We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Green a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kim, 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?
I have always existed in spaces where I was the only one in the room or one of few. In many ways, I consider it a blessing, after the initial shock of being one of few African Americans in my school. I was also not wealthy. which made me a double minority. Because I knew I was going to be in that setting for the long haul (first grade through twelfth grade), I had to stop resisting my “otherness” and rely on my sense of self. As alien as I was in the setting initially, when I settled into just being comfortable with who I am, I became magnetic. This approach has helped me immensely, making me comfortable in any setting. People are drawn to those who are comfortable with themselves. I think the thing to always remember is that we are all the same underneath the exterior trappings that make us believe that some are “better” “smarter” and more talented than we are. We all have gifts and others can see them if we can see. My gift in most spaces has always been observation, which allows me to bring insight into any space that I am in.
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 am a writing coach. I have spent my whole career with words. I have a degree in advertising and creative writing. My passion is for any kind of artistic expression. And, I have to say that music saved my life. Although I worked briefly in mainstream advertising, when the opportunity to work in the music industry was granted, the trajectory was set. What I think has been the most valuable take-away from my professional journey has been being honest with myself about what gives me joy and what doesn’t. With that small inquiry, I was able to make some hard choices about what I do, what I like to do and what I can’t do. Knowing this allowed me to find and excel at work which brings me joy. The first piece of joy that I found was working for myself, which is definitely not for everyone, but for me, it was when the fullness of my creativity bloomed. Working with aspiring and sometimes established authors gives me joy and reminds me of my own artistic vulnerabilities and victories. Writers (including myself) are fragile souls. The writing process is all about discovering things about oneself and the world.
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?
Honesty, passion, and independence. Being honest with yourself when you are great at something and also when you are not, narrows down the places you should/can pursue with enthusiasm. It is also crucial that you love what you do so much that you would do it for free. (Which you may need to do in the beginning – to prove your skill). Independence is all about not being a follower and trusting your own instincts. As we develop personally, the need to “fit in” melts away. Having your own vision for yourself is the greatest place to be. Find work that makes you lose track of time.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As a writing coach, I have witnessed the healing power of writing. I am acutely aware that the world has changed so much after Covid and people are in unfathomable pain. I wanted to help with getting to the source of pain which is lack of self-expression. I am currently working on a Therapeutic Writing Retreat that will take place in Tucson, Arizona October 17-21, 2024. I have teamed up with a licensed therapist, Marcia Williams LPC to work with women on articulating their past pain and trauma in order to move past the emotional ruts that keep us stuck. For the retreat, I would love to take on a few sponsors who can assist with gifts for retreat guests, etc. My dream is to make the retreat much bigger but we are starting slow for the first year with only 20 participants. In terms of my coaching business, I always am looking to collaborate with serious writers who have a story to tell. I want to be a partner in your discovery, supporting you in finding your truth. For more information on the retreat or my work, visit my website: Blankpageconsult.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wordsllc.com or w
ww.blankpageconsult.com - Instagram: @kimgreenauthor
- Facebook: Kim Green
- Linkedin: LinkedIn/Kim Green
Image Credits
Colby Fiore, Lckie Photos
