandle area. Together he and his wife were complaining about the lack of luxury ground transportation services and the challenges they faced daily to secure said transportation. Though new to entrepreneurship, the pandemic reinforced for me the need to not only have multiple sources of income but a desire to “own” a business. Understanding that it would be very difficult to launch a business in the Florida panhandle while living in the Fort Lauderdale area, I began to explore the feasibility of launching a limousine company with a primary service area in South Florida. As such, Executive Line Limo, a luxury ground transportation service was borne. Today, Executive Line Limo is a thriving business with a promising future.
Though I often say that I do not know what I want to be when I grow up, my personal story continues to be written laced with hard work, resilience, persistence, & divine interventions, and I am passionate about giving back and empowering others while leading a personal and professional life that contributes to improving outcomes for this and the next generation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been an extremely challenging path both personally and professionally. It began one year after migrating to the United States when I lost my 16-year-old brother back in Jamaica.
I struggled financially, experienced homelessness, a divorce, single parenting, and a lack of support, and have had to learn along the way the ins and outs of the limousine business. Securing working capital has been a tremendous challenge also. There are a myriad of obstacles I have faced along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently as Chief Program Officer – I oversee the Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) programs that offer practical youth development and empowerment opportunities for students with a focus on work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
I am known for my work as a Principal and Director in Broward County Public Schools. I am a relationship builder and am most proud of the relationships I have been able to leverage over the years. As a new entrepreneur, I am known for my tenacity, go-getter attitude, and one who “thrives”.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.executivelinelimo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/execlinelimo
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/execlinelimo
