We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kosi Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kosi, 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?
Throughout my career, as one of the only Black women in many rooms, I’ve learned that success often follows different rules for me compared to my counterparts. Initially, being among the “only few” felt like a potential disadvantage, but I’ve come to understand that it isn’t always the case. Embracing this uniqueness has been crucial for my journey. There have been instances where I’ve been the sole representative of my background, recognizing the doors that opened due to my talents.
Suppressing my true self in these situations led to self-sabotage. However, I’ve discovered that my authenticity is my greatest advantage. Bringing my genuine self to work has enabled me to build meaningful relationships and contribute my unique perspective to discussions and solutions.
In navigating these spaces, advocating for diversity and inclusion has become a priority. It’s about creating pathways for others who look like me to access these opportunities and rooms. Building authentic relationships has been crucial. Through these connections, I’ve found mentors, allies, and support networks that appreciate and value my perspective, helping me navigate and succeed in these environments.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Kosi Harris has been a public relations specialist for the past 15 years, working for agencies such as Trent & Company, Gild Creative Group, Wethos and Percepture. Specializing in non-profit, consumer products, and hospitality clients, including EveryLibrary, Time Warner Center, American Heart Association, Easter Seals, Blossom + Stone, Peru Tourism, Impacct Brooklyn, Ovia Health, Grand Canyon Railway, Charriol Jewelry, Tourette Association of America, Besame Cosmetics, ImageNation, Bird + Stone Jewelry, Jordandene, and Reebok Watches.
She has become adept at amplifying the voices of brands and maximizing client visibility through key relationships with press, media, and prominent influencers such as Harper’s Bazaar, Fatherly, Thrive Global, USA Today, Forbes, People Magazine, Buzzfeed, NY Times, Today Show, and Yahoo Finance.
Kosi holds a BA in Advertising & Marketing Communications from The Fashion Institute of Technology. In 2017, she received her MA in New Media and Public Relations At Southern New Hampshire University. She has been featured in Business Insider, Thrive Global, Bustle, Culturess, and Authority Magazine. Kosi currently resides in Brooklyn, NY, and is a self-proclaimed geek.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would be more adaptable not let my ego do most of the talking, A lot of ego lol I would also take more data classes so I would be able to help my clients learn how to measure their success, Celebrate my successes more.
Self-Care and Adaptability: Prioritize self-care and adaptability in handling setbacks. Learn how to manage stress, prioritize mental health, and develop coping strategies for challenging situations. Embrace flexibility and adapt to change by nurturing your well-being.
Embrace Authenticity: Understand your values, strengths, and interests. Be true to yourself in your actions and interactions. Surround yourself with supportive individuals and environments where you can express your genuine self.
Build Advocacy and Networking Skills: Start early by expanding your network through industry events, mentorship, and professional groups. Advocate for yourself and others, and offer support to peers. Be genuine in your connections and seek diverse perspectives.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
Investing effort in improving areas where one might not be as strong is crucial for a well-rounded skill set. While excelling in certain aspects is valuable, being versatile is equally important. Addressing weaknesses ensures a comprehensive approach to problem-solving and enhances adaptability in diverse scenarios. Actively developing weaker areas fosters continuous learning, providing new perspectives and innovative solutions. For instance, in my previous role, while I excelled at pitching, I recognized the need to improve my communication with influencers and their agents. This experience taught me the importance of anticipating trends and adapting to changing environments. Years ago, when I worked with a knitwear brand, exploring influencer marketing seemed unconventional. Despite skepticism from colleagues who dismissed it as irrelevant, believing “No one cares about a blogger or if the sweater is a blog,” the landscape has drastically changed. Today, influencer marketing plays a pivotal role in brand promotion. Learning to communicate effectively with influencers and their agents was a crucial step in becoming a better publicist. This experience highlighted the significance of embracing new skills and adapting to emerging trends in the ever-evolving professional landscape. Balancing strengths with areas of improvement not only fosters adaptability but also enhances existing skills, essential in navigating a constantly changing professional
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kosiharris.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kosharris
https://www.instagram.com/kosi_harris_pr/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063542530206
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosiharris/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kos27
