Meet Marc J. Hawk III

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marc J. Hawk III a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marc J., thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I overcame imposter syndrome by giving my life to Christ and accepting Him as my Lord and Savior. Through my 23 years of life, I have recently discovered that living an honest and righteous lifestyle shields me from the effects of imposter syndrome.

When I was born, my sister named me Jayshawn as a middle name, but my mother spelled it as Jayshon. To this day, my sister still spells it the former way. At school, people always called me Marc, and I got so used to being called by that name that I sometimes forget about Jayshawn or Jayshon, who represented the best parts of me: spending time with family, going to church, feeding the unhoused, visiting duck ponds, having long conversations, enjoying home-cooked meals, and being naturally and authentically myself.

Ever since I was a kid, I molded myself to fit in with those around me, adopting the name Marc J. Hawk at school while being Jayshon at home—more laid-back, family-oriented, and spiritual. In the Black community, there’s a stereotype about having difficult names, so I was always hesitant to share my middle name. I felt pressured to conform to a “standard” or “acceptable” name.

My propensity for self-advocacy stems from a long history of advocating for others. Upon reflection, I realized a connection between my self-advocacy and my personal identity struggle. Because of this, I’ve always seen myself as an outlier, which led to conflicts with those around me. Disagreements often arose when others’ views or beliefs clashed with mine. However, being different allowed me the freedom to form my own opinions about the world.

Although I didn’t know much about imposter syndrome growing up, it became a significant challenge after moving to Washington, D.C., and graduating from college. Surrounded by ambitious peers and high expectations, I made a change. This period led me to root my identity in external achievements rather than in Christ. Over time, I realized that my true worth comes from being a child of God. Embracing this truth has liberated me from the fear of not measuring up and has prepared me to pursue my purpose with confidence. Now, as I head into law school, I do so with a clear head and a steadfast heart, ready to fulfill the calling that God has placed on my life.

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 excited to share more about my journey and professional endeavors with you. My name is Marc Jay, and I wear many hats, including Follower of Christ, podcast host, law student, and content creator.

One of my most passionate projects is my podcast, “Pride to Purpose,” where I explore my journey with God’s love. This podcast is a platform where I share my personal experiences, challenges, and the transformative power of faith. It’s exciting and special to me because it allows me to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, offering encouragement and inspiration to those on their own spiritual journeys.

In addition to the podcast, I am nearing the completion of an eBook that details my professional experiences while working in the United States House of Representatives. This book provides an insider’s look at the political landscape, highlighting the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned. I believe it will serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in public service or seeking to understand the complexities of government work.

On the social media front, I have been actively growing my presence on TikTok, where I recently hit the milestone of 1,000 followers. This achievement has opened up new opportunities for brand partnerships and has significantly expanded my reach. Over the past month, my content has reached an audience of 25,000 people and garnered over 50,000 views. Sharing my testimonies and experiences has allowed me to connect with a diverse and engaged audience, and I am incredibly grateful for the support and positive feedback I’ve received.

Additionally, I would like to mention that although I have decided to pause Verge Consulting due to my school commitments, I am still committed to supporting others. I will be offering mentorship, career advice, and resume editing services for free. This decision allows me to focus on my studies while still making a positive impact on those seeking guidance in their professional journeys.

In terms of what’s new, I am excited about the upcoming launch of my eBook and the continued growth of “Pride to Purpose.” These projects, along with my expanding presence on TikTok and my free mentorship services, represent the diverse and impactful ways I am working to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my work. I am passionate about what I do, and I am committed to spreading faith, hope, and resilience through my various platforms. I invite you to follow my journey and connect with me on social media, and I look forward to continuing to share my story with you.

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?

The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, networking, and perseverance.

Resilience has been crucial in overcoming the various challenges and setbacks I’ve faced. It has enabled me to bounce back from difficult situations and keep moving forward, no matter how wild things got. Networking has also played a significant role, as building and maintaining relationships with others has opened many doors and provided valuable opportunities and support throughout my life. Perseverance, the determination to keep going despite trials, has been essential in achieving my goals and staying committed to my path.

My advice for people who are early in their journey is to always be willing to listen. Being an active listener allows you to truly understand and learn from others, which is invaluable. ALWAYS!!! be slow to speak. Taking the time to think before you respond ensures that your contributions are thoughtful and meaningful. Avoid burning bridges, which may happen but can also create future issues.

Another crucial piece of advice is to always be open to different perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them. Engaging with diverse viewpoints can broaden your understanding and help you grow both personally and professionally. Giving respect truly does help in gaining it, but there is always a risk that respect may not be reciprocated. However, if you maintain who you are, you will succeed.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am actively seeking individuals to collaborate with in creating impactful and diverse content. I was raised to see and appreciate differences, and I strongly believe that sharing a wide range of perspectives enriches our understanding of the world. On my podcast, “Pride to Purpose,” I would love to feature guests from all walks of life and beliefs. This platform is dedicated to exploring faith, personal growth, and the transformative power of God’s love through diverse narratives.

Collaboration is at the heart of what I do, and I am eager to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about sharing their stories and insights. Whether you have experiences in faith, social justice, personal development, or any other area that you believe can inspire and educate others, I would be honored to have you on the podcast.

In addition to “Pride to Purpose,” I manage several other platforms where I engage with my audience and offer support:

Pride to Purpose: This is my podcast platform where we delve into deep and meaningful conversations about faith, resilience, and personal growth. It’s a space for open dialogue and learning from each other’s experiences.

Verge Consulting: Although I have decided to pause this venture due to my academic commitments, I am still dedicated to offering free mentorship, career advice, and resume editing services. My goal is to help others navigate their professional journeys with confidence and clarity.

BeingMarcJay: This is my TikTok channel, where I share personal stories, testimonies, and engage with a broad audience.

These platforms allow me to connect with a diverse audience and share my journey. I believe that by collaborating with others, we can create even more powerful and inspiring content.

If you are interested in collaborating, please follow my platforms and reach out. Together, we can bridge gaps, foster understanding, and celebrate our unique journeys.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

3rd Photo in blue sheet and headshot: United States House of Representatives

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