Meet Jasmine Fluker

We were lucky to catch up with Jasmine Fluker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, 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?

In my journey of self-care and resistance, I’ve recognized the profound importance of rest, especially as a Black woman navigating a world that often expects me to care for everyone else before myself. I’ve come to see rest as an essential requirement, necessitating strong boundaries and a clear vision of what rest looks like for me. This perspective has transformed my life, leading to a period of refinement where I say “no” more often and view many challenges as redirections.

Reflecting on a moment from a few years ago, I remember the exhaustion of preparing for work travel late into the night, which left me sobbing on the floor with an unpacked bag. This experience was a wake-up call, highlighting how capitalism had led me to prioritize work over my well-being. I realized that by continually pushing myself to meet the demands of a system that exploits my energy, I was failing myself. This realization prompted a shift in my thought process, leading me to prioritize my wellness, health, and mental well-being over financial or professional gain.

Now, I approach self-care with intentionality, valuing slow mornings filled with music, tending to my plants, and enjoying simple pleasures like a well-crafted espresso. These practices, though seemingly small, are transformative, allowing me to celebrate the beauty of everyday moments and find joy in nurturing myself. I’ve also curated my social feeds to eliminate negative rhetoric about Black women, creating a more positive and affirming online space.

Furthermore, I’ve learned to give myself space around travel, ensuring time to decompress and recharge. Listening to my body, taking naps, and setting boundaries have become integral to my routine, allowing me to say no without guilt and prioritize rest. This commitment to self-care has liberated me from people-pleasing, fostering a profound sense of freedom and well-being.

As an employer and employee, I understand the importance of aligning with organizations that value well-being in the workplace. Employers can support holistic wellness by recognizing the importance of rest and providing resources like flexible work arrangements, access to therapy, and a culture that values work-life balance. Personally, therapy has been vital, offering support and tools to navigate emotional complexities. However, recognizing that therapy isn’t always accessible, I advocate for affordable alternatives and peer support networks.

Ultimately, this period of refinement has underscored the immense value of prioritizing my well-being. Establishing boundaries, prioritizing rest, and engaging in self-care are radical acts of self-love and resistance. By nurturing myself, I can show up more fully in all areas of my life, fostering healthier relationships and a more fulfilling existence. Taking care of myself is indeed the most important job I will ever have.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am deeply committed to fostering equity and driving transformative initiatives within educational and organizational contexts. As the founder of the Pivotal Paradigm Project, a consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) coaching, I work to support organizations in creating inclusive environments and driving systemic change. Through this firm, we help leaders at all levels implement DEI strategies that promote lasting impact.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work with the Pivotal Paradigm Project is witnessing the tangible impact of our initiatives on communities and organizations. Seeing individuals and groups thrive because of our efforts is incredibly fulfilling. Our interactive workshops and digital resources are designed to be accessible and actionable, helping organizations foster more inclusive cultures.

In addition to the Pivotal Paradigm Project, I am thrilled to announce the development of the Edify app. This cutting-edge platform provides on demand belonging feedback for students, school staff will get student feedback on a dashboard and it uses generative AI to provide suggestions. Edify offers personalized engagement paths, resources, and community engagement features, making it easier for educators to access the tools they need to succeed. This app is part of our broader mission to leverage technology to enhance education and support lifelong learning.

Storytelling is another passion of mine, and I believe in its power to build bridges and promote collective liberation. By sharing the narratives of marginalized communities, we can challenge prevailing biases and inspire empathy and action. This storytelling approach is integrated into all aspects of my work, from leading educational initiatives to consulting on DEI strategies.

Professionally, my focus remains on visionary leadership and strategic planning. I actively participate in various boards and committees, advocating for equity and systemic change. My leadership style is rooted in servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of uplifting others and fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

One of the new initiatives I’m excited about is a cohort program dedicated to wellness at work for practitioners. This initiative, created in partnership with several local organizations, aims to provide a supportive space for practitioners to focus on their well-being. The cohort will offer resources, workshops, and community support to help practitioners manage stress, prevent burnout, and thrive in their professional roles. This program underscores our commitment to holistic wellness and recognizes the critical importance of mental and emotional health in the workplace.

In everything I do, I strive to promote equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. Whether through educational leadership, consulting, or advocacy, my goal is to create environments where everyone can thrive. I invite readers to join me on this journey, whether by participating in our programs, collaborating on initiatives, or simply engaging in conversations about how we can collectively work towards a more equitable and inclusive world.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, I encourage you to reach out and connect. Together, we can continue to drive transformative change and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful: visionary leadership, strategic problem-solving, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Visionary leadership has been about seeing the bigger picture, setting ambitious goals, and inspiring others to follow. It has guided my efforts and helped me stay focused on long-term objectives, even when faced with short-term challenges. Strategic problem-solving has been crucial in analyzing complex issues, thinking critically, and developing actionable plans. This skill has allowed me to understand root causes, anticipate obstacles, and craft effective solutions. Equally important has been my deep commitment to equity and inclusion. This commitment has informed my work and decision-making by promoting diversity, understanding systemic barriers, and striving to create inclusive environments.

For those just starting their journey, I recommend seeking mentors who embody visionary leadership and learning from their experiences. Stay informed about industry trends and innovations, and practice articulating your vision regularly. To enhance strategic problem-solving, engage in critical thinking exercises, work on diverse projects to broaden your problem-solving toolkit, and collaborate with colleagues from different backgrounds to gain multiple perspectives. To foster a commitment to equity and inclusion, continuously educate yourself about the challenges faced by marginalized communities, reflect on your own biases, and be an active advocate for equity in your organization. By seeking opportunities to grow in these areas, you can make a significant impact in your field and contribute to positive, transformative change.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

As the CEO of the Pivotal Paradigm Project and creator of the Edify app, my vision is rooted in fostering deep, transformative change in education and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). I am passionate about partnering with mission-aligned clients who share this vision and are committed to making a lasting impact.

For the Pivotal Paradigm Project, I am seeking organizations that are ready to make bold, innovative choices to advance DEI within their communities. These clients are not satisfied with surface-level changes; they want to address systemic issues and create sustainable, impactful solutions. They are willing to challenge the status quo, take risks, and lead by example. Whether they are educational institutions, corporations, or nonprofits, these clients understand that true equity requires ongoing effort and a willingness to embrace new paradigms.

For the Edify app, I am looking for teachers who are excited about the opportunity to pilot test our app for a year. These educators are passionate about leveraging technology to enhance their teaching practices and are open to experimenting with new tools to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. They are enthusiastic about providing feedback to help refine and perfect Edify, ensuring it meets the needs of both teachers and students. Ideal participants are forward-thinking, tech-savvy, and committed to continuous improvement in their educational practices.

My plea to potential clients is simple: join me in this mission. If you share my commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change, I invite you to partner with us. Together, we can make a significant impact in our respective fields and move closer to a future where education and DEI are equitable and inclusive for all. Let’s work together to turn this vision into reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pivotalparadigmproject.org
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/pivotalparadigmproject
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pivotal-paradigm-project/
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminefluker/

Image Credits

Tioluwani Odukoya – Headshot