We were lucky to catch up with Ebony Walker recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ebony, 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?
Most people run from atmospheres where the people don’t look like, sound like, or think like them. Since I am called to impact the marketplace, I also know that this comes with a weight and responsibility to comfortably show up pas myself. Many times, I am the only Black woman in the room. Sometimes, I am even the only woman in the room. However, I use that to my advantage and make sure that no one else in the room EVER forgets me – but for the greatest reason possible.
I’ve learned that in order to be effective, you have to be infective. We know that to “infect” means to taint, corrupt, or affect morally. Most people even consider a virus with they think of the word infect. However, I was placed in the earth at this time to disrupt the norm. I infect atmospheres with my light, with my knowledge, with my compassion. I infect these rooms with influence by invading their normal routine and usual thought patterns. I find a way to get into their hearts and minds so that I can be more effective in their businesses and bank accounts.
Once someone encounters who I am and what I offer, they become less concerned by how I look and more in tune with how I can help them grow. We all want growth. I’m just one of the ones who is unafraid to introduce you to growth through my lenses.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As the owner of Walk UpWrite, I take immense pride and joy in being a “Literary Midwife” to many. I help people birth their books, articles, curriculums, speeches, and any literary content that they need a little push in creating. So many people desire to share their story, knowledge, or process to success; however, not everyone is great at writing their sentiments. I love helping people deliver written and verbal content that changes the mind of the masses and leaves trails of hope along the way.
I have opened up my coaching program for those who are interested in being coached towards their next level of authoring. For this reason, I have also because a preferred emcee and event host. The truth is that I know how to communicate with people – no matter where they’ve come from. And I’m grateful for the doors that are opening for me to not only speak, but impact audiences across the United States and virtually abroad.
There is always more in store. Just stay tuned because one may never know where I’ll end up next or who I’ll get to serve next!
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?
What I am currently doing has always been in the fabric of my DNA. I can, however, say that the desire to “go bigger” has always been a great quality. When I see something, I love it as it is and respect it as it is, but I always imagine more. My mind always wants to pull out more, expand more, create more.
A second quality or skill is the fact that I never wanted to be a negative statistic. While some would always put their limitations on me, based upon their own mindset, I internally used their dismay as fuel to prove the doubters wrong and to stretch myself. Sometimes, people’s words and opinions can hurt. However, even in the hurt, heal towards that greater version of yourself.
Lastly, I would say that respecting and valuing the power of connections has been a great asset. I love networking because you never know who is in the room with you. Your next level of success could be one conversation away; show up and say, “Hello!”
For anyone early on in their journey or looking for tips to grow, I say this: Get comfortable with being yourself, but stay uncomfortable with remaining the same. Always be YOU, but never stop learning and growing. Never stop stretching yourself to higher heights and deeper depths.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is that corporation looking to expand communication with their leadership and their target audience. My ideal client is that person who has a powerful story to share with the world, but they need a little help narrowing things down. My ideal client is that organization who needs to update and upgrade the language of their marketing materials.
Anywhere that there is a need to communicate, teach, and share is the area in which I am needed – and it is where I show up with wisdom, insight, and innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ebonymwalker.info
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamewalker
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/writer-ebonymwalker/
Image Credits
Photography by: Alisha Damon, Esa Barnett, and Monique Kiser
