We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kali Kirkland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kali, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome comes from childhood. I firmly believe when we start to look at our childhood, middle school and high school sevles and accept who we were and are – we thrive. I did a lot of what we call “inner child work” in my mid 20’s. It was something that I fought against and was also confused about. But learning through therapy that the decisions we make, the relationships we cultivate and the jobs we take are all through how we perceived life as a child – helped me to fully understand why I made the decisions I made.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
“I am a business owner. I started my digital marketing company in the fall of 2019. After about 12 years of working odd jobs in corporate and hospitality roles in NYC, I was ready to branch out on my own. It was not easy; however, the networking and connections I made in my corporate career helped immensely in starting my own business. Originally, I was going to start with a PR/Events business, as that was my background. But quickly, as friends started to roll in and support, I realized I had a knack for high-end branding, graphic design, and website design. When COVID hit and all businesses needed to pivot, I took advantage and marketed myself as a service that could transition brick-and-mortar businesses online for sales quickly.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The biggest skill or mindset, I would say, was that I did not give in. A lot of times, as business owners, we face a ton of struggle and obstacles. That’s just a given. What you plan or foresee sometimes just does not happen. Having a strong backbone and an ability to make fast decisions, and to not take things personally, which excel you in business. Every business owner I have met that has the capabilities to make fast decisions and then to pivot when it doesn’t work are the most successful. Get an idea – don’t think too long – act on it, and if it doesn’t work, no big deal, move on and find the next idea. As business owners, we are innovators – indulge in that energy. Not everyone can do what we do, so believe in yourself. We are here to make a difference.
Two other skills I would say are compassion and empathy. Compassion for others and empathy in your own business and who you are serving will help you gain the knowledge of your target market. Again, remove the ‘monetary mindset’ and think of how I can actually help the individual with the product or service I am creating. That will make or break your business.”
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
As life went on, I admired my parents’ parenting style more and more. As a 32-year-old adult, realizing that my parents allowed me to be me without any thresholds or ‘no’s’ was such a gift. I am lucky that I received that – as I have met many friends who had strict parents. I dropped out of college – my parents did not care. I told them at 16 I would move to NYC – they supported me. My parents allowing me to be me gave me the confidence to start my own business and to honestly believe in myself. Their compassion and encouragement allowed me to work odd jobs, like waitressing, bartending, and doing things in my early 20s to figure it out – and that enabled me to then create and dive into a life that I loved. Because of them, at 32, I love what I do. I don’t have to go back or reevaluate or think I missed out. They loved me unconditionally no matter what – and loved me through all my random hardships, my crazy ideas, my NYC fun days. My dad is the best and my mom is an angel – and I hope that this can reach others who maybe feel resentment toward their parents – that our parents are living their first life just like us.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ambrosemarketing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrose.marketing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrosemarketing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalikirkland/
