PROVEN Management CEO Conway shares how NMSDC certification opened doors, built credibility, and created pathways to multi-year Fortune 100 partnerships in the competitive transition management industry.
Introduction & Background
Can you begin by sharing your background and what motivated you to establish PROVEN Management? What challenges did you face as a minority entrepreneur starting out?
Conway: I founded PROVEN because I saw a gap in how high-stakes transitions were being managed for major organizations and high-profile individuals. I had worked in spaces where operations mattered deeply—government agencies, Fortune 100 companies, civic institutions—and I knew there was a better way to manage complexity with clarity and care. I wanted to create a firm that not only delivered excellence, but one that could act as a true representative of the client’s voice and vision during critical moments of change.
Starting out as a double minority entrepreneur, the biggest challenge was access. Getting into the right rooms, being taken seriously, and finding champions who saw my value took time. But I was clear on my mission, and I built PROVEN from the ground up with a deep commitment to integrity, structure, and exceptional outcomes. Today, we handle everything from workplace transitions to executive-level events, and as of 2025, we’ve expanded to include residential support for clients who need us beyond the boardroom.
Role of NMSDC & Certification in Business Scaling
You’ve been an active participant in the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). Can you tell us more about your partnership with NMSDC and how their network has helped shape the trajectory of your business?
Conway: NMSDC has been a transformational partner for PROVEN. What started as a certification quickly became a community that challenged and uplifted me. Through their network, I connected with supplier diversity leaders, Fortune-ranked corporations, and fellow MBEs who were building businesses with intention and scale. NMSDC gave me visibility—but more importantly, it gave me the credibility that comes with being part of something larger. The connections, the mentorship, and the access they provide have all helped shape our strategic direction
The NMSDC certification is often seen as a key that opens doors for minority-owned businesses. How did obtaining this certification impact PROVEN’s ability to scale and compete within the marketplace?
The certification gave us the positioning we needed to compete at a national level. It affirmed our readiness and opened doors to high-value conversations and RFPs we may not have seen otherwise. It did not replace performance—we still had to show up, deliver, and earn every contract—but it put us in the right rooms. It also gave us the confidence to scale, knowing that our qualifications were backed by a respected national standard.
Have you found that being an NMSDC-certified business opened doors to new opportunities or partnerships that may not have been available otherwise? Could you share a specific example?
Conway: Yes—a standout example was a strategic introduction at an NMSDC event that led to a major engagement with a Fortune 100 company. They were going through a complex workspace transition, and we were able to step in as their Owner’s Representative. That opportunity grew into a multi-year relationship. The certification positioned us to be considered, and our work kept us there. That project helped elevate our brand and expand our reach significantly.
The NMSDC Advantage
As a certified minority business, how have you leveraged the resources, advocacy, and visibility provided by NMSDC to enhance your company’s growth?
Conway: NMSDC offers more than access—it offers alignment. I’ve taken full advantage of their capacity-building programs, national conferences, and supplier matchmaking events. Those resources have helped me not only grow the business but refine our value proposition. The advocacy piece has also been huge—being part of a national dialogue about equity in procurement and supplier diversity helps us stay visible and relevant in the larger ecosystem.
In your experience, how important is it for other minority-owned businesses to pursue NMSDC certification? What advice would you offer to entrepreneurs considering it?
Conway: It is incredibly important. Certification is not just a checkbox—it’s a launchpad. It signals to the market that you are serious, capable, and vetted. My advice is simple: come ready. Make sure your internal processes, financials, and operations can back up your ambition. NMSDC will give you access, but you have to bring the readiness. When those two things align, the possibilities are endless.
What have been some of the biggest benefits of being part of the NMSDC network, both from a business development and professional growth perspective?
Conway: Access to opportunity, yes—but also access to wisdom. The relationships I’ve built with other MBEs, corporate leaders, and mentors have helped me grow not just as a business owner, but as a leader. The exposure to best practices, new industries, and forward-thinking partners has expanded both my mindset and my reach. It’s more than a network. It’s an ecosystem.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continue to be a significant focus in today’s business world. How does PROVEN prioritize DEI, not only within your company but also in the services you offer to clients?
Conway: At PROVEN, DEI is built into how we hire, who we partner with, and how we serve. Internally, we believe in creating space for underrepresented voices at every level. Externally, we help our clients lead change in ways that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and sustainable. Whether it’s through equitable relocation strategies or thoughtful stakeholder engagement, we ensure DEI is not an afterthought—it’s the foundation.
How has the NMSDC certification helped elevate your voice and influence in promoting DEI initiatives, especially as a leader within the MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) community?
Conway: The certification has given me a platform—one I use intentionally. As a certified MBE, I’m often invited into conversations about procurement, equity, and supplier inclusion. I take those opportunities seriously and advocate not just for my firm, but for the ecosystem of diverse suppliers doing extraordinary work. NMSDC helped amplify my voice, and I do my best to use it in ways that open doors for others.
Leadership & Mentorship
As a successful CEO and minority business owner, what challenges have you faced as a leader, and how have you navigated those obstacles to grow your business?
Conway: Leadership can be lonely, especially when you’re breaking new ground. I’ve faced moments of doubt, resource gaps, and the constant pressure to perform at a high level while building something from scratch. But I lead with transparency, structure, and faith in the team around me. I invest in mentorship, continuous learning, and building a company culture that reflects excellence at every turn. That has made all the difference
Can you share how mentorship or strategic partnerships (like with NMSDC) have helped guide you throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
Conway: Mentorship has been a game changer. Having seasoned leaders to call, learn from, and model after has helped me skip mistakes and stay focused. The NMSDC community, in particular, is full of brilliant entrepreneurs and corporate advocates who offer real, actionable advice. Those relationships have become part of PROVEN’s strategic toolkit.
How do you manage to stay motivated and inspire your team to stay committed to your company’s mission, especially in moments of uncertainty?
Conway: I stay grounded in purpose. I remind myself and my team that what we do matters—not just to our clients, but to the people and communities they serve. That clarity keeps us focused, even when things get tough. I lead by example, and I make space for rest, reflection, and growth. We celebrate wins and we learn from setbacks. That balance keeps us resilient.
Closing Thoughts
For readers who want to learn more about PROVEN and stay connected, where can they follow your journey or access your services?
Conway: You can visit us at www.provenmgmt.com to learn more about our services, our team, and our story. You can also connect with me directly on LinkedIn, where I share insights about leadership, change, and what it means to build a business with heart. We’re always looking to partner with purpose-driven clients and collaborators. If our values align, let’s connect.
