We recently connected with Connie Kinnard and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Connie, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care is something that I take seriously. Now that I am fifty something 😊 I have chosen to be intentional about listening to my body and my inner voice. It is important at any age to be aware of your capacity to do your best work and be your best self. This state is not necessarily something that someone else can tell you. It is something that an individual must learn to recognize in order to adjust the situation or scenario when needed. Someone can tell you when you seem to be functioning at a strong capacity but only that individual truly knows what feeds their spirit, their soul to be most effective.
Self-care is not selfish, and I have had to personally channel my brain to remember that self-care helps me be more effective. Also, self-care is not being self-absorbed and that is also a balance that I have had to make as well. Doing activities like walking, frequenting spas, taking quiet time daily, reading, praying are ways that have been helpful to me to function better. Getting the rest that I need is important too. Getting enough sleep but also setting some boundaries around what I do. I am in an industry that never sleeps (and I love it) but I must sleep 😊so there has to be a balance or being irritable can set in.
My routine for the day is to start my morning with prayer and reflection. This means quiet time for me in thought and thanks before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. If needed during the day, I take breaks and leave my office building for 5 or 10 minutes to just be still and I do the same if working remote from home. The key for me is to give my brain a break from being laser focused. I try to map out my day the night before or in the morning with the key things that I want to accomplish. Once I do those, I don’t stop necessarily, but I give myself the option. I determine how much longer I can work, or I may stop for the day and pick up later or early the next day. As I have gotten older, I understand now how important it is to be present and mindful so that I can be more effective when dealing with others. I also just generally feel better when I give myself a bit of grace and room for renewal. It helps me extend that same grace to others as well.
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?
I am blessed to lead the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s – Multicultural Tourism & Development Department’s efforts in promoting multicultural neighborhoods, attractions, and events in Miami. I have a dynamic team and under menu of work, we spearhead business development programs for small businesses around tourism capacity building along with a cultural program called Art of Black Miami. Art of Black Miami is a marketing platform that highlights all forms of art, artists and galleries in Miami that touches the African Diaspora. Most recently, our multicultural department has expanded to include oversight of the GMCVB’s Black Hospitality Initiative which is a college scholarship and workforce development program for the tourism industry.
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?
Being able to speak your truth and requests confidently but in a way that will get your intended results or at least close.
Honesty. Even when you mess up, it is best to own your mistake and work towards the best resolve.
Never stop learning. Whether it is growing in knowledge in your primary field or growing in other non-related areas, keep learning. It only helps to build you personally and professionally.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I am so thankful for my mother and father. They planted a lot of seeds in me that didn’t really bloom until after I was older and after they passed away. They were preparing me for key moments in life that they knew I would experience at some point.
I think the most impactful thing that my parents taught me was to live life with purpose and integrity. I am not saying that I always get it right, but I strive for those things daily. I try to live a life that is purpose driven, positive and impactful on varying levels personally and professionally. I also strive to function with integrity, honesty, fairness and trust. While doing so doesn’t guarantee there won’t be issues, it does help me have peace of mind with the decisions that I make and most importantly for me, peace with God.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckinnard_ck1_sway_littlefox/?img_index=1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-w-kinnard-569b976/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpreadSONshine
