We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keisha Robinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keisha below.
Keisha, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
A few years ago, I found myself in a pivotal moment of my career. I had just launched Kay Cole Enterprises and was working with high-performing entrepreneurs and CEOs, helping them refine their business etiquette and enhance their customer experience. Despite my growing client base and positive feedback, I constantly felt like I wasn’t truly qualified or deserving of the success I was experiencing.
One evening, I was preparing for a major presentation at a prestigious business conference. I remember looking at my reflection, feeling a wave of doubt wash over me. I questioned whether I belonged in that room and whether I was capable of delivering value to such an esteemed audience. That night, I decided it was time to confront my imposter syndrome head-on.
The first step was acknowledging it. I realized that imposter syndrome is a common experience among high achievers, and admitting its presence was crucial. I began to keep a journal, noting down every accomplishment, positive feedback, and moment of personal growth. This practice helped me see, in black and white, the evidence of my capabilities and success.
Next, I sought out mentors and joined supportive communities. Engaging with other professionals who shared their experiences and struggles with imposter syndrome was incredibly empowering. These conversations reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that even the most successful individuals face similar doubts.
One of the most effective strategies I employed was reframing my self-talk. I replaced negative, self-deprecating thoughts with positive affirmations and factual statements about my skills and achievements. Whenever a wave of doubt crept in, I reminded myself of the tangible results I had achieved for my clients and the value I brought to the table.
I started embracing continuous learning and self-improvement. Instead of viewing my knowledge gaps as weaknesses, I saw them as opportunities for growth. I took courses, attended workshops, and read extensively to expand my expertise. This not only boosted my confidence but also enhanced my ability to serve my clients effectively.
The turning point came during the conference presentation I mentioned earlier. As I stood before the audience, I felt a familiar feeling of doubt. But this time, I took a deep breath, grounded myself in my preparation, and reminded myself of the positive impact I had already made. The presentation was a success, and the feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Kay Cole, the founder of Kay Cole Enterprises, where we specialize in business etiquette coaching and customer experience consulting. Our mission is to help high-performing entrepreneurs and CEOs establish an irresistible company and brand culture that doubles their income and impact through exceptional customer service experiences.
What excites me the most about what we do is the profound transformation we bring to businesses. Our work goes beyond traditional consulting; we delve into the heart of a business, uncovering the unique potential within and unlocking it through tailored strategies and hands-on support. Seeing our clients not only meet but exceed their goals, while creating lasting and meaningful relationships with their customers, is incredibly rewarding.
One of the standout aspects of our brand is our comprehensive approach. We offer an array of services, including strategic business planning, client experience enhancement, operational efficiency optimization, and team development. Our goal is to provide holistic solutions that address every facet of a business’s operations, ensuring sustainable growth and success.
I’m thrilled to share that we have recently launched two innovative services that are making waves:
VA Momentum: This service provides specialized virtual assistant support tailored to the needs of modern businesses. Our VAs handle everything from administrative tasks and customer service to social media management and marketing support. By leveraging VA Momentum, businesses can delegate routine tasks and focus on strategic growth, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Customeer Connect: This is our all-in-one CRM platform that integrates over 25 tools to help businesses manage customer interactions, streamline processes, and boost overall efficiency. Customeer Connect offers features such as automated workflows, detailed analytics, and seamless integration with other business tools, making it an invaluable asset for any business looking to enhance its customer relationship management.
In addition to these exciting new services, we are also hosting a series of free webinars and masterclasses designed to empower business owners with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Our upcoming webinar, “The Psychology of Customer Interactions,” will explore how businesses can apply psychological principles to enhance customer service and foster deeper engagement.
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?
Looking back on my journey, I can pinpoint three key qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my professional growth and success: resilience, continuous learning, and empathy. These elements have shaped my approach to business and customer service, and I believe they are essential for anyone looking to achieve long-term success.
Resilience
The ability to bounce back from setbacks and persist through challenges is crucial in any entrepreneurial journey. Early in my career, I faced numerous obstacles, from self-doubt to business failures. However, each setback taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my journey. Resilience is about maintaining a positive attitude, learning from mistakes, and continuously pushing forward, no matter how tough the circumstances.
Continuous Learning
The business landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a commitment to continuous learning. Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized personal and professional development, through education, business coaching/mentoring, industry workshops, and self-study. This dedication to learning has enabled me to stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices, ensuring that I can provide the best possible service to my clients.
Empathy
Understanding and connecting with people on an emotional level is a powerful skill in business. Empathy allows you to put yourself in your customers’ shoes, anticipate their needs, and deliver personalized experiences that foster loyalty and satisfaction. It also helps in building strong relationships with your team, partners, and other professionals.
For those early in their journey, embrace failures as learning opportunities. Cultivate a mindset that views challenges as temporary and solvable. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and advisors who can provide encouragement and guidance when times get tough. Never stop learning. Invest time in reading books, attending seminars, and enrolling in courses relevant to your field. Stay curious and open to new ideas. Make learning a daily habit, and seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skill set. Practice active listening and make a genuine effort to understand the perspectives of others. Develop your emotional intelligence by being aware of your own emotions and how they affect your interactions. Show compassion and kindness in all your dealings, and strive to create positive and meaningful connections.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always open to exploring new partnerships and collaborations. I believe that collaboration is a powerful tool for innovation, growth, and mutual success. I’m particularly interested in partnering with individuals and organizations that share our commitment to excellence in customer service, business etiquette, and operational efficiency.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaycoleenterprises.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkaycole
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamkaycole
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-cole-043843146?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Brand New Consulting Group- J. Releford
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
