Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Joy Gray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Joy , 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?
Ya’at’hee (Hello in Navajo)! I am a Navajo woman born into a non-native world. I like to say that I was Native American before being Native American became cool. My father is full-blood Navajo, and my mother is full-blood Dutch. I know what it feels like to be “the only one in the room that looks like me”. Even with my cousins, I didn’t look like my Navajo family, nor did I look like my Dutch family. Let alone the idea of being born a Gen-X and working my way through Corporate America in a “man’s world”.
I have been “the only one in the room that looks like me since birth”. At first this left me with a sensation that “maybe I don’t belong” or “where do I belong” – a sense of solitude. I would try to be more like my peers, and less like myself. However, in my 30s – I began to recognize that I am authentic. The courage that it took me to embrace my authentic self-came from a deep desire to honor who and what “I am”. This journey has not been easy; however now, I see myself as a forerunner. I have become the authentic voice in the room that speaks out of truth and not pressure.
In a world that continues to tell you who they want you to be, wouldn’t it be nice to show up as yourself. I recognized that many individuals, for whatever reason, feel like they are “the only one in the room.” So, come hell or high water, I will be myself. And my hope is that in being myself, others will feel the liberty to be their authentic self as well.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Granddaughter Crow (Dr. Joy Gray) holds a doctorate in leadership. Internationally recognized as a medicine woman, she comes from a long line of spiritual leaders as a member of the Navajo Nation.
She is an international award-winning author. Her books include The Journey of the Soul, Wisdom of the Natural World, and Belief, Being, and Beyond. Additionally, she is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society due to her academic achievements. Voted in as Woman of the Year 2015 by the National Association of Professional Women.
She is truly a conduit for wisdom and transformation between the western and native worlds. More than that, she has dedicated her life to inspiring, encouraging, and empowering individuals to be their authenticity. www.granddaughtercrow.com
Be your greatness, as only you can be!
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?
The three most important things would be: 1) Life is difficult, it is not personal – it is difficult for all of us. Be true to yourself.
2) Your word is your honor – if you tell someone that you will do something, do it! Show up for life, and life will show up for you.
3) Be yourself, this is your leg up. No one else can be you. So… Be your greatness, as only you can be.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I would like to speak about the sensation of “feeling overwhelmed”. We all experience this from time to time, that is why there is a word for it. So, first… you are not alone. Second, figure out why you are feeling this way. Question: Is this feeling of being overwhelmed coming from an external source who is telling you that you need to do more? Or is this feeling of being overwhelmed coming from an internal source which is asking you to slow down a little bit? If it is coming from an external source, remove yourself from the situation and observe what this external source is experiencing – are they overwhelmed. Balance these expectations and move at your own pace. As a leader, you can set the pace. If these sensations are coming from an internal source, I ask you “Are you tired, are you hungry, are you under the weather.” I ask these questions, because when we are tired, hungry, or not feeling well the world becomes overwhelming. Or are you overwhelmed because you simply need a moment. When I just need a moment, the best advice that I can give to you is to accept and express these feelings. Accept the feeling of being overwhelmed and work it out. How to work out this sensation of being overwhelmed. Talk with someone, exercise, meditate.
The best advice that I can give here is. You are a leader, so be a leader. A leader will feel overwhelmed, it is what we do. So don’t take it personally and understand that it is a part of being a leader. Figure out what helps you! Be your greatness, as only you can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.granddaughtercrow.com
- Instagram: granddaughtercrow
- Facebook: @GranddaughterCrow
- Linkedin: Dr. Joy Gray
- Twitter: @Grnddghtr_Crow
- Youtube: Granddaughter Crow
Image Credits
Llewellyn
