Meet Ken West

We were lucky to catch up with Ken West recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ken , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

As the only one in the room who looks like me, I’ve learned to own my identity and embrace my uniqueness. I don’t try to conform to others, because my perspective is valuable specifically because of my experiences and background. To be effective, I prepare and educate myself, staying informed and knowledgeable about the topics at hand. This helps me confidently contribute to discussions and decisions. I’ve also found allies and mentors who offer guidance and encouragement, even if they don’t share my same background.

When faced with challenges, I speak up and assert myself, sharing my thoughts and opinions without apology. My voice matters, and my input brings valuable insights. I’ve developed resilience to cope with microaggressions, biases, or feelings of isolation, and I celebrate my successes, no matter how small they may seem. I’ve also created a support network of other Black women who understand what I’m going through. We share our stories and advice, empowering each other to keep pushing forward. Ultimately, I focus on my strengths – my skills, talents, and accomplishments – because these are what make me effective and successful. By embracing my identity and finding support, I’m able to thrive even when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me.

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 passionate about empowering others to feel confident and comfortable in networking, recognizing the transformative power of meaningful connections. To achieve this, I’m planning a networking brunch in the DFW area, specifically designed for business owners, content creators, and like-minded individuals to come together and build relationships. My vision is to create a welcoming space where attendees can effortlessly mingle, share ideas, and foster collaborations, ultimately bridging gaps and opening doors to new opportunities. By providing a supportive environment, I aim to help others break down barriers and unlock their full potential, leaving a lasting impact on their personal and professional lives. Through this event, I hope to inspire a sense of community, spark innovative thinking, and witness the magic that happens when people from diverse backgrounds connect and grow together.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that stand out as particularly impactful in my journey: self-awareness and adaptability, effective communication, and continuous learning and resilience. Developing a deep understanding of oneself, including strengths, weaknesses, values, and emotions, allows for informed decision-making and navigation of challenges. Staying adaptable in a changing environment is also crucial. Additionally, strong communication and interpersonal skills help build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and work effectively with others. Finally, cultivating a growth mindset, embracing lifelong learning, and developing strategies for setbacks and failures keeps me motivated and focused on my goals.

For those early in their journey, it’s essential to reflect regularly to identify areas for improvement and celebrate progress. Seeking different perspectives by engaging with people from different backgrounds and industries broadens understanding and gains new insights. Embracing challenges and viewing failures as opportunities for growth and learning is also vital. Pursuing knowledge and skills that align with interests and goals keeps one engaged and motivated. Lastly, prioritizing mindfulness and self-care maintains energy and motivation. By focusing on these areas, individuals can create a strong foundation for their journey.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

GOD. Trusting in him and having crazy faith have gotten me where I am today! I am nothing without him.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Diego (T4kStudios)

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