Meet Kimberly Guess

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Guess. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberly below.

Kimberly, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I remember going to an event a little over a decade ago and I was sitting at a table full of CEO’s and Leaders and I was the only one who looked like me. I was also the youngest at the table and I was scared. I was new to the triangle area and only knew the person who invited me but extremely excited to be in the room. I’m talking Toyota, Walmart, Foodlion CEO’s just to name a few…. I had no clue about imposter syndrome or perfectionism until years later. I decided to show up and speak up anyway.. Absolutely Best decision ever. I had never even thought about presenting my self or my business to people that didn’t look like me. I didn’t realize the importance or the impact it would have on myself or the community I served. Today I understand the power of showing up and the community I serve needed someone to show up for them. I stopped over thinking about the opportunities that God has prepared for me. I shared my why which was very empowering and inspired a room full individuals I had never met before. That day I learned that I to have the capability and capacity to be effective and successful even when I am the only one in the room that looks like me. I am Kimberly Guess
“The Show Up Queen”

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am Kimberly Guess, CEO and Founder of Nu Vizion Foundation 4 Lyfe Inc., Nu Vizion Entreprise, Kimberly Guess Consulting, The Show Up Queen Entrepreneur Academy and Co Founder of Nu Vizion Televizion and JHG Productions LLC. Services provided as a Community Advocate through multiple community’s collaboration and partnerships landed me opportunities to serve in leadership with Speak Life Network, Community Empowerment Fund, FifthSun Television Network as Director of Talent Acquisition and Board Member with Reintegration Support Network. I am passionate about personal development, entrepreneurship, Women and Community. I am a powerhouse leader and joining RSN earlier this year reminded me of my why. My commitment to youth and recovery is both inspiring and energizing! I Am A Change Agent and dynamic servant leader dedicated to empowering individuals to step into their purpose with confidence and excellence. I am a certified career coach and image consultant, and I bring my expertise in marketing and branding and provide strategic solutions that elevate businesses, ensuring their message and mission resonate in a competitive marketplace. I’m also a peer-to-peer mentor and award-winning two-time best selling author, committed to walking alongside others as they navigate personal and professional growth and sharing my personal journey of resilience, faith, and transformation, inspiring others to embrace their struggles, turn their pain into purpose, and show up for themselves and their communities. I’ve touched the lives of countless women and aspiring entrepreneurs through The Show Up Queen Entrepreneur Academy, offering tools, resources, and mentorship to help them succeed.

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

From Bars to Boardrooms:
Three Keys to Thriving in Your Journey

Looking back on my own path—from serving time to launching a global leadership academy three qualities that have propelled me forward: effective communication, adaptability, and lifelong learning. At The Show Up Queen Entrepreneur Academy, we teach and lead by example every day. Here’s how they shaped my story—and how you can cultivate them in yours.

1. Speak Your Truth—and Listen, Too

Personal Moment: After my release, I spoke at Raleigh Rescue Mission a local shelter for the first time. My hands shook as I shared my story of faith and failure. But as I spoke, I watched eyes soften, heads nod in recognition. I realized that when you communicate from the heart and really hear your audience you forge unbreakable bonds.

In the Academy: Our “ The Power of Showing Up” masterclass trains women to craft their personal narratives—whether pitching investors or mentoring young girls. We drill active‑listening exercises into every session: real‑time feedback circles where participants learn to ask open‑ended questions and mirror back what they hear.

Your Takeaway:

* Practice telling a short story of a personal victory—and ask a friend to reflect back what they took away.
* Join a local Toastmasters or storytelling group to gain confidence.

2. Embrace Curveballs—and Pivot Gracefully

Personal Moment: 2017 I was physically assaulted while I was grieving the loss of Ania my sweet niece. Literally in the midst of me becoming a best selling author. In 2018, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Probation violation in 2019 and I was arrested again, a few days later I was booked for my first paid speaking opportunity. Hurricane Dorian wiped out my planning our beach‑side retreat in the Outer Banks. In 2020 the pandemic hit rather than cancel my show, my husband surprise me with beachfront get away to just relax and rest. I scrambled to find a virtual venue.. we moved sessions onto Zoom, Interviews were still amazing, our guests got their messages, services and products out to the masses, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive: “This pivot showed me resilience in action.”

In the Academy: All of our workshops center on real‑world pivots: changing business models, reimagining products, and even transforming personal hardship into a source of inspiration. We challenge members to take on at least one project outside their expertise each quarter—so they learn to adjust on the fly.

Your Takeaway:

* Volunteer for a committee or side‑project outside your comfort zone.
* When plans derail, list three alternative paths and choose one within 24 hours.

3. Be a Student Forever

Personal Moment: When I first dreamed of an academy, I devoured books on personal development, leadership, coaching, and branding—often staying up until 2 AM taking notes. I enrolled in online and in person courses, attended local seminars, and even shadowed a few career coaches for weeks with Dress for Success Triangle program called Going Places Network. That relentless quest for knowledge transformed my vision into a tangible institution.

In the Academy: We require every Show Up Queen to complete a “Learning Passport”—a personalized plan of eight courses, three conferences, and two mentor‑shadowing experiences each year. We celebrate each completed badge in our online community, because every new skill unlocks fresh doors.

Your Takeaway:

Draft a “Learning Passport” for yourself: pick one topic per quarter and set milestones.

Commit to 15 minutes of reading or podcast listening each day—consistency compounds.

Rising Leaders At The Show Up Queen Entrepreneur Academy, we believe every setback, every “no,” and every late night of study is building the toolkit for your ultimate triumph. Communicating with authenticity, adapting without fear, and learning as a lifelong pursuit, you’ll not only survive the twists of life—you’ll shine through them.

So to those early in their journey: inventory your toolbox, identify the blank spaces, and start filling them—one story shared, one pivot embraced, one lesson learned at a time.

I empower women worldwide to show up and transform their personal narratives into purpose‑driven movements.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Reflecting on the profound impact that Dr. Laticia Nicole Beatty’s SpeakLife 90 Day Devotional: Your Tongue Has The Power of Life and Death has had on my life, several key themes emerge that have driven my powerful transformation.

1. The Power of Words:
The devotional emphasizes that our words hold immense power over our lives and circumstances. By consciously choosing to speak positivity and faith, you can shape your reality and align more closely with your goals and aspirations. This principle has encouraged me to monitor my language, ensuring that my words consistently reflect hope and empowerment.

2. Daily Reflection and Consistency:
With its structured 100-day format, the devotional instills the habit of daily reflection and consistent practice. Engaging with scripture verses, inspiring reflections, and goal-setting exercises each day fosters discipline and a steady focus on personal growth. This routine has helped me maintain a clear path toward my objectives, reinforcing the importance of regular self-assessment and commitment.

3. Holistic Approach to Life:
Addressing various aspects such as health, finances, relationships, and career, the devotional promotes a balanced and comprehensive approach to personal development. This holistic perspective has guided me to evaluate and enhance multiple facets of my life, ensuring that growth is not limited to a single area but encompasses overall well-being.

By internalizing these principles, I’ve been empowered to transform my mindset, overcome challenges, and pursue a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

“SpeakLife” LaticiaNicole.com

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jhg Productions LLC John H Guess
In God’s Image Photography/Makeup Artistry Tanisha Walker

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