We recently connected with Malaiye and have shared our conversation below.
Malaiye, 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?
Whenever I found myself in a room where I was the only one of my gender, the only one of my race, or the only one in my career, I realized my biggest tool was my mindset and my ability to adapt. I’ve been on both sides of the coin. On one side, it’s smooth sailing, the engagement is fun, and everything is aligned to get task at hand done. Then there’s its opposite side, where communication is weaker, liabilities begin to lead. I use to allow these misalignments affect me internally, not maintaining my energy.
How I handle being the only one now is I stand in the fact that my perception and experience is different. I get the opportunity of bringing something new to the table, I think of it as training my leadership skills. As well, I learn from the collectives. What’s something they all commonly understand that I don’t? If they can learn from me, I can learn from them.
Which side of the coin I’m on depends on how connected this event is alligned with my purpose. It’s an indicator to track if I’m progressing or platauing.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an Entertainer and Entrepreneur. This year, I was an editor for the film, “Black Terror”, which has gone to be screened at the Pavillon African: Cannes Film Festival, Essence Film Festival, and Newark Black Film Festival.
Also, a film I wrote and produced, “Deserve” has just begun its run in the festival circuit. We have 2 screenings at the TCL Chinese Theater (Hollywood, CA) in September, and we’ve just received our first International Selection.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that were most impactful for me were,
1). Having true belief (Faith) in what I wanted. That vision, and your faith in obtaining it is the only familiar thing on this journey at times.
2). The ability to adapt. I have been blessed to be able to work multiple productions in various roles. My goal is getting the story told, and things can go wrong before showtime. I figured if I learn everyone’s roles, I can make sure everyone has what they need and everything can run as it should. Then I can allow myself to focus on telling the story.
3). Control your attitude.
Having fun with the process or coming back till I can. Any time I am creating no matter my emotional state, I’m having fun. If I find myself hellbent or working with someone who is hellbent on being perfect during the creation process, I simply will fail forward. I’ll do something new, to see if it works. Sometimes, it doesn’t work and I look a little goofy, but that’ll usually get those around me to loosen up and we’re all able to live in the experience together til we get it right. I always remember a priority goal is to get the team to the finish line. It’s not gone always be pretty start to finish, but keep that smile up.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
Something that is true for me, when I went all in on one of my biggest strengths (acting) it introduced me to the world of filmmaking. Going all in to acting made me realize my great love is storytelling. I want to be able to tell my own stories as well as the stories of others in many different capacities. I invest into my acting and filmmaking simultaneously. It’s a new mountain to climb but the stronger I become in one, the stronger I become in the other.
I guess my answer would be, go all in on your strengths and allow your curiosity to expand your skillsets. Embrace the change that will come with expansion, and you will find yourself stronger and wiser on your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.malaiye.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/malaiye
Image Credits
PhotosbyJamaal
