We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful M’Keba Evone Barksdale. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with M’Keba Evone below.
Hi M’Keba Evone , thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
The conditions that allowed me to develop empathy are a combination of things. Most importantly, I believe seeing loved ones at a young age transition or contract incurable illness was the catalyst for understanding the importance of having empathy. One thing we as humans don’t fully understand is that at any moment the one thing that you think would never happen to you could in fact happen. Once you fully understand and process that, it is so much easier to put yourself in that other person’s shoes and feel those feelings of hurt and pain or whatever it may be.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an actress, a realtor, a mom and a dog mom. So, I wear many hats. However, my dream, purpose and passion has always been the arts. My aunt Janice is an exceptional actress, and she is how I got my introduction into acting at the young age of 5. Since then, I have always known that the stage/screen is where I belong. I love storytelling and I think it’s a beautiful thing. Being an actress allows me to tell a story that appeals to the senses and the emotions of the audience that can deliver a message that can last a lifetime.
As far as new projects, I just got casted in a new Netflix series but at the moment I can’t disclose much information about the show. It’s going to be a good show and I love the story that I will be telling.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Commitment, perseverance and faith are the qualities and area of knowledge that has been the most impactful in my journey. Once you know what it is that you really want to pursue in life, you have to be committed to the journey. The path is always bumpy, but you have to show up for yourself every day and believe with you heart that it will happen for you. The beauty and the lessons are in the journey not the destination. There are many things that you will learn along the way that will make you appreciate the destination so much more once you arrive. Enjoy the journey!
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?
I will have to say my AMAW acting teacher Tom Warner. Tom believes in me so much that it’s unbelievable at times. He is a very intense teacher because he knows how to bring out the best in his students. He see’s something in all of us that we may not be able to see. He knows how to get us to reach inside and bring that piece of magic to the surface. It’s truly remarkable. The most important thing that he has taught me is that I am enough and in acting all I have to do is just be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themkebabrand.com
- Instagram: themkebabrand
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkebaebarksdale
Image Credits
Sean Patrick Photography Robbie Glen Photography
