Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelo Valenti.
Hi Angelo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I earned my PhD in psychology from the University of Georgia, my goal was to be a college professor. I achieved that by teaching at Oklahoma City University from 1975-79 and was chairman of the department of psychology from 1976-79. The school was in financial trouble and I decided to explore other career options. I was hired by the psychological consulting firm RHR International to work in their Memphis office. That’s where I learned how to work with businesses and business leaders, and I fell in love with consulting. In January 1981, I started consulting with Bill Cochran, who was the General Agent for Northwestern Mutual in middle and eastern Tennessee and northern Alabama. I helped him hire life insurance agents and worked with his leadership team. He and I developed a close working relationship and he encouraged me to move to Nashville and set up my own consulting business, which I did in June 1982. He introduced me to many of the business leaders in Nashville and my business, The Company Psychologist, grew. Forty-three years later, I’m still at it and enjoying it as much as the day I started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Consulting is challenging. I am a discretionary expense, although I help companies build strong cultures, reduce turnover, and help leaders and aspiring leaders be the best version of themselves, which has a positive impact on the bottom line. In economic downturns or times of uncertainty, some companies tend to focus on reducing expenses. I started my business during a recession, which some well-meaning friends thought was not the smartest idea, but I had confidence in myself. Since then, there have been major downturns in the economy in 1986, 2001, 2007-2009, and 2020 (due to COVID-19). I lost some business but maintained a core group of clients in manufacturing and industrial distribution who were not as negatively impacted as other businesses. In a bad economy, it is critical to have the right people doing the right things at the right time for the right reasons, so my counsel can be particularly valuable.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Company Psychologist?
My practice focuses on helping companies hire the right people for their unique cultures, build strong teams and bench strength for the challenges of today and tomorrow, and coach leaders and aspiring leaders. I’ve interviewed thousands of candidates and worked with hundreds of leaders. Here’s what sets me apart: 1. Over 40 years of experience working with a wide variety of businesses and industries 2. I tailor my consulting to the unique culture, challenges, and opportunities of each client company 3. My clients know they are working with me and not whatever staff consultant is available, as would be the case with a large consulting firm 4. I tell my clients what they need to hear, not what they want to hear 5. I communicate with business leaders as a business person first and a psychologist second. No jargon or psychobabble.
I offer psychological assessments using interviews and assessments that measure general mental abilities, personality, behavior, values and motivators, and competencies. These assessments are benchmarked to meet the needs of each client.
I coach leaders and aspiring leaders. My coaching approach is individualized, personal, and one-on-one.
I’ve written a book, You’re Making This Way Too Hard: Find YOUR Easy Way to NJOYLFE, which is a roadmap for finding joy, inner peace, and contentment. I’ve also built an online course, Enjoy Life the Easy Way, which allows each person to put the concepts in the book into practice in their lives. It’s basically eight coaching sessions for less than the cost of one personal coaching session with me. The book and the course are available at www.angelovalenti.com
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I was an only child raised by my grandparents. My mother was disabled but she did what she could. My favorite childhood memory is my grandmother cooking for my friends. She cooked some amazing Italian food and could feed one or twenty of my friends on a moment’s notice. She was also a teacher, so she instilled in me a love of learning. My grandfather was a dentist and was the kindest person I’ve ever known. He was beloved by everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thecompanypsychologist.com and www.angelovalenti.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorangelovalenti
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngeloValentiAuthor/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelovalentiphd/
- Twitter: @Doctorv4456
- Youtube: @AngeloValenti-v4i
