Rita P. Mitchell

Rita P. Mitchell is an overcomer. In a career spanning nearly four decades, she has navigated countless roadblocks and conquered numerous obstacles to accomplish her personal and professional goals in the very competitive financial services industry.

Rita became president of her own insurance and securities brokerage firm, spoke on the TEDx stage, contributed to Black Enterprise magazine, and became the first-ever recipient of First Horizon’s 2018 Inclusion & Diversity Leader’s Award. Before retiring in early 2018, Rita served as Executive Vice President and Manager of Private Client Services for Middle Tennessee, First Tennessee Bank.

Most recently, she has written Own Your Phenomenal Self, a guide to empowering young career women to achieve their desired success. In addition, Rita is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. Currently, she serves on the boards of the YWCA USA, Cheekwood, and is Chair of the Board of the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee.

Rita resides in Nashville, TN, and enjoys writing, cooking, and traveling with the love of her life, Fulton, and her daughter, Brittany.

PRAISE FOR OWN YOUR PHENOMENAL SELF:

“Where was a book like this when I was twenty-five? Where was a woman like Rita Mitchell in my life and career path when I was twenty-five? The ability to give a hand up and a nudge forward to a woman from a woman—especially when we think we have to be anything but who we really are to succeed—could’ve changed the paths for so many women who went at it alone when we were twenty-five. I’ve known Rita for over ten years, and one night when a group of us had dinner together and she told me her story, I knew I wanted more of her, her wisdom, her authenticity, and her “bad-assness” around me. This book will motivate and guide many women who were like me twenty-five years ago! And hopefully, with the guiding points at the end of each chapter, it will give that woman a clear guide on how to embrace their Phenomenal Selves and point their internal compass to True North.” — Christie Wilson, President and Broker, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services

“In a world of corporate landscapes often rife with hidden agendas, power plays, and ambiguity of ethics – particularly for ambitious and talented women – Rita P. Mitchell offers an alternative response and course of action. Own Your Phenomenal Self is much more than a good book. Rita’s personal stories can – and, in my opinion, should – be every professional woman’s GPS for navigating pitfalls, setbacks, boobytraps, and – on occasion – corporate idiocy with the fuel of integrity, engine of tenacity, tires of kindness, auto body of committed excellence, and an individually unique key of personal purpose. This book changed me for the better. I urge you to read and risk the same.” — Genie James, internationally-recognized author and speaker and CEO of GJ Enterprises

“Own Your Phenomenal Self is an excellent book for women in any stage of their career and particularly for those who are interested in maximizing the gifts and talents they’ve been given. It is a thoughtful combination of real-life experiences, wisdom, and practical tips. It is easy to read yet provides the reader with insight and thought-provoking activities to enhance their lives and careers. This will be a valuable resource that spans decades.” — Debra Boblitt, former Senior Vice President of the Southeastern Market of State Farm Insurance

"Own Your Phenomenal Self is chock-full of gems of wisdom for corporate/professional survival, success, and self-actualization on the journey to authentic self. A quick read and reference guide, Rita Mitchell's personal journey is inspirational and provides practical advice that can be applied in challenging situations. It should be the go-to handbook on the desk of aspiring professionals and leaders." — D. Billye Sanders, Attorney-at-Law

"Rita Mitchell has written a very relevant and thoughtful book that is based on her life's experience as an African American and a woman navigating the business world starting in the '70's through present day. Her book is an inspiring and practical guide for any woman (or man) who wants to be successful and make the most of their talent. Additionally, it could be a significant help for anyone who has hit a roadblock and needs to kick-start their career. Her book is a big gift in a small package." — Lady Bird, retired Corporate Officer and Government Executive

“Rita – I thoroughly enjoyed your book! It was meaningful and thought-provoking. It is full of excellent guidance for young women (and men) who are striving to make their mark in the business world. I found particularly useful your advice about the importance of connecting. My favorite passage is, ‘You must learn to sincerely connect with people and become a master of the connect. And because people connect with those they like, know, and trust, it follows that you must be likable, you must know and be known to people on a personal level, and you must create a level of trust, which can only happen when you yourself are trustworthy.’” — Leigh Walton, Member, Bass, Berry & Sims

“YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!! What a powerful, motivating and inspiring read! If this does not get young (and seasoned) women to walk in their purpose I am not sure what will!!! I am not sure how I can relive my career but... I sure can pass on Rita’s story to so many young women that I know are in the middle of their careers and could use the wisdom Rita has shared. Thank you so very much to Rita for her willingness and bravery to share the intimate details of her journey. I am confident that this will to be a guide and an inspiration to so many.” — Roxianne Bethune, Diversity Business Consultant

“Mitchell’s authentic account of professional realities with clear-cut guidance for responding constructively is refreshingly sincere. Invaluable perspective from a successful leader that I highly recommend to professionals and their mentors alike.”— Evette White, CEO, Executive Selection

“This book was very instrumental in providing the clarity I needed to regain control over my career to return to the driver’s seat. The examples and analogies drove home the concepts in very a practical way that was immediately applicable for me.” — LoLita D. Toney, Community Leader and Senior Director of Development for the National Museum of African American Music