Let's get to know, Sedruola Maruska, in this week's SOULACY Spotlight
Sedruola Maruska is a social justice, equity, inclusion and diversity consultant and coach, host of the award-winning podcast Diversity Dish, speaker and aspiring author. She’s a graduate of Andrews University with a BA in Graphic Arts, a former Conversational English teacher, Corporate Trainer, and Executive Assistant. Her passion is helping individuals in business cultivate cultures of equity and inclusion, so they attract the diverse partnerships they desire.
Let's jump right in...
Who/What are you watching or listening to right now? What has you interested in them/it?
Masterclass: Black History, Black Freedom, Black Love is an incredible journey of Black people in America and how the love they continue to show prevails. It was offered for free during February which is when I started watching. I encourage everyone to watch and really ingest this information.
How to do you spend your free time?
I love to read, dance, binge watch procedural shows and nap.
What was your first business and why did you start it?
My first business was selling crochet pieces. I started it because I wanted to keep crocheting without hoarding all the pieces in my house. And because I was pregnant with our first child and I wanted to do something that would allow me to stay home with my baby.
What book changed or greatly influenced your life and why?
Essentialism by Greg McKeown because it gave me permission to slow down, change my mind, and focus on what I really wanted vs. what anyone else wanted.
What is your favourite quote? Why?
"For everything there is a time and a season under the sun." Because it helps me remember that nothing lasts forever. If something is bad, hold on, this too shall pass. If something is good, enjoy as much as possible. In a way it helps me truly live in the moment.
What's the scariest thing you've ever done in your business?
Set boundaries that aren't traditional and hold to them.
What has been the biggest mindset shift you've had since you started your business(es)?
Trusting myself enough to stay on track even when it seems absurd.
What excites you right now - outside of your business?
Being able to have a great relationship with my children.
What is the legacy that you're creating?
One of equity for all. One where if I've passed this way then everyone can feel supported and heard in this space.
Favourite time of year? Why?
Autumn. I was born during that season and it's always a transitional one for me.
Who/What's making you belly laugh right now?
Listening to my parent's interactions as they get older. There's just an incredible comfort there where anything may be said, in love, and it's hilarious. They've been married for fifty-four years. I'm hoping to reach that level of mutual love and comfort.
What big, wonderful, cannot-wait-until-it-happens goal are you working toward or dreaming of right now?
We want to build a home that's accessible for my husband. We envision a ranch that's sprawling near a water source and that's got a great lap pool in the yard. I can't wait to get into that project!
When overwhelm creeps in, what is your go-to solution to moving beyond it?
Stop, do something else to distract from the task or take a nap. I no longer push through and hope the feeling passes. I give myself space to be able to assess and make the calm decision.
Best business advice you've ever received? Did you follow it when you first heard it? Tell us about it...
Trust yourself. I didn't follow it at first, I'm getting much better as time goes on.
What do you have going on in your business or coming up soon?
Right now I'm excited to offer a "Blue Ocean Audit" to businesses. It's a way for me to help owners see their businesses from a different perspective. I offer various packages depending on business size. All packages include time with me answering questions on the recommendations I make. It's the first step in creating equity.
What's the best way for people to spend more time with you and learn more about what you have going on?
My podcast is where I'm at these days. Listen and follow, Diversity Dish
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