Moxie Interview with Education Expert, Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis

"Dr. Bisa", as she is affectionately called, is definitely a woman to behold! Determination and confidence are just a couple of attributes that explain how Bisa Batten Lewis, EdD is one Moxie professional.  She is Founder and Managing Partner of an educational consulting firm, Ideal Early Learning,  and a curriculum company, W.I.N.G.S Curriculum. She is a published author of education and parenting articles, college textbooks, children's books, early childhood curriculum, adult training curriculum, early learning handbooks and more.

With a wealth of information and great advice to share with women who find themselves wanting to take the shortcut to success, I sat down with the Education Expert, to get her insider's secrets to success and why success is more than a destination. Check out our interview below.


When did you decide you would get your EdD in Adult Education?

In undergrad, I loved math.  I changed my major four times before settling on education.  I remember when I was studying computer science we would learn a program and soon after the program would become obsolete.  Change was so frequent and constant and I knew that I could handle it, but I had to make sure it was what I wanted to do.


You're a successful business woman.  Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit from?

I was inspired by my grandfather, who had no college education and little formal education, but owned several successful businesses, properties, and was quite wealthy during his time. When I was a little girl I would sell candy to other students.  I supplied a demand to the military kids who did not have access to the same type of candy that I had.  I did not know it back then, but I always had a business mindset and an ability to see opportunities for business.


Do you have advice for women who are just starting out with their own business?

Yes.  You don’t have to pay someone to do something you can learn to do yourself.  You can save so much in overhead if you try and involve yourself in as much of your business as possible.  You can always pay someone to do your payroll or marketing, but you can put time in and learn some things for yourself.  


What do you think are some of the common mistakes women make when starting their business?

Some start without being prepared. They just jump out because of someone else’s story or success.  Every successful business owner has to pay their dues.  You will not just instantaneously start a business and within 30 days, have a thriving scaled business. You have to be patient and resilient. 


What one life lesson would you like to share with women?

There are no shortcuts in life.  If you are looking for something that will get you something you truly desire quickly or with very little effort, it most likely will not get you respect.  For instance, when searching for a doctoral program, some choose less reputable institutions and when among colleagues they often find themselves in precarious situations where they don't even feel confident sharing where they earned their doctorate. If you're going to work that hard, make it count and be proud of how and where you earned your education! Choosing educational and career opportunities that are fulfilling avoid the need to overcompensate to prove one's relevance.

Also, don’t try to be something you are not.  Do not buy-in to the notion of only looking successful and not trying to be successful.  You have to be confident  and be both. Also do NOT try and impress others, but keep focused and work hard to establish yourself. A true professional allows her work to speak for itself!


That's definitely great and MOXIE advice - as Oprah would say, a 'tweetable moment'. You can find Dr. Bisa leading certification programs, in the classroom and keeping us in the know on her website and you can find her on Twitter and Facebook too!