Meet Deborah Mitchell

We were lucky to catch up with Deborah Mitchell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Deborah , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Throughout my career in television, I’ve often found myself as the only person of color in the room. It hasn’t always been easy, but these experiences have shaped me into the professional I am today.

My journey began in at Essence the TV Program, a workplace created and operated by African-American executives. This early exposure to a community of intelligent, disciplined, and driven professionals who looked like me was crucial. It provided me with a strong foundation and a sense of belonging. I felt like I was contributing something meaningful to an audience I related to deeply. I was surrounded by people who understood and shared my experiences, and that was empowering.

But as my career progressed, I found myself in different environments. During my internship at a local TV show, I was the only African-American intern. There were two other African-American associate producers, but despite extending my internship over several months and applying for positions, I wasn’t offered a job. That experience was disheartening, but it taught me a valuable lesson: perseverance. I realized that sometimes, despite your best efforts, opportunities might not come your way. But that doesn’t mean you should give up.

Later, I had the privilege of working for eleven years for award-winning journalist Geraldo Rivera, who was known for his commitment to diversity. His daytime talk show staff held an incredible array of different races, ethnicities, and life experiences, and working in such a multicultural environment was another stepping stone in my career. My decade working in news as a producer of “CBS News The Early Show” was another growth opportunity. I learned from people who didn’t necessarily look like me but shared the same passion for storytelling, and the commitment to inviting new perspectives to (and behind) the camera. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of different perspectives.

Being the only one in the room has its challenges. There’s always that pressure to prove yourself, to show that you belong. I’ve found that focusing on my skills and contributions has helped me set my own seat at the table, rather than waiting for space to be made and my perspective to be invited. I’ve learned to focus on my skills and contributions rather than the differences that might set me apart. Knowing your worth and do not allow external perceptions dictate your value.

Building a strong support network has also been essential. While I haven’t always had peers who looked like me, I’ve sought out mentors and colleagues who could offer guidance and support. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your potential is crucial, especially when you’re breaking barriers.

I’ve learned to navigate spaces where I was the only one, and in doing so, I’ve become more confident in my abilities. My story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. My advice to anyone in a similar position is simple: believe in yourself, focus on your strengths, and don’t let being the only one in the room define you. Instead, let it be the motivation to succeed.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As the founder of Deborah Mitchell Media and Associates, a video marketing agency we specialize in helping businesses, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, authors, and thought leaders to expand their online presence AND make money by using video storytelling to take their audience on a journey to becoming your customers. My journey began as an Emmy-nominated TV producer, and I’ve spent years honing my craft in television. Now, I’m bringing that expertise to the digital marketing world, focusing on what I’m most passionate about—empowering brands to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Understanding budgetary constraints is crucial, that’s why my team and I focus on optimizing what our clients already have. Whether it’s repurposing existing content or crafting new, impactful videos, we aim to create content that resonates with their brand identity and drives engagement. It’s about making every resource count and ensuring that each piece of content delivers maximum value. As a recognized expert in video marketing, I’m also a regular contributor to the “Your Business in Digital” podcast. It’s a platform where I share practical advice for small business owners who are looking to enhance their video digital presence. I’m excited about our upcoming fifth season, where we’ll continue to dive into strategies that really work for small businesses, offering them the insights they need to thrive in a competitive digital landscape. I’m always looking ahead, planning for new ways to serve my clients better. As we gear up for the new season of the podcast, I’m also expanding our services to include more live-streaming, and group workshops and one-on-one consultations. The goal is to help our clients not just understand the importance of video marketing but also feel confident in using it to build strong, recognizable brands.

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 key qualities have been instrumental in shaping my path: curiosity, tenacity, and adventurousness. These traits have guided me through challenges and opened doors to opportunities I might not have imagined otherwise.

Curiosity: My natural curiosity has always driven me to explore new ideas, learn continuously, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. For those starting out, I encourage you to stay curious—never stop asking questions and seeking out knowledge. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the complexities of any field.
Tenacity: Success rarely comes easily. It’s the ability to persevere through obstacles that makes all the difference. Tenacity means not giving up when things get tough but instead digging deeper and finding solutions. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities to grow and refine your skills.
Adventurousness: Being willing to take risks and step out of your comfort zone is crucial. My career has been filled with moments where I had to make bold decisions, and it’s those adventurous steps that have led to the most rewarding experiences. I urge you to be brave in your pursuits, whether it’s trying something new, starting a project, or venturing into uncharted territory.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents did not always understand what I dreamed of doing since we did not know anyone who worked in television. But they always supported me. Reflecting on my upbringing, the most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. My dad was a traditional hard worker, believing in putting in the effort, earning a paycheck, and supporting the family. He taught me the importance of being deliberate with my words—only speak when you have something meaningful to say. This principle has been invaluable in my career, especially in media and communication.

My mom, on the other hand, was the entrepreneur in the family, with three businesses to her name. As a self-taught fashion designer, she was incredibly creative, talented, and respected in her field. Watching her work showed me that excellence in your craft commands respect and drives demand. Her influence nurtured my love for creativity and fashion, and her entrepreneurial spirit inspired me to carve my own path.

For those beginning their journey, I recommend finding mentors or role models who embody the qualities you admire. Learn from their experiences, and don’t be afraid to blend your unique skills with the lessons they offer. And above all, believe in yourself—others will follow your lead when they see your conviction.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Presentation Photo- Photo by Ben Eytalis
Meredith Vieira and Debbie- Photo by Luis Ruiz @larufoto

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