Dr. Maya Faison has spent her career in the non-profit space and then took the leap to start her own consulting firm 7 years ago (previously known as Bugg Consulting Group), Faison Advisory Group. As she shares, she is in her “joy” era helping leaders, organizations and women navigate transition, amplify their voice and grow their companies.
Dr. Maya Faison
Company, Business or Organization: Faison Advisory Group
Title: Founder + CEO
How many years have you been in Nashville?
I was recruited to Nashville about 12 years ago to launch the Tennessee office for a national nonprofit called Education Pioneers. I launched their Memphis & Nashville sites, where I assumed responsibility for strategic growth, financial resilience, and regional partner acquisition. Under my leadership, we dramatically expanded the organization’s reach and attracted significant partner investment.
Tell us what you are creating in Nashville:
I am in my Joy Era and I actively work to spread joy wherever I go! Specifically, I convene women while curating spaces of joy, impact, growth & vulnerability. I also host Coaching Circles for female executives & entrepreneurs: it’s a combination of 1 on 1 coaching and coaching within a community of other female leaders of color who are looking to learn how to (re)claim their rightful space, amplify their voice, navigate transition, grow their companies and/or lead with both confidence and grace. It is a community of values-based leaders who understand your unique challenges of leadership/ entrepreneurship and celebrate your uncompromising brilliance.
I also provide consulting to for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations, helping leaders and organizations move past challenges, uncovering growth opportunities, cultivating joy, and fostering innovation through strategic solutions. We create mission-aligned, values-based strategies and initiatives that propel impact, facilitate growth and accelerate your organization’s reach. I’ve worked with organizations such as Tory Burch, Kate Spade, IDEO, United Way, Redlich Foundation, FedEx Office, CHIEF, Family & Children’s Aid, U.S. House of Representatives, Shine Early Learning and dozens more.
I am also an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University; I teach courses such as Advanced Organizational Theory, Change Management and Public Policy.
And finally, I work to create a beautiful and loving home for my husband, Dr. John Faison and our 3 daughters.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by knowing I am responsible for choosing and sustaining my own joy. Once I realized that no one else held that power, my life changed. So now I try to live a life that exudes joy so as to inspire others around me to choose joy as well.
Coffee, Lunch, brunch or happy hour? Happy Hour
Favorite Nashville musician, singer or artist? I’m a Philly jawn at heart so does Jill Scott count because she lives here now? If not, I’m digging The Shindellas.
What is your favorite Nashville spot you are digging right now? Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel – cool vibes, great music, amazing lobster sushi
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