From Corporate Ladder to Kingdom Calling: Monica Brooks' Journey of Faith-Led Entrepreneurship

Monica Brooks, a seasoned leader with over 26 years in leadership development, HR, DEI, and conflict resolution, has embarked on a new chapter, transitioning from the corporate world to full-time entrepreneurship with Moni Wellness. Her journey is a powerful testament to how faith can profoundly influence business decisions, personal growth, and a commitment to serving others.

Monica’s career began from humble beginnings in telecommunications, quickly rising through the ranks at Comcast and Time Warner. She held significant roles, including Senior Director of Employee Engagement and DEI at TransCarent. This extensive experience provided a robust foundation, but a pivotal moment at age 40, during a career conference, sparked a deeper reflection on her future. "I'll be 50 in 10 years, and what does life look like for me?" she pondered, realizing a desire to impact organizations laterally rather than just managing teams directly. This realization, coupled with unwavering faith, set the stage for her transition into DEI and ultimately, entrepreneurship.

Faith in Action: Navigating Corporate Challenges

Monica’s faith has been a constant guide, particularly during challenging times. She recalls her role as Senior Manager for DEI in a utility space during May 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial reckoning following George Floyd's death. This period demanded immense emotional and professional fortitude. "I was responsible for getting an entire workforce established to work from home… and then George Floyd gets killed," she recounts. "It's a heavier weight… where now you're carrying the weight of the organization for other black employees who look like you."

In this role, Monica leaned heavily on her faith, seeking divine counsel daily. Her prayer before turning on her computer was, "Lead me in the right direction to say the right things, do the right things, and let it be your will, how you want me to show up today." This faith-led approach enabled her to facilitate difficult conversations about race within a predominantly white industry, culminating in the CEO's declaration against racism and white supremacy, backed by financial and presidential support for minority and underserved populations.

Another instance of faith-driven decision-making occurred during talent reviews at Accolade. Monica observed a concerning trend: Black employees were consistently rated more harshly than their counterparts across all departments. "It's not that our black employees are not smart or that they're not qualified, but why is it coming up as a trend?" she questioned. Her faith compelled her to speak up, presenting this data to the chief people officer and executive team, leading to a re-evaluation of performance review processes to remove bias and promote equity in promotions.

Moni Wellness: A Kingdom-Driven Venture

Monica’s entrepreneurial journey with Moni Wellness is a direct extension of her faith and her inherent desire to give. Having informally offered wellness advice for years, she recognized a divine nudge to formalize her passion. "God closes one door, but he never takes you or moves you where there's not another door open," she affirms. Moni Wellness, launched in January, offers wellness teas and plans to expand into beet juice, green juice, and sea moss, focusing on holistic health.

Beyond Moni Wellness, Monica is building Moni B Brands, encompassing Moniwear (faith-based apparel) and The Moni Method (consulting and public speaking). This holistic approach reflects her belief in integrating faith into every aspect of life – from personal well-being to professional endeavors and even fashion.

Generosity: Time, Talent, and Treasure

Growing up deeply rooted in the church, Monica’s understanding of giving her time, talent, and treasure is profound. She balances her professional commitments with significant church work, serving on the executive leadership team, helping to establish consistency and accountability within ministries. "Church work is not easy," she admits, highlighting the unique challenges of serving God's people. This commitment extends to community involvement, volunteering, and board service, all driven by her faith.

Encouragement for Christian Business Leaders

Monica’s ultimate encouragement to other Christian business leaders is simple yet profound: "First you have to know who you are and whose you are." She believes that understanding one's identity in Christ eliminates fear and empowers individuals to push boundaries. "Once you know that God is always going to cover you and he's never failed you, that gives you an unspeakable power in how you show up in the world."

Monica Brooks' story is a powerful reminder that faith is not merely a personal belief but a transformative force that can guide every decision, inspire impactful leadership, and fuel entrepreneurial ventures that truly change lives.