Meet Kimone Napier

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimone Napier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimone below.

Hi Kimone , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room, especially as a Black woman in recruitment and business, I’ve learned to leverage my unique perspective and experiences as a source of strength rather than a limitation. It starts with self-confidence and understanding the value I bring. My journey in entrepreneurship, working with diverse founders and startups, and navigating career transitions has taught me the importance of authenticity and resilience. I focus on building relationships, listening deeply to clients’ needs, and delivering results that go above and beyond.

I’ve also cultivated a strong sense of community by connecting with other professionals who share similar experiences, whether through LinkedIn or networking events. This helps me stay grounded and continually learn.

Lastly, I maintain a mindset of ownership and advocacy. I refuse to compromise on my values, even when it’s challenging. By positioning my recruitment business, Hire Breakthrough, as a luxury service, I ensure that clients feel taken care of and respected, no matter who else is in the room. Through it all, I remain focused on equity, never needing to educate or explain my right to be in any space, but simply demonstrating my worth through my work.

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’m Kimone Napier, and I run Hire Breakthrough, a recruitment and career services business that helps startups, founders, and professionals transition or elevate in their careers. What excites me most about my work is helping businesses find the right talent while empowering professionals to secure roles that align with their values and passions. It’s been a personal mission to guide people through the complexities of today’s job market, ensuring both sides of the hiring process are taken care of with care and precision.

What makes Hire Breakthrough stand out is the luxury experience I provide to my clients. Through my signature Scale Hire recruitment service, I help startups and founders build high-performing teams by identifying talent that not only fits their company culture but drives their business forward. I ensure that the hiring process is seamless and tailored to the unique needs of each client, with a focus on quality and attention to detail.

Additionally, I offer career coaching services for professionals seeking guidance in their career transitions, promotions, or leadership roles. Whether they’re re-entering the workforce or aiming for the next level in their careers, my coaching is designed to provide clarity, strategy, and confidence.

At Hire Breakthrough, my goal is to provide exceptional services that leave both businesses and professionals feeling empowered, supported, and ready to achieve their next breakthrough.

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?

Looking back on my journey, I believe three key qualities have been most impactful:

Resilience – Navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, career transitions, and even personal obstacles has required a strong sense of resilience. The ability to adapt, push through difficult times, and continue striving toward my goals has been invaluable. For those early in their journey, I recommend building resilience by embracing failure as part of growth, maintaining a long-term vision, and focusing on what you can control in uncertain situations.

Relationship Building – Whether an entrepreneur or a professional, relationships have been at the core of my success. Building genuine connections with clients, candidates, and colleagues has helped me grow my business and continuously learn. For those starting out, invest time in networking authentically and nurturing relationships—both online and offline. Be a person of value by offering help and support, and the connections you form will return that value in kind.

Strategic Thinking – Understanding how to look at the big picture and break down complex problems into actionable steps has been crucial in helping both businesses and professionals achieve their goals. Strategic thinking allows you to focus your efforts where they matter most. To develop this skill, I advise cultivating curiosity—ask questions, dig deep into understanding how things work, and practice problem-solving in both small and big challenges.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who values both quality and collaboration, whether they’re a startup founder looking to build a high-performing team or a professional seeking guidance in their career transition. They are committed to long-term growth, have clarity around their values and goals, and are open to partnership, trusting my expertise while engaging in the process. They seek excellence, understanding that success takes time, strategy, and an investment in quality solutions, whether it’s through my Scale Hire recruitment service or personalized career coaching. Ultimately, they are driven, value results, and see the hiring or career process as a key part of their overall success strategy.

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