Meet Juliette Kalokoh

We recently connected with Juliette Kalokoh and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Juliette, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity stems from my parents and the wonderful communities in which I have been fortunate to grow up, both in the United States and in Africa. I was surrounded by generous families and friends, and I can’t recall ever going to bed hungry. If my parents weren’t around, I could always count on someone else’s parents, uncles, or aunts to make sure I was fed.

When I came to the United States, I was taken in by child protective services but was blessed to be welcomed by a lovely family. They didn’t care if I had a transmitted disease, if I was labeled as a “bad child,” or if I had legal status to stay in the country (thank God none of this was true). They opened their home and their hearts to me without concern for the consequences.

I come from a generous family—not only in terms of financial giving but also in how we share our time, build relationships, and provide support without expecting anything in return. Generosity has been a fundamental part of my life from an early age. I have spent most of my life-giving back, which is why I have been a public servant for many years. I have dedicated my life to helping those less fortunate, especially in Africa, in any way I can. I believe without empathy and generosity; life loses its meaning.

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?

My name is Juliette, also known as “Juju” or “Kadi.” I am a government employee and have been in public service since graduating with my first degree many years ago. I hold three college degrees and have completed several graduate-level certificates. Additionally, I am an author with two published books: “From Nightmare to New Beginnings: A Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Hope” and “The Hidden Struggles of Accent Discrimination.” I am currently working on my third book.

Over the years, I have owned several businesses, including children’s stores, all while managing my 9-to-5 job and pursuing higher education. One thing you should know about me is that I am a survivor; I do whatever it takes to avoid asking others for financial help. When I am not working at my regular job or running one of my businesses, I enjoy volunteering, reading, writing, and traveling the world. Currently, my professional focus is to continue writing more books, establish additional businesses, and help others.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

**Integrity**
I always hold myself accountable for my actions and strive to be someone others can rely on, especially in a leadership role. I maintain high standards and regularly self-reflect in everything I do. I aim to do the right thing even when no one is watching because I want to earn the trust and respect of others. For me, integrity is a top priority.

**Diversity Sensitivity**
As someone from another continent, I appreciate and thrive in culturally diverse environments. This background allows me to build rapport in multicultural settings. I enjoy learning about different cultures, as it enhances my interpersonal skills by fostering respect and fairness. It also equips me to navigate and resolve cultural and social barriers or conflicts that may arise. My passion for this topic inspired me to write my second book on accent discrimination and bias. I recognize the daily struggles people face due to unconscious bias and insensitivity.

**Empathy**
Empathy enables me to connect with others on a deeper level, improve my communication, strengthen relationships, and foster a positive atmosphere. I strive to make others feel heard, validated, safe, and accepted around me. By showing empathy, I have built many meaningful personal and professional connections, which has ultimately made me a better leader, friend, colleague, and family member.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was providing a stable foundation for my life and future. They taught me the importance of kindness and helping others, as well as the value of hard work. My dad often reminded me that nothing in life is free, emphasizing that I must work hard for what I want. He consistently encouraged me to educate myself, as knowledge is something no one can take away from you. My parents were proactive and hands-on in teaching me essential life skills to prepare me for the challenges I would face when I eventually left home—much earlier than they had anticipated.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliettekalokoh
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F8NZ4TF3?ingress=0&visitId=f779118a-5354-431a-9671-7bb1bb1bdb9f&ref_=ap_rdr&ccs_id=5ca75599-21a7-4bbf-852a-d62328ddc169

Image Credits

I have the rights to the images posted. They are all mine.