We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiffani Rooney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffani, 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.
Oh boy, this is something I still deal with every day! Throughout my life, I have had so many people cast doubts on my abilities. Whether that’s because they think I didn’t have to work hard to get where I am based on my connections. Or they think that I don’t deserve it because I’m a black woman (especially in today’s political climate).
Admittedly it does get to me at times, especially when I’m feeling low. However — I quickly remind myself that I DO deserve to be in these spaces because I worked just as hard (and often times even harder) than the next person!
We live in a world where people are constantly comparing themselves to one another. Everyone’s lives are being broadcasted 24/7 in the palms of our hands, so it’s not unusual to have those thoughts. Regardless, I believe that comparison is the thief of joy. So the more you compare yourself to others rather than supporting your peers, the more miserable you will be.
I do my best to remember that some people want to get in your head to make you feel “less than” because of their own insecurities. Don’t let them!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Right now my number one focus rests on my professional marketing career! I am currently working at OMG23, which is Disney’s dedicated marketing agency. I am finally at a place where all my work experience has aligned and provided me with the most amazing career opportunity. So I’m really hoping to pour myself into my new role and grow professionally and personally.
Aside from that, I’m hoping to continue to expand and mold Elite Urbanite into a brand that reflects the woman I’ve grown to be, while still highlighting the things shaped my personality along the way!
I plan to continue my community based events, such as my game night/mixer “The Friendly Function.” I will also continue to use music as an outlet for people to feel a connection to/build community with likeminded people, even if its virtually!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience, instinct, and kindness. These are the three most important qualities that have gotten me to where I am.
We all deal with uncertainties and doubt, no matter how old you are. However the only way to get past it, is to stay resilient because the feeling is only temporary.
In addition to that, you may feel like because you’re still early in your journey you should solely rely on the knowledge the “experts” are providing you with; take it with a grain of salt. Of course, there are many people out there with a ton of helpful advice to share, however I believe relying on your instincts will always put you in the spaces you’re supposed to be in.
Most importantly, always be kind! Because that is what people will remember most about you. In entertainment especially, you will come across a lot of “interesting” personalities to say the least. No matter what energy they put forth, always hit them back with a dose of kindness. They won’t know what to do with themselves!
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
It may sound silly, but the Cat in The Hat! I am often guilty of taking life a little bit too seriously sometimes. (To be fair, things are pretty serious in the world right now!)
However, I do try to embrace life with a constant sense of humor, whimsy, and maybe even a little bit of chaos… all in good fun though!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eliteurbanite.com
- Instagram: @eliteurbanite.com
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
