We were lucky to catch up with Angela Cherry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Angela, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
My approach to dealing with haters and naysayers is rooted in staying focused on my goals and not letting external negativity derail my progress. First and foremost, I make sure to stay aligned with my purpose. I remind myself of why I’m doing what I do, whether personally or professionally, and that keeps me grounded during difficult moments.
When criticism comes my way, I see it as an opportunity to evaluate and grow. Not all criticism is bad; sometimes it reveals areas where I can improve. I make a point to extract the useful feedback and use it to better myself, but I don’t let unwarranted negativity get under my skin. In fact, I often use it as fuel to push myself harder and prove my doubters wrong. The more people underestimate me, the more determined I am to succeed and let my results do the talking.
I also believe in surrounding myself with the right people—those who challenge me in a positive way and support my vision. At the same time, I’m careful about limiting interactions with overly negative influences that don’t contribute to my growth. Creating a positive environment is essential for staying motivated.
Another key is focusing on results. For me, consistency is everything. I know that if I keep putting in the effort and staying true to my course, the results will speak louder than any criticism. My work ethic and outcomes have a way of silencing detractors over time.
On a personal level, I practice self-compassion and remind myself that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. I’ve adopted habits like mindfulness and journaling to reflect on my journey, which helps me stay resilient and focused on what I can control, rather than being distracted by outside voices.
Ultimately, I persist by staying true to my values, using negativity as fuel to push harder, and focusing on the long-term picture. I know that persistence pays off, and I trust the process.
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?
I currently serve as the president and of SecureStream Pay Solutions, a company dedicated to innovating the payment processing space. My journey to SecureStream wasn’t straightforward, it was filled with adversity that resilience and determination helped me overcome. I chose to get married and focus on family instead of getting a formal education after graduating high school. When the marriage ended 8 years later, and I was a single mother of 2 children I was faced with how to provide for them. I worked hard and took every opportunity that was given to learn, grow and gain experience. My work ethic and commitment to growth quickly opened doors for me. Starting as a business development manager in 2013, I thrived by securing contracts and building client relationships. Over time, I advanced to executive leadership roles, always keeping my focus on leading by example. These experiences prepared me for my role at SecureStream, where I now guide our vision, mission, and growth.
What drives me and our team is the passion for creating secure, seamless, and reliable payment solutions that allow businesses to focus on what matters most—their growth. I’m particularly excited by how we’re constantly pushing the envelope with cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
What makes SecureStream truly special is our focus on transparency and the commitment to providing a white-glove, concierge-level customer service experience. We understand that payment processing is a critical aspect of running a business, and we aim to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. Our clients know they can rely on us not just for our technology, but for a hands-on approach that makes them feel valued every step of the way. We offer competitive rates with no contracts or setup fees, which really sets us apart from the rest of the industry. It’s about putting our clients first and making sure that they have the freedom to grow without unnecessary hurdles.
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to scale SecureStream’s offerings, whether through new service and product launches or further market expansions, all while maintaining the same level of transparency and customer care that we’re known for. The future of SecureStream is bright, and I’m excited to continue leading us on this journey of growth and innovation.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe three qualities have been particularly impactful in my journey: resilience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning.
First, resilience has been crucial for me. Throughout my career, I’ve faced various challenges, including navigating personal difficulties as a single mother. This experience taught me how to stay strong and focused, even in the face of adversity. I’ve learned to view obstacles as opportunities for growth, which has been essential in my professional journey.
For those early in their careers, my advice is to cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges as learning experiences. When you encounter setbacks, try to see them as steppingstones to success. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage resilience can also make a significant difference.
Second, empathy has shaped my leadership style. Understanding and relating to the experiences of others has allowed me to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. This focus on empathy fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment at SecureStream, which I believe is vital for any successful organization.
For those starting out, I recommend practicing active listening and striving to understand different perspectives. Engaging in volunteer work or mentoring can enhance your empathetic skills, enabling you to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning is essential in today’s ever-evolving business landscape. The payment processing industry, like many others, is constantly changing, and staying curious has allowed me to adapt and innovate effectively.
I encourage aspiring leaders to develop a habit of lifelong learning. Read industry-related materials, attend workshops, and seek out mentors who can provide guidance. Embracing new experiences and remaining open to change will serve you well throughout your career.
By focusing on these qualities—resilience, empathy, and continuous learning—individuals can enhance their own journeys and positively impact their workplaces and communities.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility from a young age. Growing up on a farm in rural Tennessee, I was involved in various chores and responsibilities, whether it was tending to the garden, caring for animals, or hauling hay. These experiences taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and the importance of following through on commitments.
My parents also encouraged me to explore my interests, which fostered a sense of independence and confidence. They supported my involvement in school activities, from clubs to cheerleading, which helped me develop leadership skills and build strong relationships with others.
Ultimately, their guidance and support laid the foundation for my resilience and determination in facing life’s challenges. The lessons I learned during those formative years continue to shape my approach to leadership and my commitment to fostering a strong work ethic in my own professional journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.securestreampaysolutions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/securestreampaysolutions?igsh=MWV4bzVjNHFlMzJqcg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551751033044
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/97389709/admin/dashboard/
