Meet Akida Gray

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Akida Gray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Akida, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, is deeply rooted in mindset—a perspective shaped by years of navigating life, management and leadership roles throughout my career. Life, much like the changing seasons, has taught me that circumstances are ever-evolving.

I’ve personally experienced evictions, layoffs, and a mix of business ventures—some thriving and others not. Each experience, whether positive or challenging, has contributed to my resilience. Underscoring the importance of adaptability.

Taking risks has also been a constant theme in my journey, a vital component of learning, growth, and evolution. It’s through challenges, successes, and even setbacks that we discover our true potential.

One crucial aspect of my resilience lies in the way I approach life. I view people and circumstances not as adversaries but as allies in my personal and professional development. This shift has been instrumental in extracting valuable lessons from every situation.

In essence, resilience is a fusion of experience, mindset, and the understanding that life’s seasons, like those of nature, are in a perpetual state of change. It’s about embracing the ebb and flow, learning from each chapter, and recognizing that every circumstance, no matter how daunting, is temporary.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a certified executive coach, I’m committed to helping leaders crush their goals quickly! The leader and business owner in me, understands the demands my clients face. My professional journey started in New Jersey and now here in North Carolina, I have experienced over 20 years of how to successfully navigate the ups and downs of leadership.

I started “Bridge To More” , my executive coaching business to meet leaders wherever they’re at in their journey to build bridges to more—more growth, performance, confidence, presence, you name it.. My coaching style creates safe, non-judgmental space for leaders to dig into their challenges and pursue their dreams.

Executive coaching is a real game-changer for high achieving individuals! The reality is, leaders are expected to always be on their A-game; and the pressure of those expectations can be heavy. So why do it alone? Why not surround yourself with an experienced, understanding, and goal oriented coach to help support you through your professional journey. Executive Coaching continues to show proven results with helping executives, leaders, and emerging leaders achieve their goals! It’s one of the secrets that has helped leaders achieve more.

As for what’s new, I was recently recognized as one of the top local business persons of the year, in North Carolina; and, as a thank you, I am offering a free 30-minute session for anyone interested in coaching. For more information, you can visit BridgeToMore.com/xc. Let’s experience more together!

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?
I’ve learned some hard-hitting lessons that were necessary for growth as a coach, business owner, father, husband and an all-around human being. Here are 3 that stood out the most:

Be mindful of the company you keep:
In the early stages of your journey, seek out mentors, colleagues, or friends who inspire you and align with your goals. Surrounding yourself with positive and knowledgeable individuals can provide valuable guidance, support, and opportunities for growth. Attend networking events, engage in online communities, and build relationships with those who can elevate your journey.

Never let go of your child-like wonder and curiosity:
Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. Embrace your dreams with curiosity and enthusiasm; hey, it’s only crazy until it happens right? Every experience, whether a success or a setback, is an opportunity to learn. Your curiosity fosters creativity and resilience in the face of challenges.

Commit to looking at every person and circumstance as your ally:
Adopt a mindset that sees allies in every person and situation. Whether facing success or challenges, there’s always a lesson to be learned. Approach interactions with openness and a willingness to understand different perspectives. This mindset not only contributes to personal growth but also builds strong connections and networks that can support you throughout your journey.

So, my journey has been about shedding the wrong influences, breaking free from limiting mindsets, and embracing a perspective that sees growth in every situation. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and ultimately, reclaiming the power to dream without bounds.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
There were quite a few influential people in my life but Here are some I’d like to highlight.

My parents… They were like the superheroes of my success story. They taught me important things that were like the secret code to doing well. My dad, working a regular job and owning a photography business on the side, showed me how to push through in entrepreneurship, be creative, and never give up. Then there’s my mom, a leader at her job before retirement, who was a pro at organizational leadership and making smart decisions. Their journey taught me how to bounce back when things get tough and how to navigate the professional world. It’s not just about running a business; it’s about doing it with heart and making a real impact. They’re like my guides, showing me the way with important lessons and a whole lot of heart.

My Mentors… The guidance from coaches and mentors has been a game changer, seriously! assisting me in navigating challenges and cultivating the skills crucial for success. They didn’t just throw “one liner” advice bombs my way; they gave me real-life strategies for dealing with the tricky stuff and being a thoughtful leader.. By sharing their experiences, they’ve given me a real-world education on how things are done. It’s reshaped my perspective, helping me view situations through a different lens, stay resilient when facing challenges, and work through work/life harmony. Thanks to their support, I’m not just growing older; I’m evolving into someone equipped to handle whatever life throws my way.

My Wife… For 16 years, my wife has been more than just my partner; she’s been my support system, guiding light, and true partner in every sense. Her encouragement and belief in me have been the secret to tackling all the hurdles life throws. Whether it’s dealing with setbacks, sharpening my skills, or grabbing the knowledge needed for success, her partnership has been priceless. Her steady support keeps me going, and she’s opened my eyes to different perspectives. We’ve tackled challenges together, celebrated wins, and, yeah, we’ve gotten stronger through it all. Her influence has been huge, turning roadblocks into chances for growth and making a big mark on my overall success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
The picture of panel in the news room was by Channel 12 News New Jersey

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Where does your generosity come from?

Over the years, we have consistently been blown away by the examples of generosity we’ve

From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your