We were lucky to catch up with Nekeria Hutchings recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nekeria, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I’ve learned that fitting in or being popular, was not going to help me to reach certain aspects of my life. It has taken me years to fully see my potential in who I am as a person. My audacity has made room for me, I’m the first published author, motivational speaker, and business owner of my family. I took a chance on myself and trusted that I could make a difference in my life. I had to understand that nobody could do this for me but me, and that is what made me different from others in the room. I could walk into a room full of billionaires, and the only thing that would be different about me is my color. My wisdom and knowing my purpose in life make me the richest in the room.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
It’s hard being me some days because I come with a great responsibility. Being a motivational speaker takes a lot of courage to be able to lead people out of their struggles, while still trying to maintain your own. It’s days I want to give up but I keep pushing for the sake of the people, who look up to me. I’m also a published author. I have four books on Amazon and I just released two new ones. I absolutely love what I’ve accomplished in my life, whether days are difficult or not it’s all part of the success. How I’m able to withstand it, is because it has taken many sacrifices for me to get to this point in my life. I’ve overcome being poor, rape, stripping, prostitution, 9th grade dropout, etc. For this assignment. It has taken a lot but I wouldn’t trade my position for nothing. This is only the beginning.
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?
Having wisdom, knowing when enough is enough, and keeping forward no matter who got left behind. These things have helped me on my journey, and it wasn’t easy to do. I tend to stumble a few times until I get it right but the struggles are even worth it. It taught me consistency. Being able to keep going no matter the circumstances is what’s going to help push you to that next level In your life. We all seek freedom from things in life but at what price are you willing to sacrifice? In order to get the freedom that you seek. You’re in control of the budget.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest difficulty I face in my life right now is the lack of acknowledgment from the people around me. My family tries to downplay who God has made me out to be today. They’re so used to being familiar with me, that they don’t recognize who I truly am. They see the old Keira who was in the same house but they don’t see me. I would have to leave this familiar place in order to see; the true success I seek. I’m ready to be in rooms, with people who truly will appreciate who I am today. I’m ready for new. I am at this point in my life where I’m done explaining who I am, and I’m okay with walking away from people who don’t value me as the person I am. This just comes with knowing my worth now and my purpose. I have so much peace now, I went through many sacrifices to get it, and if they don’t understand it then it’s time for me to move forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/nekeirahutchings
