We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Jasmine Banks recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Banks, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism definitely has derived from my ability to face and navigate serious life challenges. Since I was a child, there has been continued bouts of sickness and death on both sides of my family. To have to experience and process the fear and pain associated with that is extremely difficult; especially for young person. However, I learned the power of community. I saw firsthand how through rocky and traumatic moments, anything is possible with the backing of a strong circle. As a result, I truly believe that I and my loved ones can get through anything together.
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 Dr. Jasmine Banks a career educator, encourager, and self-proclaimed thought partner residing and leading in South LA. Every day I make a choice. A choice to make a priority of investing in myself and my community. My purpose in life is to encourage other people of color to embrace their power from within through my servitude, actions, and ultimately with my shared personal journey of self-love and empowerment in my poetry.
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?
My top three qualities also mirror my top three personal values of community, honesty, and creativity. I personally prioritize experiences, activities, and work that is collaborative, human-centered, and in service of liberating historically marginalized communities. Due to my life’s purpose, I have to be honest and communicative about present challenges and be willing to wrestle with and explore innovative solutions to combat said barriers.
Therefore, in reflection, the advice I would give to folks is to thoroughly reflect upon and hone in on their own personal values. Pinpoint the top 3-5 personal core values that drive your beliefs and decision making. Once those are established, your work and journey should be driven by these core values. When and if you notice a misalignment, it is important to identity the personal and/or career shifts that need to be made for you to fully actualize your calling in this world.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
The biggest area that I have noticed a need for improvement is around my incessant desire to stay busy with work. I absolutely love what I do and when that passion is there, it makes sense to want to hone my craft and add additional tasks in hopes of accomplishing more. I’ve learned in the past year or so, that adding things to my plate eventually leads to burn out. It is okay to be highly motivated and achievement oriented, but it should not be the key marker in my self-identity. This mindset consequently led to a lack of nurturing my own physical, mental and emotional health. My biggest area of growth is clearly seeing how I can explore my purpose while simultaneously prioritizing my own personal experiences and joy on this Earth.
Contact Info:
- Website: bankablebehavior.com
- Instagram: bankablebehavior
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-banks-a4529390?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
