We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Naila Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Naila, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from my mom! It is a testament to the love and strength I’ve been given. My mother, with her unwavering support and belief in me, has cultivated a spirit that can withstand life’s challenges. She’s was the steady anchor in your life, providing the foundation for my resilience.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name in Naila Jackson and I serve as the Network Navigator for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the city of Birmingham. In this role, I act as the guide to resources and support, managing the digital front door and providing support as an accountability partner.
What truly sets this role apart is the privilege of delving into the “why” behind each entrepreneur’s venture into the business world. By understanding their motivations and dreams, I become a beacon of encouragement, reminding them of their purpose and fueling their drive to keep pushing forward.
But the impact doesn’t stop there. I am honored to partner with the city of Birmingham in celebrating and assisting legacy businesses, recognizing the incredible contributions of our community’s pillars. As we prepare for the annual legacy business celebration on October 6th, we are gearing up to honor 7 magnificent businesses that have shaped our business landscape.
Beyond these celebrations, I have the privilege of collaborating with amazing organizations, funders, and service providers dedicated to enhancing our ecosystem. Together, we work tirelessly to improve and strengthen the foundation of our entrepreneurial community, fostering growth and prosperity for all. We are shaping a future where dreams are realized, legacies are honored, and businesses flourish.
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?
I believe that the three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset. In the face of challenges and setbacks, resilience has allowed me to bounce back stronger and more determined. Adaptability has enabled me to pivot and navigate through changing circumstances with ease. And a growth mindset has fueled my continuous learning and development, pushing me to embrace new challenges and opportunities.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can offer guidance and support, and be open to feedback and constructive criticism. Continuously seek to expand your knowledge and skills, and never stop learning.
Believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, and keep pushing forward with determination and perseverance.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always open to partnering and collaborating and learning new things with like-minded individuals and organizations who share a passion for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. I am particularly interested in collaborating with funders, ecosystem builders, and small business resource providers who are dedicated to fostering growth and empowerment within our entrepreneurial community.
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at info@navigatebhm.com to discuss potential collaboration opportunities. I am excited about the possibility of working together to create a thriving and supportive ecosystem for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Let’s join forces and make a difference together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Navigatebhm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navigatebhm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564031816028&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/network-navigatorbhm/
Image Credits
Shots on 3
Mediapro Hub+BKT ENT
Khalil Stewart
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
