Meet Servant Leader Keshea Way
TDR: What issues are you most passionate about in your community?
Keshea: To inspire the youth to become product citizens of society learning in the non-traditional way due to life is not necessarily traditional. We have advanced as a society and with technology everything is at your fingertips. Therefore, there is no excuse not to be skilled in any area. Having a degree doesn't make you successful having wisdom does. Teaching the adults that the kids have a voice too, so as the saying goes it takes a village. Listen to the youth they have something to say.
TDR: What are most of your philanthropy efforts typically directed towards serving?
Keshea: Most of my philanthropy efforts are typically directed towards serving the community. When you serve one community it’s like serving the world. Those that are a part of that community will eventually leave for college, move to other cities or maybe another country. But you have impacted the world when you start with that one community. Serving others is what the Giver of Doers created us to do. It’s never about us it’s always about HIM.
TDR: How do you define leadership?
Keshea: Inspiring people to live the way they desire to lead. What better way to influence someone than by living your life in pursuit of your leadership. By serving others thru leadership you too are a student through the questions and clarity chats that surface. When you can inspire and develop someone into their true and natural state of being a leader that's when I feel leadership is at its best. Because we are all leaders that are being led as we lead.
TDR: How would you define your leadership style?
Keshea: As a leader I am discipline with a prudent character while remaining humble. I am open to the learning process for myself and encourages my team to keep a sharp mind while applying logic. I am committed to the path that leads to the vision of the overall team being successful and fulfilling the ultimate goal. I like to have knowledge of what the team is doing so I can carry them when needed. I am the 6th man on the bench and prepared to get in the game, because not only am I devising the plays but I am willing to do my part.
TDR: What would be the most painful lesson that you've learned in life that has helped you become who you are today?
Keshea: Forgiveness....People make mistakes; mistakes don't make people. I carried a grudge around for years about something someone had done not realizing until recently they only did what they had experienced. When you grow up a certain way you don't always choose to explore other avenues typically you do what you have seen or what you have to come to believe is normal. When you start to communicate and realize WOW they really didn't know any better. It makes a huge difference, building better relationships is a product of that communication.
TDR: What would people be surprised to know that you had to overcome?
Keshea: Self-esteem issues with my weight, I did not like to be reminded that I was so skinny. I saw this every day when I looked in the mirror but when people reminded me and most times it was in a negative way it had me feeling insecure. After I left high school I attended one of the basketball games and a former teacher said to me "you look like you have been slaughtered". Really is that how you greet someone? Being that she was what most would consider over weight I really could have given her a few choice words. But I held my tongue and went on my way. Over the years I began to accept my small frame and I can proudly say I love that body I am in.
TDR: Name 3 leaders that you look up to.
Keshea: Dr. Antonio Hill, Joel Osteen, and Fred A. Horn, Jr
TDR: Name 3 of your favorite books.
Keshea: The Alchemist by Pauleo Coelho; 7 Mindsets to Live your Ultimate Life by Scott Shickler; and the Bible
TDR: What is your advice for emerging leaders?
Keshea: Live the way you desire to lead....It’s just that simple.
TDR: Complete this sentence…5 years ago I was…
Keshea: I was lost......I was searching for my purpose, my reason for existing. Yes I was a wife, a mother, a daughter and a sister but I had no clue why I existed. Through journaling, studying, and praying it was revealed to me. I know my purpose is to inspire others. I am here to touch the lives of others with my words of advice, encouragement and cold hard truths. Service through the Giver of Doers led me to this platform.
TDR: Complete this sentence…5 years from now I hope to be…
Keshea: In 5 years I hope to have a thriving business that will allow me to pour into others along with building a legacy for my children. I want to extend my services to inspire others to be what they were purposed to become. I see myself having multiple ways of reaching others through products and services. My current career will not be out front due to my business will take the lead. My family and faith will be stronger as well.
TDR: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
Keshea: Sincere...I can truly say what I mean and mean what I say but also having the courage to admit when I am wrong. I understand failure is a way of learning and if I fail I can sincerely say I failed but there was a blessing in the lesson.
TDR: What are some of your current initiatives people can help you with?
Keshea: Inspire, influence and impact others through word whether its blogging, writing or speaking. A purpose partner to hold me accountable for my goals
Starting a non-profit & a 2 week summer enrichment camp
Connections to people that are like minded and growing through service
Any feedback that will allow my platform to prosper and grow
Connect with Keshea:
Facebook: Keshea Way
Linkedin: Keshea Way
Periscope: @kesheaway
Tumblr: @kpway
Instagram @taughtbyfaith