Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gogo Griot. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gogo, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Maintaining my creativity is not just a task for me; it’s the essence of my being. Even as a child, the seeds of creativity were sown deep within me. I vividly recall writing my first book loaded with stories and illustrations I was nine. My home was a stage where make-believe plays unfolded, inspired by the books I read and the TV shows we watched. My creativity found its voice not only in written words but in the realm of dance and drama too. Unfortunately, my formal education in dance and drama was cut short due to a lack of support, a challenge I faced as the sole Black student in those departments in college.
However, the hurdles I encountered did not deter my creative spirit; instead, they redirected my path towards a fulfilling career as a performing artist that spanned over two decades. It was during this journey that I stumbled upon the transformative power of oral storytelling—a medium that truly broadened my horizons. Through storytelling, I can weave magic with folktales, historic narratives, personal anecdotes, and my creations, touching hearts and opening minds.
My drive to produce and innovate continuously is fueled by a blend of mindfulness, curiosity, and gratitude. Practicing mindfulness anchors me in the present, allowing me to observe the world in vibrant detail. This observance, coupled with curiosity, ignites a relentless pursuit of ideas, ensuring my creative well never runs dry. Daily expressions of gratitude remind me of the abundant creative energy that surrounds us, endlessly inspiring and propelling me forward.
Adding to this reservoir of inspiration is my husband, an artist himself, who plays a pivotal role in nurturing my creative journey. Together, we cultivate an environment where creativity is not just nurtured; it thrives.
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?
As a Power Story Coach, I delve into the essence of what makes each individual and team uniquely powerful through a process I call the Power Story Experience, which I launched in 2023. Drawing inspiration from my name, which resonates with the roles of an elder, healer among the Zulu, and a storyteller in West Africa, I’ve dedicated myself to unlocking the potential within each person to craft and live by their authentic “Power Story.”
This customizable coaching journey is not just about uncovering one’s narrative—it’s about building a personal power pyramid through practices that nurture clarity, courage, confidence, compassion, and purpose. This foundation is vital for anyone navigating career shifts or transformations in personal relationships, ensuring every step forward is on solid, meaningful ground.
What excites me the most is the opportunity to bridge the gap between the heart and the hustle, especially for those in the technology and sustainability sectors. The nature of technology can often feel disconnected and overly mechanical. Through storytelling, I guide individuals to reconnect with their heart’s narrative, altering self-limiting stories and promoting narratives that underscore the purpose and positive impact of their work—especially in sustainability, a field I hold close to my heart.
This year, I launched Sustain Story on Substack, a platform I’m using to share insights and knowledge gained in over seven decades of living. I’m also writing a book, “Sustain.” This project is a celebration of the dedicated organizations and individuals of color who are on the frontlines of climate change and environmentalism. And it will show how anyone can help to sustain our Mother Earth and thus sustain your own life.
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?
Reflecting on my journey thus far, there are three core pillars that have prominently shaped my path: Purpose, Persistence, and Patience. These elements haven’t just been abstract ideas but practical tools that have guided me through the maze of life and work. I’d like to share how these have influenced me and provide some advice to those at the beginning of their journey on how they can nurture these qualities within themselves.
Firstly, let’s talk about Purpose. The question of “Why am I doing this?” has been a beacon throughout my adventures and misadventures alike. From my earliest memories, two forces were at play in my mind. The urge to create and the desire to make people feel good through my creativity. There were moments of doubt, times when I questioned if my creative endeavors were solely for my satisfaction, or if they genuinely contributed to the well-being of others.
My journey to Buddhism was a turning point, offering me the concept of gaining enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Lofty? Certainly. But this singular purpose has provided a stable foundation for my work, especially in coaching. Purpose is the anchor that keeps you steadfast in stormy seas.
Next, Persistence. The road to entrepreneurship is riddled with challenges, both seen and unforeseen. My commitment to my goals, driven by my underlying purpose, has been critical in navigating this tumultuous path. Persistence is not just about pushing through barriers; it’s about staying true to your journey, even when the destination seems out of reach.
Then there’s Patience. This, to me, is the silent companion of persistence. Achieving meaningful goals requires a level of patience that can feel counterintuitive in our fast-paced world. Yet, it’s this very patience that allows for growth, learning, and ultimately, the realization of our ambitions.
So, how does one foster these qualities? Practice. Developing patience and persistence is an exercise in itself. In today’s fast-moving environment, impatience is a common pitfall, and distractions are numerous. However, grounding yourself in your Purpose serves as a compass, enabling you to cultivate the Patience and Persistence necessary to navigate your journey effectively.
For those starting out, my advice is simple yet challenging: Define your Purpose clearly. Let it be the guide you turn to when the path becomes difficult. Practice Patience, in your personal growth and in the pursuit of your goals. And cultivate Persistence; let your purpose fuel your drive, enabling you to push through the barriers that inevitably lie ahead.
Your journey is uniquely yours, but remember, the strongest foundations are built on Purpose, bolstered by Persistence, and nurtured with Patience.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
It took embarking on the adventurous path of entrepreneurship, to truly appreciate the profound influence Mama had on my life. As I maneuvered through the complexities of establishing an online business, memories of my childhood flood back, painting a vivid picture of the wisdom and grace with which my mother raised me and my three younger sisters.
Growing up in the South during an era when segregation cast a long shadow over the daily lives of many, Mama, Ann E. Glenn Alexander, was our sanctuary. She shielded us from the venom of racial discrimination, ensuring we didn’t experience the harshest aspects of segregation. It wasn’t just her protection that left an indelible mark on me; it was the empowering atmosphere she created at home.
Mama made each of us feel cherished, beautiful, and infinitely loved. She instilled in us the belief that we could achieve whatever we set our hearts on. We were never told we couldn’t do something because we were girls or because we were Black. In every sense, Mama was our role model, our mentor, and our inspiration.
Her elegance and resonant voice was magnetic. She always dressed impeccably, could engage in conversation with anyone, and moved through life with grace and confidence. Each of us, her daughters, in our own unique ways, aspired to be like Mama. To me, my mother was the epitome of beauty. She introduced me to the concept of self-care long before it became a common term. Mama prized her personal treasures—her jewelry, her candy—and understood the importance of taking time to relax and enjoy life.
From her I learned the profound lesson of loving oneself. Mama’s love for us was boundless, but it was her ability to love herself that truly empowered her to love us with ease. This self-respect and love she lived not only fortified her against the societal challenges of her time, but also taught us, her daughters, to recognize our own worth and beauty.
Today, as I venture into the world of online entrepreneurship, the lessons of resilience, grace, and self-empowerment that my mother instilled in me are more relevant than ever. Through her example, I learned to face life’s challenges with grace, to embrace my identity with pride, and to pursue my aspirations with confidence.
Mama’s wisdom was the greatest gift, a foundation upon which I have built a fulfilling life and career. It’s a testament to her enduring influence that I’m able to pursue my dreams with the conviction that I can, indeed, achieve whatever I set my mind to.
In paying homage to my mother, I recognize the pivotal role she played not just in my upbringing, but in shaping the woman I am today. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that the greatest impact you can have on your children is to love them unconditionally, to believe in their potential, and to lead by example. Mama did just that, and for her example, I’m grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yourpowerstorycoach.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gogogriotheals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gogogriotenergyhealer/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gogogriot/
- Other: Sustain Story – https://sustainstory.substack.com/
Image Credits
Photo of Mama & Me – by Tommie Walker (my father) Other photos taken by Gogo Griot
