Enterprising Women Winter 2021

SPOTLIGHT Jameece Pinckney HyQuest Consulting Solutions Small Business Ownership: What I Know Now by Jameece Pinckney W hen I decided to establish my own consulting business to serve government and commercial customers in 2015, I was certain I knew exactly what I was getting into. I had carefully laid the groundwork for launching HyQuest Consulting Solutions, LLC over a number of years as I worked for companies who served customers in the business space in which I’d be competing. I took on any assignment that would give me the expertise and in-depth knowledge I’d need to succeed, learning the ins and outs of contracts, procurement, and program control and management. I also knew my law degree and master’s certificate in contract management and government contracting from George Washington School of Business would bolster my ability to start my firm on a solid foundation and to negotiate and meet contract requirements. Was I in for any surprises? Although I didn’t realize it at the time, the answer is “absolutely.” But in spite of those surprises, and because of them, I can say with pride that nearly six years and one pandemic later, I’m firmly entrenched as the president and CEO of a successful woman- and minority- owned small business. I’ve relied on stubborn persistence, adaptability, flexibility, and a strong belief in myself, my faith, and my company as HyQuest has delivered acquisition and advisory support, program management, business consulting, and technical support services to enable our customers to meet their missions. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way. Never underestimate the power of synergy. Joining forces to maximize knowledge, talent, expertise, and business contacts is invaluable. I was in the midst of a successful full-time career when I decided to start HyQuest on the side. When I got married, I decided to capitalize on my husband’s similar background in government contracting and shared experiences. I developed a plan to build my consulting “side hustle” into a full-time business and to enable both of us to work in it. When I had taken every possibility into consideration and planned for every known contingency, I took the leap, left my job, and officially became a president and CEO. Having my husband as my COO has been a phenomenal benefit as we’ve grown the business. My experience in government contracting, coupled with his similar experience and military background, has led to numerous opportunities. Play to your own strengths and those of others. Leadership is not easy; having the right skills and experience is critical. I was mentored by many senior-level businessmen and businesswomen over the years and honed my leadership skills from position to position as I climbed the corporate ladder. In my last corporate role, I realized I had hit a glass ceiling and was ready to make the move to becoming a small business owner. I knew, at that point, I had what it takes to be successful. I am always aware that I don’t know everything. I hire great people and trust them to do their jobs and operate within their own wheelhouses. I’ve seen what happens in companies where employers don’t trust their employees to do their jobs and give them no latitude to do what they do best. Success is minimal, at best. Be open to reimagining your business. The pandemic has been a game changer in so many ways. Like I’ve seen what happens in companies where employers don’t trust their employees to do their jobs and give them no latitude to do what they do best. Success is minimal, at best. 56 enterprising Women