We caught up with the brilliant and insightful PK Kersey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
PK, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I have learned to be effective I must have the proper mindset before I enter such rooms. I tell myself who I am, why am I here, what do I seek to accomplish here and also that the people who I am seeking to connect with want to know me because I have something to offer to them
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?
I am the founder and executive director of a non profit organization called THATS SUITS YOU. Our mission is to provide inspiration, motivation, information and professional attire to males for prom, graduation, interviews and the next level of their lives
It is amazing to teach these individuals about professionalism , branding and perfecting their image. Something as simple a teaching tie knot training , their first suit fitting or proper etiquette gives me tremendous pleasure as I realize it is my purpose and gift.
I also have 4 books that I have authored that further motivates these individuals…
SUITED FOR SUCCESS VOL 1
SUITED FOR SUCCESS VOL 2
STILL I THRIVE
and our kids book THAT SUITS YOU KID
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 most important skills I believe that have helped me is number 1 being extremely resilient. My faith in God has been a very key aspect in my growth, as well as my parents love and support. Growing up in ENY BROOKLYN, wasn’t easy but their guidance was instrumental in helping me to succeed despite many different obstacles
Number 2 is treating people with dignity and respect. Everyone is not respectful but that doesn’t change my view of how I treat people. I believe in the golden rule treat people how you wish to be treated.
Lastly I have no problem doing the dirty work, or doing things alone, and not complaining but being grateful. I am never to big to do any task.
My advice to new comers would be to not allow the negative opinions of others to deter them from acheieving what they believe they are called to do. Never focus on the negative to long, but be positive and find the answer to every problem instead of a problem in every answer
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 have written 3 anthologies and I am looking to write 1 more before the year ends. I need 10 -15 people to contact me, if they are interested in writing a chapter in this new project and become an author. As I stated before, I have 3 prior projects like this and they have all been successful
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thatsuitsyou.org
- Instagram: @thatsuitsyou
- Facebook: PKkersey
- Linkedin: PKKersey
- Twitter: @thatsuitsyou
