Meet Ami Jalloh

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

Ami, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I don’t think I ever fully “overcame” it. I just learned how to manage it so it doesn’t hold me back. Early on, I used to think imposter syndrome meant I wasn’t ready or didn’t belong in the room. Now, I take it as a sign that I am growing, because if I were comfortable, I probably wouldn’t be pushing myself enough.

What helped the most was shifting how I talked to myself. Instead of spiraling into “I’m not good enough,” I started asking, “What proof do I have that I can’t do this?” Most of the time, the answer was none. I also started collecting small wins—moments where I added value, solved a problem, or got positive feedback. Over time, that builds confidence.

I also leaned into community. Talking to other people, especially other founders and creatives, made me realize how common it is. Some of the most impressive people I know feel it regularly. That made it feel less like a personal flaw and more like a normal part of doing hard, ambitious things.

So no, I haven’t “beat” imposter syndrome. But I’ve stopped letting it run the show.

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’m the founder of a small, purpose-driven digital marketing agency, Ami J Creates, that helps small businesses and nonprofits grow in a digital world that’s constantly changing. We offer services like social media management, content creation, paid ads, SEO, email marketing, and strategy, but what really makes us different is how personal and hands-on our approach is. Every client gets a strategy that’s tailored to their voice, goals, and audience. No cookie-cutter templates, no one-size-fits-all packages, just real support and real results.

I started this agency after freelancing for years with local entrepreneurs who had amazing products and big dreams but struggled to find marketing help they could actually afford or trust. I saw so many good businesses fall behind, not because they weren’t talented, but because they didn’t have the right tools or visibility to compete online. That stuck with me and it’s what pushed me to launch my agency in 2020.

My path into marketing wasn’t traditional. I began as a travel blogger and content creator back in 2017, then transitioned into social media management and built the agency from there. Before all of that, I spent over a decade working in health policy, advising on Medicaid, Medicare, and other major programs, and collaborating with federal and state leaders. That experience taught me how to think strategically, communicate clearly, and work across very different audiences. I bring all of that into my marketing work today.

We also love collaborating with other creatives and freelancers, especially people who bring fresh perspectives to the table. It makes our work stronger and keeps things interesting.

Right now, I’m focused on growing the agency in a way that feels intentional. We’re taking on new clients, refining our services, and exploring some exciting partnerships. At the end of the day, the goal is simple: help great people and great brands show up online in a way that feels true to who they are and gets results.

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, I would say the three most impactful things in my journey have been adaptability, communication, and relationship-building.

Adaptability has been key. Balancing a career in both public health and digital marketing means I’m often moving between very different spaces and skill sets. Whether it’s adjusting to shifting policies or changing algorithms, being able to pivot and stay grounded in my core values has helped me grow in both fields. For anyone early in their journey, I would say don’t be afraid to evolve. The path may not be linear, and that’s often a strength, not a weakness.

Strong communication has also made a massive difference. Whether I was writing policy briefs, pitching clients, or building social content, the ability to clearly express ideas and connect with people through words has opened doors. If you’re just starting out, work on writing and speaking simply and effectively. You don’t need fancy language just clarity, authenticity, and the ability to listen as much as you talk.

Relationship-building is the third. So much of my growth has come from word of mouth, collaborations, and just showing up consistently and treating people well. It’s easy to focus on strategy and numbers, but relationships are what create opportunities that last. For anyone new to their field, be intentional about nurturing real connections. Show up, follow up, and support others without expecting anything in return.

These are skills I’ve continued to develop through experience, trial and error, and a lot of listening. You don’t need to master everything at once, just be open to growth, and keep showing up.

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?

There are a few books that have really stuck with me and helped shape how I approach both life and business. Each one came at the right time and gave me something I didn’t even know I needed.

“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz completely changed how I think about money in my business. It taught me to stop treating profit like an afterthought and start being intentional about how I manage cash flow. The idea of paying yourself first felt almost rebellious at first, but it made such a difference in how I run things day to day.

“Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes pushed me to stop hiding behind the scenes and start saying yes to the things that scare me. I’m not someone who naturally craves the spotlight, but this book helped me realize that the uncomfortable stuff like speaking up, launching new ideas, or putting myself out there is usually where the growth happens.

“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero gave me that mindset reset I didn’t know I needed. It’s honest, funny, and full of tough love. It reminded me that confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build by taking action, even when you’re not feeling 100 percent ready.

“Don’t Settle for Safe” by Sarah Jakes Roberts hit me in a more personal way. It reminded me to trust my gut and take risks, even if the path doesn’t look like everyone else’s. That message really stuck, especially as someone who’s balancing both public health work and entrepreneurship.

These books helped me get clear, stay grounded, and keep moving forward, especially during the moments where things felt messy or uncertain. I still go back to them when I need a little extra push or perspective.

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