We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassandra Houston. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassandra below.
Cassandra, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
First, you must know your purpose. If you know your purpose, you look beyond who is in the room. You focus on the message you need to send to the people in the room. That message is, I am confident in who I am, who I chose to be, and I am confident in my abilities. Success does not mean winning a competition that involves others. Therefore, your effectiveness and success should be built on goals and achievements that you have set for yourself. You let people know you do not care about what they think of you, but by how you communicate with others, how you carry yourself, your achievements, and most of all how proud you are to be different.
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 am an Executive Human Resources Professional with over 20 years of experience. I am the Best Selling Author of the book Leading From Within, Leading With A Purpose. I was featured on Viewpoint with Seeta and Friends, a globally known radio talk show in Florida. I was featured in VoyageATL Magazine, featured on the Palikari Business Podcast, guest speaker at the Turlock Rotary, and featured on Christopher Pizzurro’s Best Selling Author Podcast. I’ve served on the Alabama SkillsUSA Board, a Manufacture of Alabama committee member, and one of the founding members of Modesto Professional Women for Good. I am the proud mother of an Angel in heaven, (my daughter) and I have a wonderful son.
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?
Looking back at how I accomplished my dream of writing my book and becoming a bestseller, I can only say that it was through faith, determination and my leadership skills. My journey was mine to take and for me to direct my own path.If you are on a journey to accomplishing your goals or dreams, the best advice I can give is to DON’T QUIT! People will doubt you, they will criticize you, but you must not change direction. Never let someone convince you what success looks like from their perspective. Success is how you define your accomplishments. You must have faith in God and faith in yourself. Be the one to say, ” you will know me, you will see me and you will ask for me”. You dictate the road to success. So be powerful in mind, spirit, and body. Most of all the journey is yours and yours alone. You are the driver, the car, the road and the map.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was how they impacted my life through how they raised me. They taught me to always have faith in God, and myself. They taught me resilience through adversity and to fight for what I believe in. They taught me humility and forgiveness. They created a model for me to live by and up to. No matter what adversity or challenges came their way they never faltered. They taught me that I am special no matter who thinks differently. They showed me abundance through having little. They showed me how to love and be loved. But most of all, they taught me about success and how to achieve it. And, when you are the only one in the room that looks like you, show them your individuality from the inside, because they already know what you look like from the outside.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL8K5551
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087666934565&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-houston-8536471a2
