We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmine Boney-Henderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jasmine, 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?
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me some valuable lessons, especially when it comes to recognition and acknowledgment of my work. It’s like running a race with extra hurdles, where the finish line keeps moving farther away.
First and foremost, I’ve realized the importance of being confident in myself and my abilities. When you’re the only one who looks like you, it can be easy to feel like you don’t belong or that you have to prove yourself even more. But I’ve found that believing in myself and my skills has helped me navigate those situations with grace.
At the same time, I’ve learned that I often have to work three times as hard to get half the recognition. While others might receive praise for their achievements, I sometimes find that my accomplishments are overlooked or dismissed. This means putting in extra hours, taking on additional responsibilities, and constantly proving my worth.
Despite the frustration that comes with this unequal recognition, it’s also taught me the value of perseverance and determination. It’s forced me to develop a strong work ethic and resilience in the face of adversity. And while it’s not fair that I have to work so much harder for the same recognition, I refuse to let it hold me back from achieving my goals.
In addition to working hard, I’ve also learned the power of networking and building relationships. Even if I’m the only one who looks like me in the room, there are often others who share similar experiences or perspectives. By connecting with them and forming alliances, I’ve been able to find support and solidarity in otherwise challenging environments.
Overall, being the only one in the room has taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of advocating for myself and others. It’s definitely not always easy, but it’s made me stronger and more determined to succeed. And when I do receive recognition for my hard work, it’s all the more meaningful because I know how much effort went into earning it.
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’m deeply passionate about building businesses, empowering others, and making a difference in the world of entrepreneurship.
What’s truly exciting and special about my journey is the opportunity to wear multiple hats and explore diverse ventures. From launching my own businesses to coaching aspiring entrepreneurs, I thrive on entrepreneurship and the ability to pursue my passions across different industries.
One aspect of my brand that sets me apart is my dedication to authenticity and inclusivity. I believe in creating spaces where all entrepreneurs, regardless of their background or identity, feel welcomed and supported. As a business coach, I leverage my finance background to provide valuable insights and guidance, helping my clients navigate the complexities of starting and scaling their business ventures.
In terms of new developments, I’m thrilled to announce the expansion of my coaching services and the launch of the Business Mastery Institute. The Business Mastery Institute is an online community that houses several courses to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses. It will cover everything from Business 101 to building business credit, and will even offer complete Business in a Box services. I am also set to speak on several stages this year to talk about everything from business growth to tax and finance. I am also a big fan of balancing ambition and self-care, so I am proud to announce my “Affirmations & Manifestations” journal and planner system for entrepreneurs. Whether it’s hosting workshops, launching online courses, or partnering with like-minded entrepreneurs, I’m committed to providing innovative solutions and resources to support the entrepreneurial community.
Overall, my entrepreneurial journey is driven by a passion for innovation, empowerment, and creating positive change. I invite you to join me on this journey as we build businesses, inspire others, and make a lasting impact in the world of entrepreneurship.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as most impactful:
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward has been crucial in my journey. Entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs, and resilience has allowed me to weather the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise. To develop resilience, I recommend cultivating a growth mindset, practicing self-care, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement during tough times.
Creativity: Harnessing creativity has been essential for problem-solving, innovation, and finding unique solutions to challenges in my entrepreneurial journey. Creativity allows entrepreneurs to think outside the box, generate fresh ideas, and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. To enhance creativity, I suggest exploring diverse experiences, embracing curiosity, and fostering a culture of experimentation and exploration within your business.
Collaboration: Building strong collaborative relationships with others has been instrumental in my entrepreneurial success. Collaborating with partners, team members, and other stakeholders allows entrepreneurs to leverage diverse perspectives, pool resources, and achieve shared goals more effectively. To foster collaboration, I recommend cultivating strong communication skills, actively seeking out opportunities for partnership and networking, and prioritizing a culture of inclusivity and teamwork within your organization.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been my biggest area of growth and improvement in the past 12 months. Imposter syndrome can be incredibly challenging to overcome, as it often involves battling feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. However, I’ve made significant progress in recognizing my own worth and embracing my accomplishments with confidence.
One key aspect of this growth has been reframing my mindset and challenging negative self-talk. Instead of allowing self-doubt to hold me back, I’ve learned to celebrate my achievements and acknowledge the value that I bring to the table. Additionally, I’ve sought support from mentors, peers, and coaches who have helped me gain perspective and navigate moments of doubt.
Another important part of overcoming imposter syndrome has been stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on new challenges. By pushing myself to try new things and pursue opportunities that stretch my abilities, I’ve gained a greater sense of self-assurance and resilience.
Overall, overcoming imposter syndrome has been a transformative journey that has allowed me to step into my power and fully embrace my potential. While it’s an ongoing process, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and excited to continue growing and evolving in the months and years ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jasmineisabrand.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmineisabrand/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasmineisabrand/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-boney-henderson
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jasmineisabrand
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasmineisabrand
Image Credits
Timmi the Plug Spike the Designer Flip the Video Guy Sterling
