Meet Cinque Singleton

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cinque Singleton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cinque , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Standing alone in a room full of faces different from yours can be an isolating experience. It can make you wonder if your voice will be heard, if your ideas will resonate. But trust me, being the only one who looks like you doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, it can be your secret weapon.

Here’s what I’ve learned: First, focus on your strengths. What are you good at? Maybe it’s clear communication, innovative thinking, or a strong work ethic. Let those qualities shine through in everything you do. People will be drawn to your competence, regardless of background.

Second, remember that your unique perspective is valuable. You bring a different set of experiences and viewpoints to the table. Use that to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas, even if they seem unconventional. Sometimes, the most groundbreaking solutions come from those who see things differently.

Third, build relationships. Get to know the people you work with, even if they don’t share your background. Find common ground, build trust, and become an advocate for yourself and your ideas. Strong relationships can bridge any gap.

Finally, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Trying to fit in can dim your light. Embrace what makes you unique, and let that confidence shine through. People are drawn to authenticity, and when you’re comfortable in your own skin, it shows.

Being the only one who looks like you can be challenging, but it can also be a powerful advantage. Use your unique voice, your experiences, and your confidence to carve your own path to success. Remember, the room might not look like you, but you can still own it.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hey everyone! I’m so pumped to be here today to chat with you all about what I’m passionate about. For those who don’t know me, I wear a few different hats. First up, I’m the creator and host of a brand new podcast called GOATED Conversations: The Realest Talks You’ll Ever Hear. Tired of surface-level chit-chat? This podcast is for you. We dive deep into the big stuff – faith, life, love – with honest, thought-provoking conversations that will make you think, feel, and connect. It’s all about having those GOATed (that’s Greatest Of All Time) discussions you won’t find anywhere else. You can find it on all platforms, so be sure to subscribe!

Now, outside of the podcast world, I run my own marketing and branding company called Cinque Designs. We’re a one-stop shop for all your creative needs, offering graphic design, photography, and videography services. I love helping businesses tell their stories visually and build strong brands that resonate with their audience.

And let’s not forget, I’m also looking forward to growing my presence as an influencer. I believe in using my voice and platform to connect with others, share my experiences, and hopefully inspire along the way.

The most exciting part for me? It’s all connected. These different sides of me fuel each other. The conversations I have on the podcast spark ideas for design projects, and the branding work I do helps me connect with potential podcast guests. It’s all about creating something real, something impactful, and building a community around shared experiences.

So, that’s me! I’m excited to keep growing these projects and using them to connect with all of you. Be sure to check out GOATED Conversations and Cinque Designs, and if you’re looking to connect, hit me up!

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 on my journey, three things really stand out as the keys that unlocked doors and helped me navigate the twists and turns: humility, hustle, and a thirst for knowledge.

Humility might seem counterintuitive, but it’s been the foundation of everything I’ve built. It allowed me to see my own limitations, to learn from others, and to constantly strive for improvement. Early on, it meant recognizing that I didn’t have all the answers, and that even the most successful people around me were still learning. This openness allowed me to absorb knowledge and guidance like a sponge.

Here’s the thing about humility – it doesn’t mean being a pushover. It’s about having a healthy respect for your own abilities while acknowledging there’s always room to grow. For folks starting out, cultivate an attitude of learning. Ask questions, seek out mentors, and be open to feedback, even if it stings a little. Remember, the most successful people are rarely self-made – they have a network of people who have supported them along the way.

Next up is hustle. There’s no substitute for hard work and dedication. There will be times when things don’t come easy, and that’s where hustle kicks in. It’s about putting in the extra hours, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, and never giving up on your dreams. For those early in their journey, find your hustle. What gets you fired up? What are you willing to put in the blood, sweat, and tears for? Channel that passion into action, and don’t let setbacks deter you. Remember, every successful person you see has a story filled with hustle.

Finally, there’s the unquenchable thirst for knowledge. The world is constantly changing, and the more you learn, the better equipped you are to navigate it. Read books, take courses, attend workshops – anything that feeds your curiosity and expands your skillset. For those just starting out, embrace being a lifelong learner. The world is your classroom, and there’s always something new to discover. Never stop asking questions, exploring new ideas, and challenging yourself to grow intellectually.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
That’s a great question. It’s tough to pinpoint one single person who’s been the most helpful on my journey. The truth is, it’s been a combination of folks who’ve played different roles at different times.

Early on, my family was instrumental in instilling that sense of humility I mentioned before. They always kept me grounded, reminding me to appreciate my achievements but never get complacent. They also championed my dreams, even when they seemed a little out there, which gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.

As I ventured out into the professional world, mentors became invaluable. These were people who had walked a similar path and were willing to share their experiences and guidance. They challenged me to think critically, pushed me to see things from different perspectives, and helped me navigate the complexities of the working world.

But here’s the thing – sometimes the most helpful people aren’t the big names or established figures. Sometimes, it’s the everyday interactions that make a difference. A colleague who offers a listening ear during a tough time, a friend who celebrates your successes, even a stranger who shares a kind word can all have a positive impact.

Looking back, I realize it’s been this collective village that’s helped me grow. For folks just starting out, my advice is to build your own support network. Surround yourself with positive, encouraging people who believe in you and your dreams. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and be open to learning from everyone you encounter. You never know who might have a valuable piece of advice or a helping hand to offer. Remember, success is rarely a solo journey. Embrace the support of others, and in turn, be willing to lift others up as well. That’s how we all rise together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Cinque Designs

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