Tiana Neal on Her Consulting Company and HR and Payroll Podcast

Hi, Tiana! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I’m Tiana Neal, Founder and CEO of Transcenders Consulting Group. I'm originally from the South, and though my career took me out to the West Coast, I eventually returned to Georgia, where I now call home. After years of dedicating myself to various organizations and building expertise across multiple roles, I took a leap of faith and launched my own consulting firm. At Transcenders Consulting Group, we specialize in Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions, providing comprehensive support across HR, payroll, tax, HRIS, benefits, and system implementations. Additionally, I host The Human Roll—an HR and payroll podcast that explores key industry topics. Through this platform, I engage with industry professionals and help spotlight emerging businesses in the HCM space.

Who are your customers?

At Transcenders Consulting Group, we serve clients across various industries, including government, financial services, and small businesses. Our primary focus is working with senior leadership, such as C-suite executives, as well as Vice Presidents and Directors in HR and Payroll. We tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs of each organization, ensuring seamless operations and strategic alignment.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I began my career in payroll at ADP, where I gained a strong foundation in HR and payroll operations. Over the years, I expanded my expertise, taking on roles in training, HR operations, and consulting. Before launching Transcenders Consulting Group, I managed over 40 consultants and developed strategic vendor partnerships while working with various consulting firms. These experiences equipped me with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive support to clients across the HCM space.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

After dedicating years to ensuring the success of the organizations I worked for—driving revenue, optimizing systems, and supporting employee satisfaction—I encountered leadership challenges that left me feeling undervalued. Despite my contributions, including generating millions in revenue, I faced setbacks with unsupportive and toxic leadership. That experience motivated me to shift my focus and invest my time, energy, and expertise into building something of my own. Before considering another corporate role, I made a commitment to create a business where my skills and values could thrive—and thus, Transcenders Consulting Group was born.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Not at all. Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t something I initially envisioned for myself. However, early last year, I started receiving consistent feedback from colleagues praising my expertise and the impact of my work. This encouragement inspired me to launch The Human Roll podcast mid-year, where I could share insights and discuss key industry topics. When I later separated from my full-time role, the support from my network continued, with many encouraging me to pursue consulting independently. Their belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to take the leap—and that’s how Transcenders Consulting Group came to life.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

To be honest, I didn’t have a formal marketing strategy when I first launched Transcenders Consulting Group. I jumped in, relying heavily on the strong connections I’d built over the years, confident that securing clients and partnerships would come naturally. Unfortunately, things didn’t unfold as I expected—many of those connections didn’t materialize the way I had hoped, and I quickly realized I’d have to take matters into my own hands. I began doing outreach on my own, and fortunately, a few people gave me a shot. Those initial opportunities allowed me to prove my value, and from there, things slowly started to build. Now, I’m focused on developing a more structured marketing strategy to ensure steady growth and attract new clients moving forward.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the need to actively network and stay visible, ensuring people remember me when opportunities arise, or a client needs support. Having spent most of my career in behind-the-scenes roles focused on systems and operations, shifting to a more outward-facing approach was initially difficult. It took time to adjust to putting myself and my business out there, but with practice, it’s become more natural. While I still experience moments of nervousness—something I’ve come to accept as normal—the key lesson I’ve learned is that persistence is essential. Staying consistent and pushing forward, even when it feels uncomfortable, has been critical to my progress.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is successfully launching Transcenders Consulting Group and securing major clients within the first year. Building a business from the ground up has been both challenging and rewarding, and seeing clients trust me with their operations is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, I take great pride in the growth of The Human Roll podcast. Hosting influential guests and fostering meaningful conversations has not only expanded my reach but also contributed to the broader HR and payroll community. These achievements reaffirm that I’m on the right path, and they motivate me to keep pushing forward.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

I’m excited to share that I officially launched Transcenders Consulting Group in 2024 and have already secured several significant clients—a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, The Human Roll podcast has been a huge success. Hosting high-profile guests from the HR and payroll space has been a major win, and it's been rewarding to use the platform to spotlight key voices in the industry.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

In the coming years, my goal is to secure more major partnerships for the consulting firm while expanding our focus on nonprofit initiatives. Volunteering has always been a passion of mine, and I look forward to not only continuing that work but also contributing financially and pursuing opportunities to travel to Africa to make a meaningful impact. As for The Human Roll podcast, I’m excited to explore new formats, including more in-person tapings and live webinars featuring special guests. These efforts will allow us to engage more deeply with our audience and create impactful conversations around HR and payroll topics.

What is your top productivity tip? 

“Plant a seed every day.” This means taking at least one small action each day, whether it’s sending an email or following up on a previous conversation. There were days when I felt exhausted or anxious, questioning whether my efforts would yield any results. However, each time I reached out, I found that something positive often came from it. Even if a particular opportunity didn’t pan out, I gained closure and could move forward. The key is to maintain consistency—whatever that looks like for you—by checking off at least one task daily. These small, incremental steps can lead to significant progress over time.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

To avoid burnout, I prioritize listening to my body and recognizing when it needs rest. Whether it's taking a short nap, going to bed early, or simply stepping outside for a refreshing walk, I make it a point to incorporate breaks into my routine. These moments of rest help recharge my energy and maintain my overall well-being, allowing me to approach my work with renewed focus and clarity.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

I believe in prioritizing time with family and friends who matter most. Even if it’s just grabbing a coffee or enjoying a quick lunch together, these moments are invaluable. While starting a business can limit financial flexibility for larger trips, it’s essential to carve out time for the small things that bring joy and connection. Fostering these relationships helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance and recharge both personally and professionally.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One key realization I had was that not everyone has influence within their companies, which highlights the importance of exploring multiple avenues for my business plan. In hindsight, I recognize that I should have prioritized marketing from the outset. Many larger marketing groups require businesses to have a certain level of experience and revenue, which limited my options initially. I wish I had dedicated more time to learning marketing strategies on my own and consistently applied them. Investing in my marketing skills early on would have paid off significantly in the long run.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

One of my favorite business tools is my current HCM platform. It has significantly streamlined my operations and enhanced productivity. I appreciate its user-friendly interface and the ability to integrate with other systems, which saves me time and reduces manual work. Additionally, the insights and analytics it provides help me make informed decisions, allowing me to focus more on strategy and growth. Overall, it has become an indispensable part of my business toolkit.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Many entrepreneurs struggle with pride, feeling they need to tackle everything on their own. However, starting a business can be challenging, and it truly takes a village. Surround yourself with a supportive network and seek guidance when necessary. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can significantly enhance your journey as an entrepreneur.

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