Awareness and speaking out are the main things. Many people are afraid to speak up and many people don’t believe there is an issue. But I’m one who is sounding the alarm, letting audiences know that the problem is a problem, and showcasing the talents within the person — not the gender of the person.
As part of my series about “the five things we need to do to close the gender wage gap” I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Renee Sunday. Dr. Sunday provides coaching and advice to over 197,000 followers and growing via www.ReneeSunday.com, her social media channels, and her GOOD DEEDS Radio show a part of her Media Company. Dr. Renee Sunday at her core is a humanitarian and has always been deeply inspired by helping others from all walks of life. Dr. Renee Sunday is an award winning 16 year practicing doctor in the area of Anesthesiology, Media Coach, Self-help and Motivational Speaker, also known as a Grief and Loss Counselor as an Ordained Minister.By the time Dr. Renee was in her teen years she had experienced life ugly side; bullied and nicknamed “Olive Oil” for her tall statue and clothing appearance because everything she wore was simply too short. Her deep drive for humanity was born out of this place where she felt humanity needed more.
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us the “backstory” that brought you to this career path?
Anyone that knows me knows that my mantra is service. And as a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, I’ve always wanted to ease the minds of my patients and bring peace to them. So my career path in medicine was strictly to be a source of tranquility for others. When it comes to my entrepreneurial efforts, I was once faced with losing my 6-figure salary in a matter of 24 hours. And I had to figure out what to do to sustain my financial stability. That’s when I began to dig deep within and found that I had more in me that could help the world and set me up to be seen, be heard, and get paid. In turn, I’ve shown others how to live the life of their dreams, while reaching their goals and making a profit — keeping service and joy at the forefront of everything.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?
Interestingly enough, being a serial entrepreneur has allowed me to be on various platforms across the globe. And there have been several instances where a patient recognizes me from social media or tv and they immediately lighten up and are excited to meet me in person. Those moments make this journey worth it all. Also, there are times when I’m contacted by students that I’ve coached or I run into them after they’ve entered their residency for medical school. Every story like that is touching.
Can you share a story about the funniest or most interesting mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
This may not be a funny response, but its certainly a mistake with a lesson. And that is simply this — I expected certain people (family & friends) to support my efforts. When I started to become successful, I found out that everyone won’t always celebrate your success and happiness. The mistake I made was in believing that everyone had the heart and passion I did. But it didn’t make me bitter; is just made me better. Now, I know that I may have to be my own cheerleader sometimes. And that’s ok. But there are certainly more people for me than against me.
Ok let’s jump to the main focus of our interview. Even in 2019, women still earn about 80 cents for every dollar a man makes. Can you explain three of the main factors that are causing the wage gap?
The wage gap between men and women I happening because of male dominated careers, lack of exposure in certain areas, and racial biases. Many careers have become gender specific and not everyone is welcomed in them. For instance, there was a time when men were deemed to be doctors. But many women, including myself, are killing that stigma. Also, there are some demographic areas that still live in the “stone age.” This simply means that they hold the male gender in higher regard and rarely take time to grant exposure to all people that are doing a great job. Racial tensions are rising. And while minorities are definitely doing more, they are still respected less in most cases. This causes an unfortunate gap in wages because dollar amounts are being put on the person instead of the production.
Can you share with our readers what your work is doing to help close the gender wage gap?
Awareness and speaking out are the main things. Many people are afraid to speak up and many people don’t believe there is an issue. But I’m one who is sounding the alarm, letting audiences know that the problem is a problem, and showcasing the talents within the person — not the gender of the person.
The population of women alone misses out on millions of dollars yearly for doing the same thing as a man, but making much less. But how can we stop this problem? First, acknowledgment that there is a problem. There’s an array of men who don’t believe this issue exists. Second, speak up! Women can’t be the only ones who take this issue seriously. Support is needed from men, also. Third, stop making occupations gender specific. If a person goes to school and is properly trained, they should be respected for their expertise — male or female. Fourth, demand respect. Many women have become comfortable with being silent and end up allowing others to manipulate them. Lastly, women must be ok with being themselves in a male dominated world. Entrepreneurs are rising and there are more women stepping out than men. This proves that they are ready to be seen, be heard, and get paid. Women don’t have to settle when they are equipped to earn the money that they deserve AND desire!
Can you recommend 5 things that need to be done on a broader societal level to close the gender wage gap? Please share a story or example for each.
The unfortunate reality is that there is a gender wage gap. The population of women alone misses out on millions of dollars yearly for doing the same thing as a man, but making much less. But how can we stop this problem? First, acknowledgment that there is a problem. There’s an array of men who don’t believe this issue exists. Second, speak up! Women can’t be the only ones who take this issue seriously. Support is needed from men, also. Third, stop making occupations gender specific. If a person goes to school and is properly trained, they should be respected for their expertise — male or female. Fourth, demand respect. Many women have become comfortable with being silent and end up allowing others to manipulate them. Lastly, women must be ok with being themselves in a male dominated world. Entrepreneurs are rising and there are more women stepping out than men. This proves that they are ready to be seen, be heard, and get paid. This is the message that Dr. Renee Sunday promotes and teaches. Women don’t have to settle when they are equipped to earn the money that they deserve AND desire!
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
My movement would be #GratefulEveryday — this is the attitude that everyone should take on. Many people shoe their gratefulness in the month of November, in preparation for Thanksgiving. But my heart and mind are to not only start there, but continue it every month. No matter what we’re dealing with, someone else is always worse off. We have to learn to be grateful for what we have, where we are, and even where we’re not.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My life lesson quote would be, “If I can help somebody then my living shall not be in vain.” Even from childhood, servanthood was instilled in me. My parents made sure that I knew what it meant to live my life in such a way that others could be blessed by it. And that’s what living is about. Yes, we’re living for ourselves. But more so, we’re living to help others.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to sit down with someone like Oprah Winfrey , Michelle Obama , Ellen Degeneres or Michelle Gates. Each woman is powerful and wise, in her own right. They have hearts to serve and have proven that reaching your goals and living your dreams are possible. They stand for what they believe and are amazing examples. I’d love to glean from any or all of them and I believe it will happen.
This was really meaningful! Thank you so much for your time.
5 Things We Need To Do To Close The Gender Wage Gap, with Dr. Renee Sunday & Candice Georgiadis was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.