Meet J. Cate Kassab

We were lucky to catch up with J. Cate Kassab recently and have shared our conversation below.

J. Cate, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

I realized that those people, in anyone’s lives, are your biggest fans. If you don’t have them, you aren’t doing something right. You should be thankful for your haters because they show you that you are on the right path. Eventually haters mature. I personally reached a point of what I believe to be the highest level of maturity and don’t have the capacity to hate anyone. It’s wonderful and complete peace. It comes from self respect, understanding and evaluation. I also read a lot and study human behavior because I work in sales. I figured out that if I ever hated anyone else, in the past, it wasn’t them I ever hated. It was a reflection of something I needed to improve or just wanted to improve in myself. Here’s an example that makes it easier to understand. Let’s say a woman sees an instagram post of a coworker working out and in top shape. In the back of her mind she thinks, “God, I hate her and wish she would gain a hundred pounds.” She goes on to spread untruths about the woman who takes care of herself. She’s selfish, self absorbed and a terrible person. What that woman does not know is that she doesn’t hate the fit woman at all, she respects her. The fit woman is simply a reflection of what the unfit woman wants to be. A healed and emotionally mature unfit woman would be inspired by the fit woman and start going to the gym to improve herself too. When the haters wake up to realize they don’t actually hate anyone, they are being shown things they want or need to improve in themselves, they will experience happiness for themselves and others.

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

My biggest goal now is to grow my company and educate others. I want to be a shining light on the injustices in the industry. I’m seeking out amazing people who have been taken advantage of, mistreated and used to contribute to someone else’s success rather than their own. I know I can provide the safest and most rewarding workplace for those who deserve it the most.

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?

Resilience, creativity and innovation. I have had some of the most horrible things happen to me in my career and lifetime. I don’t talk about them unless asked because I have moved past them. I used the terrible things others did to me to become stronger. I even created a business plan that prevents the things that happened to me from happening to other workers. Anyone who interviews me about my company and innovation is blown away. Had I not been through everything I went through, I may not have become as strong, and resilient. I may not have been inspired to be as creative and innovative as I have become. So, when you go through difficult times, remember they are only lessons in your journey that happen for a reason. They make you who you are meant to be for yourself and others.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My mother has been the most influential in helping me overcome challenges. She has always shown me respect and love. My father has been the most encouraging. His tough love throughout my life was perfect. I remember him being completely honest with me, not afraid to hurt my feelings in order to lead me in the right direction. I never had a professional mentor. I created my business alone from my experience, creativity, innovative ideas, and a desire to improve my industry. But, I could not have done it without my parents emotional support.

Contact Info:

• Other: https://linktr.ee/cateupstate

  My Linktree has all of my links in one link.

Image Credits

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