We recently connected with Brian McKinney and have shared our conversation below.
Brian, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
It took me a long time to be able to overcome imposter syndrome. I had to start believing and telling myself that I belong here. This came with a lot of self development, finding my voice and support from my wife. I’ve always tried to stay honest and true with who I am, regardless of what others think. There have been times where I’ve received validation from others in different situations and that has also helped.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am many things. First and foremost, I am a husband and a father. Wife and kids are the most important people in my life and they give me the fuel to do what I do. I’m an investor, an entrepreneur, a mentor and I’m incredibly passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion. When I’m not representing real estate clients as an agent for McKinney Property Solutions, I’m spending time volunteering and coaching my 9 year old son’s basketball team at the YMCA. I’ve done this for several seasons and I love it because it allows me the opportunity to give back and teach kids not only the fundamentals of basketball but also important life lessons. Basketball and coaching are two things I love so to be able to do this has been amazing. I have also been working to advance the development of the Kennedy McKinney DeShields (KMD) Diversity Equity and Inclusion scholarship that is awarded to a deserving graduating senior from my high school alma mater in Pennsylvania. This will be our third year giving the award. This has been my way of giving back and really making an impact on the lives of others. This will be part of my legacy. You can find more information on this scholarship at kmdfoundation.org. McKinney Brands has had lot of activity. We closed our Pizza Restaurant and have more time and energy into our kids and have authored and published Weekend Fun (The Adventures of Ross and Raine). This is the first book in a series that my wife and I have written with our children (Ross and Raine). We are working on the second book in the series right now. I’m also looking for speaking opportunities to talk about DE&I as well as motivational speaking.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I look back at my life, I think three very important qualities and skills have been: strong work ethic, doing the right thing and being dedicated to being myself. For anyone who is early in their journey, these are three things I would focus on. I grew up not having excess means so I had to work for what I got, whether that was on the basketball court or just in life. I always believed that if you do the right thing, even when it is the harder thing, you’ll be able to sleep at night with a clear conscience. Being cleared eyed and clear minded going through life is a blessing. Being able to stay true to myself goes a long way when tough decisions present themselves. Being grounded in who I am has allowed me the ability to make those tough decisions and not live with regrets. I learn from all of my experiences, both good and bad. Life is not always easy but when there are setbacks, I try to learn from them so the losses become wins.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My wife, Oriel McKinney has been incredibly helpful in helping me overcome challenges. She really helped me in terms of standing with me, giving me confidence, giving me a different perspective and giving me confidence to speak my mind and speak in public. I’ve also improved my business acumen since meeting my wife. I always said that I was good before I met her but, she really is my partner in everything (life, business, parenting, marriage) and she makes me a better me. We have built several businesses since we met and have gotten married. They often say behind every good man is a good woman. I say that my wife stands beside as I face life and life’s challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mckinneybrands.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckinneybrands/. https://www.instagram.com/mckinneypropertysolutions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McKinneyBrands. https://www.facebook.com/McKinneyPropertySolutions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kmd-foundation/
