We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Robertson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.
David, 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?
My purpose emerged from a deeply personal journey, beginning with witnessing my family members’ struggles with HIV. These experiences were not just about their challenges; they highlighted the broader impact of the disease on individuals and communities, especially within the African American community.
A turning point was when I myself was diagnosed with HIV, prompting me to pause my education and focus on my health. This was a period of intense introspection, where I realigned my life’s priorities. I realized that living with HIV meant more than managing a medical condition; it involved confronting and overcoming societal and psychological barriers. Returning to academia to earn a Master of Social Work at Columbia University, I channeled these experiences into my professional goals. My work as a Clinical Therapist, Courage Researcher, and founder of initiatives centers around this purpose, creating a space where mental health, advocacy, technology, and community engagement intersect.
My drive is to be more than just a survivor of HIV but to thrive and empower others to do the same. It’s about dismantling stigma, advocating for equitable healthcare, and ensuring others don’t face their journey alone. It’s also very important to help people understand that they need to partner with a trusted healthcare provider to manage their care, including taking medications that effectively suppress the HIV virus. This may sound obvious but can be a big problem especially among Blacks with HIV, as there are cultural and structural barriers to proper care. Not addressing the care gap can lead to declining physical and mental health and exacerbate issues like multi-drug resistance. Moreover, there’s a significant increase in the risk for developing multiple comorbidities and other health complications as one ages with HIV, which also must be addressed with one’s healthcare team.
This purpose is what motivates me daily, to live fully and assist others in doing the same.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m David D. Robertson, MA, LMSW, a clinical therapist, courage researcher, and mental health practitioner with the University of Chicago Medicine. I’m also the Founder of In That Order Technologies and The Hope Is Foundation. My work lives at the intersection of advocacy, technology, mental health, community, youth, and family engagement.
My journey with HIV started when I saw family members diagnosed with the disease, impacting our family nucleus. This experience deeply influenced my approach to life and my dedication to not just living; but thriving with HIV. As a Black man with this diagnosis, I’ve faced unique challenges. These experiences have driven my mission to advocate for better representation and understanding in healthcare, focusing on Black communities.
Through my work and advocacy, I aim to inspire hope and courage in others, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and care. I believe that an HIV diagnosis does not define a person, and my goal is to help others see this truth and live their lives to the fullest. My involvement in Theratechnologies’ “I AM A CHAMPION” campaign is a part of this mission, sharing my story to empower others living with HIV and get rid of the stigma associated with the disease.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In today’s world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the plethora of advice on skills and qualities needed for success. But if I had to boil it down to just three essential qualities, they would be resilience, empathy, and self-awareness.
Resilience: Life, as I’ve learned through personal and professional experiences, will throw challenges your way, some expected and some completely unforeseen. Resilience is about bouncing back from these challenges, learning from them, and continuing to move forward like when I faced stigma head-on after my HIV diagnosis and turned it into a catalyst for advocacy. It’s not just about enduring tough times; it’s about using them as stepping-stones to grow stronger and more adaptable.
Empathy: This is crucial, especially in a world that’s increasingly interconnected yet divided in many ways. Empathy allows us to understand and connect with others’ experiences and perspectives. It’s the foundation of meaningful relationships, both personal and professional. In my work, empathy has been key to providing effective support and advocacy for those living with HIV.
Self-Awareness: Knowing yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses, and your values is vital. It guides your decisions, shapes your goals, and helps you navigate both successes and failures. For me, self-awareness has been a guiding light through my HIV journey and my career. It’s what helps me stay true to my purpose and continue making a positive impact in the lives of others.
These qualities aren’t just about achieving traditional notions of success; they’re about leading a fulfilling and impactful life, no matter the circumstances. They’ve been central to my journey, and I believe they can be powerful for anyone in any walk of life.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that has been particularly meaningful to me is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It is the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who embarks on a journey to find treasure, only to discover that the real treasure lies within the journey itself and the lessons learned along the way.
“The Alchemist” resonates with me deeply because it speaks to the power of dreams, the importance of listening to our hearts, and the necessity of overcoming fears to pursue our personal legend. Its message about following one’s own path and believing in the journey is powerful and inspiring. A particular moment that struck me was when Santiago learns to understand the language of the world around him, mirroring my realization that understanding and embracing my journey with HIV was crucial to my personal growth.
This book has been a guide and a reminder that personal growth and understanding are continuous processes. It encourages a mindset of resilience, self-awareness, and the pursuit of one’s true purpose. “The Alchemist” is a testament to the idea that the most profound discoveries often lie within ourselves and our experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iamachampion.life/
