We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Leckie. 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?
Simply put, when I’m the only one who looks like me in a room, I zero in on why I’m there, not how I’m different from everyone else. It’s pretty common for me to be the youngest person or the only female, but unless I’m specifically representing my age group or gender, it’s not the focus. The key for me is not to veer off from the main point—I’m in the room to contribute something specific.
If I’m there because of my outstanding track record, insight, or expertise on a particular topic, that’s my focus. While my age, gender, or race are parts of me, I don’t let them distract from the task at hand. I also don’t let others turn them into irrelevant factors. Staying focused on why I’m in the room encourages others to do the same. This nullifies unhelpful comments about what makes me ‘different’. Knowing the purpose behind my presence makes me unshakeable, deterring any attempts to diminish my impact.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Kimberly Leckie, a mental health activist calling Kingston, Jamaica, home. At the helm of Think Mental Health Ja, a nonprofit I’m honored to lead, our focus is simple yet profound: transforming Jamaica’s mental health culture.
With an incredible team of over 50 volunteers across Jamaica and beyond, we’re dedicated to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Our mission goes beyond raising awareness; it’s about providing unwavering support to those navigating mental health struggles and their loved ones.
In our commitment to accessibility, Think Mental Health Ja proudly offers free mental health support group sessions. These safe spaces foster connection, understanding, and healing for individuals on their mental health journeys. Additionally, we extend our reach through free sensitization sessions in schools, workplaces, churches, and social clubs. Education is a cornerstone of our efforts, empowering communities to embrace mental health conversations with empathy and knowledge.
Amidst this pursuit, I also wear the hat of a podcast host for “Candid Convos.” It’s not just about conversations; it’s about weaving a fabric of openness and understanding. Through interviews with thought leaders and influencers, we unravel personal mental health journeys, fostering a safe haven for discussions. This platform isn’t just about sharing stories—it’s an education on navigating life’s challenges with resilience.
I’m humbled by this opportunity to be a part of such meaningful work. Every step taken, every word spoken, is a small contribution to a larger movement toward a mentally healthier society. Join me on this journey, where each voice, each story, becomes a spark igniting hope and understanding for a brighter, more empathetic future. Follow us on Instagram @thinkmh_ja.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three things stand out: my deep faith in God, a rock-solid belief in myself, and the ability to roll with life’s punches and pivot when needed.
My path with faith has been a real rollercoaster. I’ve swung between atheism, agnosticism, hyper-religiosity, and just plain ‘spiritual.’ Explored philosophies, dipped into various religions – but there was always this faith in something bigger than myself. Now, I can say I’m a believer in Jesus, but truthfully, I’ve sensed His guiding hand in my life and successes even when my belief wavered.
Believing in myself was a tough lesson to learn and put into practice. Dreaming big can be terrifying for everyone around you. It’s easy to let their fears seep into your own confidence. But I’ve learned not to give in. Be daring and go for it. Sure, I don’t have all the answers, and I mess up, but that’s never an excuse to stop. It’s about trusting yourself, learning from mistakes, and using those lessons to turn your vision into reality.
Let’s face it, life hits hard. The unexpected blindsides you, things change without a heads-up, and disappointments come knocking. But that’s just life. Charge it to the game and keep moving. Life’s curveballs shouldn’t catch you off guard. Punches hurt only if you resist them. Move with them, and they become a redirection. I’ve learned that there are countless paths to reach my goals. So, I’ve stopped causing my own headaches by being fixated on just one route. Life’s a journey, and I’m embracing all the detours.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past year, my most profound growth has been in the realm of forgiveness, a journey intertwined with my faith. It might sound cliché, but trust me, it’s anything but. I’ve come to realize how harboring unforgiveness was a silent saboteur, prolonging pain and heartache long after the direct impacts of life’s tragedies, disappointments, or betrayals had been addressed.
Learning to let go, has been a transformative process. It’s not just about releasing the grip on resentment; it’s a profound act of trust and surrender. This shift directly reduced my stress, elevated my mental health, and revitalized my relationships with colleagues and loved ones. It infused my life with a new zeal, opening doors to opportunities I might have overlooked.
In hindsight, I see how I had unwittingly limited my brilliance and stifled my enjoyment by subjecting myself to unnecessary suffering through unforgiveness. Embracing forgiveness, fueled by faith, has been the catalyst for a profound liberation, ushering in a chapter of resilience, grace, and an unwavering belief in the possibilities that lie ahead.
Contact Info:
- Kimberly Leckie’s Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ceoleckie? igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - Think Mental Health Ja Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/thinkmh_ja? igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Image Credits
@Anorakja
