We recently connected with Adrian Rivers and have shared our conversation below.
Adrian , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
At the tender age of 23, I understood that my purpose was to rebuild, and repair communities. It was in those years I would start a church, that would soon blossom into an organization committed to collaborative community work. Through the work of my church, I would go on to develop a passion, to further help people through advocacy and representation leading me to develop & serve advocacy organizations, and pursue political endeavors.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My professional life is guided by my passions. I have the privilege of working for Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock, as a Field Representative. Day to day I get serve the community I was born in, as well as surrounding communities similar to my own. I also work as a consultant, for non profit and business entities alike, assisting them in building strategies for success, and coaching them in areas of needed development.
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?
As I look back over my journey, a few qualities that were most impactful. My faith would be the first most impactful, I contribute all of my success to God. Another impactful quality, would be my community, I have always surrounded myself with people who believe in me. No matter how outrageous, they will help me do anything. One last quality would be my values, my personal values have always been a guiding light on my path to success, and has been the center of my decision-making. These core areas are the composite of who I am.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I have learned a lot about life and leadership through the years. As a leader in so many different groups, organizations, and people, I had to challenge myself to practice mindfulness, in practicing it I realized how important it is to leading, learning, and just plan out living. Prioritizing mindfulness caused me to create moments to settle myself, and one of the biggest ways I do that is working out. Working out is my space of devotion, and my moment of reconnection. In 2020 I lost my biological father, you can only imagine how life altering that experience it is. It was just that for me, it altered a lot for me, and it made seek out mental health counseling. Finding a safe space, to express, unpack, and address how I feel was everything I didn’t know I needed. Losing my father was hard, but the person who I became after such a great loss changed the way i lead my church, my house, and my family. With all of that the main piece of advice I’d offer, is to build a community around you that can provide you with safety, and wise counsel. I believe firmly in the idea of ‘feeling how you feel’ and not being afraid to search out guides who can help you discover why you feel the way you feel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adrianrivers.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianjrivers/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-rivers-9a3119159/
Image Credits
Devin Kirkland Photograpy
