We were lucky to catch up with Tiffany Patmon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tiffany , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
The game of basketball is something that God used to help shape my perspective for life in many ways. It definitely added to the development of my confidence and self-esteem. When I was a little girl, my dream was to become a professional basketball player. Playing outside with my dad gave me the confidence required to walk into that as a reality. Wanting to play with my brother and his friends and being told no gave me the drive that I needed to push forward. Studying, practicing, and working hard at the game helped me develop a self-image that I could respect.
In high school however, I struggled with self-esteem but relaxed in confidence on the court. Being 1 of 5 black students at the time, I truly didn’t value the skin I was in. I didn’t like my curls and didn’t understand why I wasn’t considered “pretty” like my blue eyed, blonde hair friends. All the comparisons at that age took a toll on my self-esteem and I didn’t understand or know how to voice what I was experiencing. One thing that was for certain however was that my “voice” was heard on the basketball court. As I journeyed through high school winning 2 state titles in basketball, 3 state titles in track and being sought after by colleges across the nation, I grounded my confidence in sports but still lacked self-assurance. It wasn’t until I went to Oklahoma State University and met other athletes who looked like me that my self-esteem grew. What the bible says about there being power of the tongue, is true. When other people began to see me for who I truly am and speak into my life I began to see myself differently.
From that point on, I started the path of restoring my self-esteem to a new level and developed a newfound love of who God created me to be. This is why I am so passionate and driven about young girls knowing their self-worth and the power of speaking positivity over oneself because I am a walking testimony of how changing your perspective can change your entire life. The common denominator in my growth is my faith because as I grew in Him, He’s grown me.
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?
As a professional athlete, I’m very clear that God put me in a position and taught me how to have a champion mindset so that I could take those principles and apply them to all of my work in life. Every loss has been turned into a lesson that I’ve grown from and now share with others along the way. In all of the work, my job is to be a “fisherman of men” who helps individuals identify and develop a championship mindset for their purpose.
The following are two areas that I currently serve in:
1. I am the Vice President at the Camp Exposure Nonprofit organization. As I retired from the WNBA I developed a passion to help the next generation of athletes find their identity, purpose, and worth beyond the sport! That’s how my husband Tyler and I started our faith-based organization, Camp Exposure. We both have the passion for athletes to find their identity and purpose in this world. We help to inspire their God-given gifts into a successful personal and professional life. While most organizations focus on one or two elements in developing athletes, we specialize in taking a holistic approach to ensure that our athletes go through a well-rounded development process through our seven pillars. We are confident this approach will equip our athletes with a strong foundation to navigate their present and future endeavors. Through our partnership with the Intern to VP® Professional Brand & Leadership Development program our athletes receive coaching and resources that are being taught to entrepreneurs, global companies, and students around the world. Having built up our Men’s Division over the past four years, this year we were excited to have launched our new Camp Exposure Academy and our Women’s Division.
2. I serve as the CEO of God Benefits®, a faith-based event production company. We curate events that help people grow in their relationship with God, bask in His glory and recognize the benefits that He provides through the opportunities to serve Him and His people. We do it for the “God Benefits” of being able to be close to Him. We have recently partnered our Bible Study with the Moments of Focus® Purpose Development Program to help our cohorts discover, develop, and execute the vision GOD purposed for their lives, learn how to utilize the Word of God in a very practical way daily and receive executive coaching to support them while they build their visions forward. I am so excited about the God Benefits® and Moments of Focus® LLC partnership to help build The Kingdom one Bible study at a time!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The skills that were impactful in my journey were coach-ability, intentionality, and persistence. Being coachable, at any level is a key trait. In the WNBA I had to grow accustomed to being able to transition into different roles as it was being required of me. Each transition you go through will require you to be able to put your pride aside for the greater good. I am intentional with everything I do and with every person I encounter. As a mother and businesswoman, I intentionally listen to where God is telling me to go, especially who He has me meet with on a daily basis. Every encounter and everything you do can move you into the next step that God has for you. My persistence through the good times and through the trials has been what’s molded me into the woman God has developed me into at this point. It’s important to know that not everyone is going to confirm your story. It’s up to you to inspire the people around you according to HIS plan. Be sure to understand the assignment that God has intended for YOU. Through all my trials and accolades I believe the best way in achieving any of these qualities is Faith and consistency. Consistency is what builds skills, but it requires self-discipline to remain stable. Without my faith my I would not have a story to share or stand BOLDLY in who He has called me to be.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We are always looking for partnerships and collaborative opportunities for Camp Exposure that align with our organization. -Athletes looking to grow on and off the field/court
-Professionals that want to give back to the next generation
-Community Leaders
-High Schools and Universities
-Organizations and Brands that align with our mission and 7 pillars
We would love for you to reach out to us to learn more or if you are looking for ways that you can serve the next generation.
At God Benefits we have launched our first cohort for our Purpose Development Bible Study. If you’re looking to grow in the word and your relationship with God and how to apply the word to your Purpose this is for you! Join the Waitlist for the next cohort!
Or if you want more information how we can bring this event to you or how you can serve, Contact us.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheCampExposure.com TheGodBenefits.com
- Instagram: @Thecampexposure @GodBenefits @TiffanyBias
- Facebook: The Camp Exposure
- Linkedin: The Camp Exposure / Tiffany Patmon
- Twitter: @Thecampexposure
Image Credits
MikewillPictures
