Q: What will you be speaking about at DisruptHR?
Title: BID Farewell: Microwaving Mentality for Inclusive Success
Summary: A transformative discussion of obtaining true inclusive success by saying farewell to outdated Microwave Mentality in the realms of Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity (BID). I will explore ways to redefine solutions that foster a profound sense of belonging and stir up productive communication, unleashing the potent power of diverse perspectives. This will be done by dissecting the connections between BID and success, challenging traditional, simplistic approaches. Disrupting the mainstream landscape of inclusive problem-solving and uncovering how to embrace differences of opinions and experiences. It’s time to reshape our mindset and strategies, debunking Microwave Mentality BIDs farewell and learning that true fostering of a positive culture isn’t quick and simple but sustainable and enduring. Prepare to shift mindsets and strategies; BID goodbye to the traditional concepts of belonging, inclusion, and diversity.
Kendra has spent over half her life speaking and encouraging others to achieve their maximum potential while inspiring them to fulfill their dreams of becoming the person they are destined to be.
As early as high school, she would travel in her home state, presenting personal development workshops to her peers. She would facilitate training in areas such as time management and conducting effective meetings. During her college years, she continued her speaking events and expanded her topics to include stress management, team building, and leadership competencies. She nurtured her love of service through many university organizations; she was a member of a university-sponsored mentoring program, a university ambassador, and various leadership opportunities. Her speaking platform has grown from state-wide to impacting others internationally.
Kendra holds a master’s degree in human resources development and she has spent over two decades in the human resources industry working within Fortune 100 companies. Her first love of helping others, speaking, and facilitating continued during her human resources career. Kendra was selected and recognized for facilitating inclusion, development, and college relations initiatives within several organizations. She is also a human resources consultant and enjoys harmonizing organizations and individuals to accomplish their goals. Kendra’s journey of human resources consulting provided the opportunity to learn and function at a higher level of strategic problem-solving and logic.
Kendra’s recognitions include a State Senate Award for Community Service and the National Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for character and humanity. She loves group exercise, reading, spending time with her family, organizing, and being a research enthusiast. She is grateful for the opportunity to give back and encourage others; she feels blessed with incredible possibilities and, in her life, given considerate challenges. It’s the experiences she has encountered that ignite her passion to teach, train, facilitate, coach, and consult others.
Q: Why are you passionate about this topic?
A: I am passionate about humanity, collaboration, and people working together. In my profession and my life, I’ve seen people who are hurt constantly triggered an ineffective, and people who have been valued— flourish.
Q: What general business advice do you have for readers out there?
A: Not everyone has your background, talents, and skills. Don’t minimize yourself because you are different. If you are not being nurtured in your current place, find a place that values you. I love the quote “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”
Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your professional journey?
A: Intentional Action Daily. Motivation can wane, so most of my daily routine is to get up early before anyone else is up in my house and establish the mindset, emotions, and intentions of the day. I also love a journal/planner that has you state the three things you are grateful for the day and three things you are excited about. Q: What do you think are the key traits of successful leaders today?
A: Compassion, empathy, adapting to change, and a keen emotional quotient or intelligence (EQ).
Q: How do you handle setbacks and challenges in your career?
A: I have a mindset that, indeed, a setback can be a set-up, meaning it was a lesson that will prepare you for the next phase. Yes, I get disappointed, but I truly have told myself and my team that setbacks happen and that they are part of life. I ask myself or others, “Was it a D&D?” Meaning, was there a death or dismemberment? If no one dies or loses a body part or limb, we can get over this challenge in a setback. I worked in industries where a simple mistake could lead to a D&D; therefore, my mindset is different.
Q: What advice would you give to young professionals looking to make an impact in their field?
A: Assess your priorities and purpose regularly, especially during significant life events. Your passion, desire, and expectations can change or shift—that is okay.
Q: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A: Good question; I struggled with this myself. Being an entrepreneur actually makes it easier for me, a recovering workaholic. I would say slow down your “no” and “yes.” If you are a workaholic like me, don’t immediately say no or yes; ask for a timeline to reply. Then you don’t have the pressure of pleasing the person. Always thank them for the opportunity and get back to them. Q: How do you approach personal and professional growth?
A: Weekly self-reflection. Formal development at least three times a year. I consistently read or listen to audiobooks. I try once a year to do a personal retreat, even if it’s a staycation, to do an entire life pathing to know what development I need in the next year.
Q: Can you share an example of a project or initiative that you’re particularly proud of?
A: I’ve had my LLC for thirteen years; I did a slow lane and decided to work for an organization for 2.5 years, and now I am back full-time in my business, and I am so ready to start being full-time again with my work. I am working now to be certified for government contracts.
Kendra Recommends
This is a very difficult open-ended question that can lead to open-ended answers. First, I have to recommend my own work and book “Perspectives” by Kendra Q. Dodd.
A good classic is “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey; this mindset was a gamechanger for me when I just started the workforce.
“The First 90 Days” by Michael Watkins is a true classic for how to lead in a new setting, team, or environment.
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