We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nathalie Heywood Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nathalie, 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 learned to lean forward based on my talent. I learned early on how you deliver a message is as important to the message you are delivering….especially when you are the only one in the room. And, it’s that competency displayed is how you make room for others like you to enter the room and then you are no longer the only one.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Nathalie Heywood Smith: The People and Business Alchemist
What other people say: a dynamic force operating at the intersection of people and business. She’s not just connecting dots; she’s leveraging existing experience, intelligence, and competencies to create opportunities that grow both businesses and the people within them. Think of her as a strategic alchemist, turning organizational challenges into gold.
What I think: I am just a Person who does dope stuff that moves the needle and I have fun!
My career is driven by a passion for unlocking potential, for companies and people … I connect the dots.
I have two passions right now: POCSTOCK www.pocstock.com, a stock image platform plus more. POCSTOCK is on a mission to change how people of color are seen in media, advertising, and marketing. It’s about visual storytelling that reflects the true diversity of our world. We work with agencies and companies on crafting messages through the use of positive images.
Heywood Smith Consulting (HSC): It’s a space where unique strengths are discovered, visions are clarified, and growth is ignited. HSC helps transform individuals and organizations alike.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I reflect on the key ingredients that shaped my journey, three stand out: building a strong network, sharpening my skill set, and mastering the art of talking about myself (without sounding like a walking résumé).
Building A Network: Your People Are Your Power
Surrounding yourself with the right people is like assembling your personal board of directors. You need folks who are supportive, brutally honest (but in a “tough love” kind of way), and genuinely rooting for your success. These are the people who will cheer you on when you’re winning and give you a reality check when you’re veering off course. It’s important to be intentional about who you spend time with. Seek out mentors, peers, and even those who challenge your perspective in constructive ways.
Don’t just network for the sake of it—build real relationships. Ask questions, listen more than you talk, and follow up with people after you meet them. Networking doesn’t have to be awkward! Think of it as making friends with shared interests rather than collecting business cards.
Building Your Skill Set – be curious and stay relevant
The world moves fast—blink, and your industry might look completely different. That’s why investing in yourself is non-negotiable. Whether it’s attending conferences, taking classes, or binge-reading industry news, staying sharp is what keeps you ahead of the curve. Commit to being a lifelong learner. Pick one new skill or area of knowledge each year to focus on—whether it’s technical expertise or soft skills like leadership or communication. Stay plugged into what’s happening in your professional world. Follow thought leaders, join relevant groups, and don’t be afraid to ask questions when something piques your interest. Learning doesn’t have to be boring! Podcasts, webinars, and even YouTube can make professional development feel less like homework.
Learn how to talk about yourself so people will get you, and share they know you.
Here’s the thing—people can’t root for you (or hire you, or partner with you) if they don’t understand who you are or what you bring to the table. Learning how to talk about yourself in a way that feels authentic but also compelling is an underrated superpower. Practice your “story.” Who are you? What do you do? Why does it matter? Nail this down so that when someone asks about you, they walk away thinking, “Wow—I want to know more!” Get comfortable talking about your wins telling your story without feeling like you’re bragging. It’s not arrogance; it’s confidence—and there’s a big difference. Ask and learn to accept feedback from trusted friends or mentors on how you come across when talking about yourself. Sometimes we’re too close to our own story to see how it lands.
If you’re just beginning your journey, here’s my advice: Start small but stay consistent. Building a network doesn’t mean meeting 100 people overnight—it means reaching out to one person today. Developing skills doesn’t mean enrolling in every course—it means committing to learning something new this month. And talking about yourself? Well, that just takes practice—so start now.
Remember: The journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Surround yourself with good people, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to share your story with the world—you never know who might be listening (or how they might help).
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?
Collaboration is one of my Pillars. All of us survive and thrive – person or business or life form – on collaboration. If we don’t we become extinct.
I believe in collaborating with individuals who share similar values, principles, and goals. Additionally, I believe the real magic happens when partnering with thinkers who bring a different perspective to the table. It’s in these diverse viewpoints that brilliance resides. I am always inviting others to the table.
We grow, we innovate, we solve, we adapt, we change when we collaborate.
The best place to find me is on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/nheywood. We can connect directly, set up time to talk and figure out how we can be of service to each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pocstock.com, www.heywoodsmithconsulting.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nheywood
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
