We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Na’Kedra Rodgers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Na’Kedra, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I haven’t always been a risk taker. As a matter of fact, most of my life I played it safe. I believe that my upbringing greatly influenced my way of thinking. Growing up I saw my mother work for the same company for 33 years. To her staying with the same company meant stability and success so that’s what she instilled in me. She said baby girl you’re going to go to college, get a degree, find a job, show up every day being the very best you can be and take very little PTO. I adopted her way of thinking for most of my life; however, I eventually learned that playing it safe probably wouldn’t lead to the success that I now dream of. I must think outside the box and do things that are sometimes unconventional. I want to win in life which means that I will have to bet on myself even if I’m the only one that believes in my vision. A traditional job isn’t enough anymore. I want to be my own boss and make my own hours. This change of thought requires that I step out on faith and try something new without fear. I have embraced the fact that I’m a visionary and a trailblazer. I chase my dreams knowing that sometimes I will take some losses; however, I’m determined to be a success story. I know that with discipline and consistency, I’ll get there.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Na’Kedra Rodgers is a Christian Motivational Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur and Podcaster. My vision is to speak worldwide spreading optimism using biblical concepts one event at a time. My mission is to inspire, empower and encourage that woman who’s at a crossroad in her life and searching for her purpose. I started my business by posting daily inspirational videos on social media. I had no formal training, but I knew that God had given me the gift of encouraging and pouring into others. I know a thing or two about life being hard and sometimes feeling depressed. I’ve been there, but I also know that storms pass. In life we will encounter heartache, disappointments, and setbacks but after the rain comes sunshine.
That’s the hope and encouragement I offer on a daily basis. You can search for Na’Kedra Rodgers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. You can even tune in on Wednesday nights at 6pm cst to hear an empowering message live on Fishbowl Radio Network.
If you’re an avid reader, you can find hope in my book Kneeling Earnestly for Transformation 30 Day Devotional which is available online everywhere books are sold. In my book there is a section to journal your thoughts, reflect on scripture and apply it to everyday living. My t-shirts and fashionable matching accessories serve as a visual reminder of your inner strength. Buzz words with corresponding scripture to keep you uplifted and encouraged with words like Chosen, Unique, Healed, Overcomer and Resilient.
I am in awe of all God has done with my ministry and business since I sat in front of my camera phone on April 16th, 2021. I have sold over 1,500 t-shirts, had several successful book signings, spoken at numerous events this past year, became a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and been blessed to attend speaker conferences so that I could get that training and be in the room with well known speakers, writers and influencers.
In January 2024, I’ll be presenting my signature message “Winning Mindset” at both the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. I am also working on a book proposal to pitch to literary agents to potentially represent me and submit my proposal to a large publishing company. This is just the beginning of what God has in store for me. Elevation is here and available for us all. We just have to believe in our abilities and go after our dreams making sure that they align with God’s will for our lives.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In the Old Testament of the bible, it talks about God equipping us with the wisdom, knowledge and skills to fulfill our purpose in life. We must stand on God’s promise and believe that we already have everything within us that we need to succeed in life. For me, three qualities that have been instrumental in my journey are consistency, belief in myself and embracing community. Success requires a no-quit attitude despite the circumstances. There will be ups and downs, but that doesn’t mean you give up. You’ve got to keep going even when people tell you no or say what you’re trying to accomplish can’t be done. Don’t listen to them; stay the course.
I also had to be confident in my abilities and know without a doubt that I’m more than capable of doing the job. I deserved every opportunity that I was given because I believed that my talents were needed and in demand. I am unique and my uniqueness is by God’s design. God has gifted me with a special talent to deliver a message to the intended audience. I take the calling on my life seriously and I know that if He sends me, it was my assignment and my assignment only.
Success is not a one person show. We need each other to survive. We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone on before us. We must leverage our connections to achieve forward progress. Communities are strengthened when people work together. I can’t do it on my own and I’m so thankful that I realized this early in my business journey.
My advice for individuals early in their journey would be to use the resources available to you. You don’t know everything so don’t be afraid to ask for help. People can only tell you yes or no. Make sure that you network and collaborate with others. Build your community with individuals who are experts in various fields and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks; you don’t want to risk burnout before you get your business off the ground.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Transformation has occurred in my heart and my attitude. I’m thankful for growth, but I recognize that I still have work to do. I had to look at my inner man and take inventory of my character and how I respond in certain situations. For example, I always thought I was a nice person, and I am, but sometimes I can be a little nice nasty. I have a smart mouth and sometimes give little flip comments. Girl you’ve got to watch what you say. I also struggle with being dependable as well. I sometimes show up for people and sometimes I don’t; however, I’m always looking for my people to show up for me. Isn’t that something? Self-reflection is something else; it will cut like a two-edged sword, but it’s necessary for growth. It’s like planting things in a garden. You dig a hole, do the planting, cover it up, water it and watch it grow.
Well, I was born, I grew up, had relationships with family and friends and life was good until it wasn’t. I had people around me that I was really close to and loved dearly, but over time, that circle of loved ones started to get smaller. I looked around and said oh I haven’t talked to this person in awhile, or why do I keep bumping heads with people. I had to come to the realization that I was the common denominator. I had to stop being delusional and take responsibility. It’s not always the other person’s fault when the relationship dissolves. You’ve got to do a self-check every now and then to see what part you played in the situation. To be able to recognize that you could’ve handled the situation differently; feelings and people matter. It’s ok if you mess up; after all, no one is perfect. We’re all in a constant state of change and evolution, I hope.
On the contrary, I now know that some people don’t believe there’s anything wrong with them; therefore, they have no reason to change. They are happy with who they are. I’m not saying don’t love yourself because self-care is important. You should be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. You should be your biggest cheerleader and definitely don’t depend on others to clap for you or validate what you’ve done. Please don’t beat yourself up when you fall short of your expectations. I can relate to being your own worst critic. All I’m saying is the world would be nicer if we all committed to being better. To strive to be better than we were yesterday. To not make the same mistakes over and over again if they’re damaging or hurtful to those around you and even yourself.
That’s the pruning process. Doing the work. The hard stuff. I had to look within and say “oh, I don’t like this particular thing about myself, or I don’t want to be the victim in every situation”. I need to be able to handle constructive criticism so I can be the best version of myself. I had to figure out what about my personality was causing me to clash with people and be honest with myself. I had to admit that sometimes I’m not always loveable.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It’s a daily struggle; however, with God’s help I can see the turnaround for the better. I’ve started practicing being quick to listen and slow to speak. I’m genuinely concerned for others without expecting anything in return. I’m learning to totally depend on God in good times and bad; I realize that it’s a daily commitment, a lot of sacrifice, practicing self-control and changing my mindset.
I have learned to accept that perfection does not exist. Every day is an opportunity to grow and learn because there’s always room for improvement. I now acknowledge the wrong I’ve done and make amends. I’m learning to extend grace to everyone including myself. I now accept I was that person, but I’m not anymore. Each day I’m getting a little closer to becoming the person God predestined me to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.okthatsme.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/optimisticallyke
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/optimisticallyke
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/nakedrarodgers
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@optimisticallyke1523
