We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jatoria Sanders a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jatoria , thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
I answered 3 questions in one. Please forgive me in advance .
Being the Only One in the Room:
As someone who has navigated various spaces where I was often the youngest or one of the few people who looked like me, I’ve learned to succeed not by seeking validation but by holding firm to my purpose. Early in my teaching career, I was the youngest teacher in my school, and there were many moments where my ideas and presence were dismissed or undervalued; however, I knew what I had to offer was exactly what was needed—knowledge and a passion for teaching that went beyond just writing. I wasn’t just there to teach students how to write, but to empower them. I taught them to build their resumes, sell themselves, and navigate the professional world, something I didn’t learn until much later in life. Despite the challenges, I reminded myself daily of why I started—to help others find their voices and succeed in ways I never thought possible.
Keeping My Creativity Alive:
Creativity, to me, is about constantly seeking new ways to grow and stay inspired. Whether it’s through music, new experiences, or simply engaging with people who offer fresh perspectives, I thrive by keeping my environment dynamic. I think of myself as a natural creative—I don’t have to force it. It’s in the way I approach my work, whether it’s helping someone perfect their resume or crafting a business strategy. Creativity fuels my ability to find innovative solutions, and I keep it alive by stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new ideas and challenges. The key for me is always keeping the spark alive, even when it’s not part of the plan.
Developing Empathy:
My journey to empathy was shaped significantly by my students. I quickly learned that not every child comes from the same background or has the same support system to stay on top of their work. Some had to juggle family responsibilities, while others lacked the motivation that seemed so easy for me to maintain. One student, in particular, really stood out to me. He would skip class and cut hair in the bathroom to make a few extra dollars before the school day ended. On the surface, it might have looked like he didn’t respect school rules, but when I took the time to understand his situation, I realized that his need for financial support was driving his actions. It wasn’t about defiance—it was about survival. Experiences like these taught me that empathy isn’t just about understanding a person’s behavior on the surface; it’s about seeing the broader picture and recognizing that we all face different challenges. It also made me realize that while not everyone has the drive to succeed, that drive can be nurtured through understanding and support.
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?
About TheCareerVixen:
I’m an ex-educator who’s made a successful transition back into communications and ghostwriting, evolving my brand from JTTheEssayGuru to TheCareerVixen. Today, I help individuals navigate the job search process by providing tailored job search assistance, building resumes and cover letters, and offering interview preparation. What makes my work so exciting is the opportunity to empower others to take control of their careers and secure the opportunities they deserve. Whether it’s helping a recent graduate land their first job or working with a professional who wants to make a career pivot, seeing people succeed is incredibly fulfilling.
In addition to career coaching, I still offer ghostwriting services for essays, proposals, and more. I also specialize in admissions writing, grant writing, and providing business consultations, particularly for small businesses. My goal is to equip people with the tools they need to stand out—whether they’re job seekers or entrepreneurs.
What makes my brand truly special is that I’ve always believed in giving back to my community, particularly students. I loved teaching, and it’s something that’s still very close to my heart. That’s why I regularly post scholarship opportunities and even offer free templates on my social media to help students on their career journeys. I’m also planning something big: I will soon be launching an online course designed specifically for undergraduate college students. The course will offer invaluable tools to help them with job searches, crafting resumes, acing interviews, and preparing for the professional world. I’m excited to share more about this in the near future, but this course is just another step in my mission to support the next generation of leaders and professionals.
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?
1. Resilience:
As an educator and now a career strategist, resilience has been critical. Whether I was the youngest teacher in the room facing doubts or managing the challenges of building my business from the ground up, I learned that success doesn’t come easily or quickly. I had to push through obstacles and stay focused on my goals, even when things weren’t going as planned. To develop resilience, my advice is to embrace setbacks as part of the process. Don’t be afraid to fail, but always learn from those failures and use them as stepping stones toward your goals. The ability to bounce back and keep moving forward is essential for anyone in any field.
2. Adaptability:
When I transitioned from teaching into communications and eventually rebranded myself as TheCareerVixen, adaptability was key. The ability to pivot when needed, whether it was shifting career paths or expanding the services I offer, has been invaluable. Staying adaptable has allowed me to meet my clients’ needs in new ways, such as launching a course for high school students or offering business consultations for small businesses. For those just starting out, my advice is to stay open to change. Your career path may not always look how you expect, but being willing to adapt will help you thrive in an ever-evolving world.
3. Lifelong Learning:
The commitment to lifelong learning has driven me to constantly seek new knowledge and improve my craft. Whether it was enhancing my communication skills as a teacher, mastering resume building and interview coaching, or learning the ins and outs of business consultation, continuing to educate myself has been one of my most powerful tools. My advice here is simple: Never stop learning. Seek out books, courses, or mentors that can help you grow and stay current in your field. The world is always evolving, and staying informed and skilled will give you the edge you need to succeed.
For anyone early in their journey, I’d say: Don’t rush. Build a strong foundation in these areas, and remember that growth takes time. In simpler words be you and the world will adjust.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
3 books that played an important role in my development would have to be
The Mastery by Robert Greene
Not For Nothing by Lanita Brinson
The 2-Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton
I am still writing my book so tuned for that as well !
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareervixen?igsh=MW5weDl6cGhqdHpqdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jatoria-sanders-87b5561a0
Image Credits
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