Meet Karena Atkinson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karena Atkinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Karena, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome is defined as “the subjective experience of perceived self-doubt in one’s abilities and accomplishments compared with others, despite evidence to suggest the contrary.” For years, I didn’t even realize I was struggling with this. Since a kid, I viewed myself as great–a STAR! But it wasn’t until recent years that my self confidence and the confidence others saw in me didn’t match. It was strange. I would reflect on my resume, accomplishments and experiences often, but when others would say things like: “I admire/look up to you”, or just simply compliment me in such an endearing way; my inner thoughts would be “why” and my response in return would be, “oh I’m okay”, or some mask of humility like, “I’m only great because of God”, or to return the compliment as a deflection, “nah, I’m just trying to be great like you”. You never want to come off as arrogant. But when I began to consider what I have gone through just to be me, and how I have earned the right to succeed confidently, my perspective changed. I had to take a deep, sincere look at scripture. God speaks very highly of Himself and His creation. He refers to us as heirs, His workmanship, and wonderfully made. One day, a mentor shared with me something someone shared with her: “Humility is owed to God, not people.” Releasing yourself from the concern of how people will perceive your confidence is key. I think the behind the scenes that people don’t see; the failures, procrastination, and missteps only we are aware of causes us to self doubt. Instead of leaning into what we’ve done well, we dwell on the fear of the unknown. Realizing that I am EXACTLY, undoubtedly who God says I am and can be is how I overcame Imposter Syndrome. The evidence is there. I am an asset and I must stand firm in that fact, confidently.

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 excited to share that K For The Culture Productions is now an LLC. Though I am still cultivating Rena Speaks, I am looking to grow and enhance K For The Culture. This company, to me, is the next generation of story-telling for my culture. Pioneers such as Spike Lee have been my key inspiration. To not compete with others, but to collaborate and tell our stories the way we want to is my goal. I specialize in Creative Concept photography whether through modeling or collaborating with photographers to tell a story. I have a keen eye and vision for how a story should be told. I help build platforms for social media, brands and podcasts through marketing and creative strategy. I am who you want at the table to help brainstorm. I am also working to build within the arena of film, television and radio. Broadcasting, Directing, Editorial Review and Script Supervising are new roles I am taking on. In the future, I look forward to creating several films, sitcoms and podcasts.

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?

Strategic Thinking, Consistency, and Collaboration I would say are the 3 skills or qualities that have most impacted my journey. Being able to think on my feet, but rather than impulsively… strategically. Not over thinking the process in front of me and believing in my capabilities in the moment. Not all decisions whether in life or business came be made with time, Sometimes you will have to trust yourself to get it done. It is important to be consistent. Even if you may not have many ideas or even new ones, you have to keep putting yourself out there even if it is old ideas or old work. People remember what is repeated. Promoting yourself only sometimes will not be as easily remembered by those you are trying to reach. You cannot focus too much on the likes, comments and shares from every single post on social media. Some days, it will feel like people see you and other times it will feel as though they don’t. Somebody, somewhere sees you. Keep going, keep posting, keep showing up and speaking up. Collaboration is key. Always confidently walk in the fact that you are an asset everywhere you go. When you know your value and what you have to offer, you will always come across others who do and want to help you build or see you have skills to help them. Great collaborations lead to greater opportunities. Your network is truly your net work.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of growth or improvement in the last 12 months is unlearning the negative stigmas associated with turning 30. In your 20’s you are figuring things out, needing to have it all together while trying to be okay that you don’t. My peers who have already turned 30 have often joked about all the subtle aches and pains that are to come soon as the clock strikes 12. I’ve noticed that aging is not easily embraced by my generation. We welcome the idea of our body changing in an unhealthy way. It is important to understand that our health & wellness is our responsibility. We can’t expect to still “feel” young without taking care of our bodies. Aging is a gift. Youthfulness is a mindset. I often look at children and notice how they appreciate the small things. It doesn’t take much for them to find joy. They feel as though anything is possible. That’s how I want to think, even in the midst of adulting and all of the things that comes with it. 30 is not a Deadline, but a New Beginning. Whatever things on my “by 30 list” I didn’t check off.. I am okay with that! I took time to heal, faced my inner child wounds, went to Therapy, intentionally sought after God’s divine restoration. I’ve made peace with my experiences from these last 2 decades. Finally fulling letting go and pursuing life fearlessly has been my biggest goal. And with my birthday having recently passed, I can say I’ve done just that.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Heavs Films, CEO, Heaven MaKye https://www.instagram.com/heavsfilms

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