Episode 9: Cherise Irons-Teacher to School Administrator to Migraine Advocate Part II

In this continuation of Cherise Irons’ inspiring journey, she dives into how her personal health challenges became a catalyst for advocacy and entrepreneurship. Cherise candidly shares how frequent medical appointments and breakdowns in communication with doctors led her to discover a deeper calling: bridging the gap between patients and medical professionals. A key turning point came when a physician recognized her natural ability to advocate and communicate effectively, encouraging her to share her experiences more broadly.Cherise explains how her initial frustration with the medical system evolved into meaningful advocacy work. She became an official advocate with the American Migraine Foundation in 2021, building on earlier recognition for her role in a 2019 documentary. Through this work, she realized her personal struggles were not unique, and that many patients faced similar communication barriers. This experience became the foundation for her consulting business, Irons Consulting Group, LLC, which helps doctors and patients connect in a collaborative, empathetic way.A central theme of this episode is the transferable skills from education to healthcare. Cherise reflects on how her background as a teacher and administrator—listening, advocating, and creating safe spaces for students—translated seamlessly into helping patients be heard and understood in medical settings. Her story underscores the value of recognizing and leveraging skills gained in one field to make an impact in another.Cherise also shares profound lessons about perseverance, heartwork, and healing. Drawing on personal experiences with trauma, burnout, and spiritual guidance, she emphasizes the importance of introspection, therapy, and surrounding oneself with people who provide both support and honest feedback. She encourages listeners to persevere through challenges, stay aligned with their purpose, and approach transitions with faith, passion, and resilience.For those navigating career changes or contemplating entrepreneurship, Cherise provides practical advice: transitioning from the classroom to building a business requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to nurture the “baby” of your venture. Her story is a testament to courage, spiritual grounding, and the transformative power of purpose-driven work.Listeners can connect with Cherise via LinkedIn at Cherise C. Irons, Instagram @Ms.IronsSharpens, Facebook Irons Consulting Group, LLC, or her website ironsconsultinggroupllc.com for consultations and collaboration opportunities.