Kathryn Epps Roberson is a busy woman getting things done, as a CEO and Entrepreneur of a successful company and the Executive Director of a not-for profit organization - in addition to being a Mom and Step-Mom.
She shares how she went from a buyer for luxury retailer Neiman Marcus to creating a start up small business during the recession of 2008 and how she leveraged her business and finance background from Howard University and her transferable skills, reapplied toward a part-time job which turned into a side hustle business in event planning and management, into the successful company that she has today.
Kathryn talks entrepreneurship and collaboration, one of the keys to her success.
RealTalk moment: Kathryn gets super brave and shares a recurring challenge: Impostor Syndrome. She is incredibly honest and vulnerable in sharing her battle with thoughts of not being good enough, not deserving a seat at the table, not perfectly juggling career, business, personal life, and the insecurities or fears of judgement for being a young professional, being a black woman, landing her first large contract and then...including motherhood into the mix. She shares how vulnerability became game changing and enhanced her life and relationships in the most amazing ways.
Takeaways/Learnings:
- Surround yourself with people who acknowledge and appreciate your contributions and your unique talents - so that they can remind you of your greatness in your moments of doubt or self-questioning.
- Recognize that perfection doesn't exist
- Acknowledge your strengths, accomplishments and own your success
Tip: When you are feeling Impostor Syndrom creep in, jot down three things that you do really well - or find someone in your inner circle to remind you that you've worked your ass off and highlight some of your accomplishments.
Kathryn shares how she retired the SuperWoman costume and became unapologetic about her reality, her struggles, her wins and successes AND her experiences around racism and how being a woman of color has presented challenges and opportunities in business and in life.
Guest on this episode: Kathryn Epps Roberson
Company: AEC Partners
You can find Kathryn on:
W: https://www.aecpartners.net/
FB: @aecpartners
L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aec-partners-llc/
IG: @kdotepps @aecpartners and @hirephilly
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