New View with Dr. Sakeisha Hylick
TDR: What issues are you most passionate about in your community?
Dr. Sakeisha: One of the issues that I am most passionate about in the community is the alarming increase in the divorce rate among couples. Both my husband and I are products of divorce and we have committed to help couples begin to succeed where many marriages have failed. Our mission is to help decrease the rate of divorce by Educating, Empowering and Encouraging husbands and wives to WIN in their Marriage. It is our desire to help couples be prepared with the tools and strategies necessary to overcome what we call "The Great Divide" in marriage, which is Communication, Finances and Sex. It is these three key elements that contributes to the increase in divorce and we want to help couples succeed in these areas.
TDR: What are most of your philanthropy efforts typically directed towards serving?
Dr. Sakeisha: My efforts are typically directed towards serving those who have experienced unanticipated interruptions in their finances. The lack of income can have a significant impact on a marriage so we donate clothing and school supplies to parents who are otherwise unable to do so. We provide temporary housing for those who were victims of unfortunate life circumstances. I enjoy serving dinner to the homeless at various events and participating in clothing drives that facilitate the transition of women back into the workplace.
TDR: How do you define leadership?
Dr. Sakeisha: I define leadership as a person who can not only create an inspiring vision but also motivates and inspires people to be their best self. A person who is in a leadership capacity that helps manage the delivery of the vision and coaches the team to help achieve the vision.
TDR: How do you define your leadership style?
Dr. Sakeisha: My leadership style is Motivational. As women we wear many hats and face multiple challenges and I encourage the couples that I serve to consider new techniques that will help their Marriage to Win. I motivate them to want to succeed in their marriage. The truth is that God is no respector of persons, if he could bring me out the most challenging situations on my marriage, my goal is to inspire others to do the same. I try to always be mindful of that in my leadership style.
TDR: What would be the most painful lesson that you've learned in life that has helped you become who you are today?
Dr. Sakeisha: Never to make a permanent decision in a temporary situation. In life we all experience our victories, as well as our challenges. Can you imagine what life would be like if we gave up every time we encountered an obstacle? I enjoy being able to look back over some of the darkest moments in my life when I wanted to give up but I didn't and I draw from those experiences to help others press their way through. It is okay if they need to Pause and regroup but not remain stuck there. Don't allow that one temporary setback to stifle your growth. Utilize it as a stepping stone to get back up again and use it is fuel to help others who may be experiencing the same thing.
TDR: What would people be surprised to know that you had to overcome?
Dr. Sakeisha: What's so funny, is that I've had many people tell me that they thought that I've had it easy all of my life. That couldn't be further from the truth. I wore a mask very well. People would be surprised to know that I've had to overcome molestation and the divorce of my parents which resulted in low self-esteem, fear and overall unworthiness. At one point in my life, I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror! Everything had to be perfect in order for me to feel accepted and or worthy. As an adult I've had to overcome bankruptcy, repossession, fear of public speaking and shyness. Me? Shy? Absolutely, it was a daily struggle. But the truth is now I am able to recognize those who also wear that same mask that everything is okay, when it truly isn't. I draw from the pain of the past and use it to help other women overcome those challenges as well.
TDR: Name 3 leaders that you look up to.
Dr. Sakeisha: The first leader that I look up to is my Pastor Dr. Riva Tims. Pastor Riva is the epitome of a Proverbs 31 Woman. She is a bold, but humble leader and she encourages and inspires ever one that she comes into contact with. The second leader that I look up to is First Lady Michelle Obama. Wife, mother and First Lady are just a few of the many hats she wears. Additionally, she is an advocate for poverty awareness and is a champion for Military families and spouses and is a proponent to help combat childhood obesity. The third leader that I look up to is Oprah. One of the things that I admire the most about her is her business acumen. She's relatable, inspirational and emotionally intelligent. Her efforts to establish a Leadership Academy for Girls helps fuel my determination to keep going in spite of any challenges that I may face.
TDR: Name 3 of your favorite books.
Dr. Sakeisha: The Bible. It's my source for any and everything. Reading the Bible provides the direction that I need and the inspiration to keep going.
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. After I read this book, my entire marriage was transformed. The doors of communication were opened like never before. I began to see my husband from a different perspective and I encourage all married couples to read this book.
Battlefield of The Mind by Joyce Meyer is another favorite book because it showed me when things like worry, doubt, confusion fear, anger and/ or frustration began to surface, it was an attack of the enemy and it helped me realize how to overcome these challenges by halting their ability to influence my life and the decisions that I made or were tempted to make
TDR: What is your advice for emerging leaders?
Dr. Sakeisha: My first piece of advice would be "Don't grow weary in well doing for you shall reap if you faint not". Often times a person may measure success by the number of people that attend their seminars or workshops or the number of people that follow them on Periscope and Twitter but the true value lies in those that you are truly able to assist. My second piece of advice would be to identify your strengths and flow intentionally in that element. Don't try to be a jack of all trades and a master of none. Third, do not be afraid to ask for help. It doesn't make you any less of a leader. A great leader will surround himself with others that excel in areas in which he /she may not. Fourth, Consistency is key. My final piece of advice would be to never stop learning or striving for growth.
TDR: Complete this sentence…5 years ago I was…
Dr. Sakeisha: I was in the midst of bankruptcy, facing foreclosure, repossession, unhappy with my job and on the verge of walking away from everything and everyone because I lost my desire to fight. I felt defeated and unworthy of being a wife, a mother, a Pharmacist, a leader....... but GOD!!!
TDR: Complete this sentence…5 years from now I hope to be…
Dr. Sakeisha: Away from the healthcare arena and working full-time helping to Educate, Empower and Encourage couples to Win In their Marriage. I plan to be traveling the globe with my husband, hosting seminars to equip couples with the tools and strategies necessary to succeed in their marriage. I plan to have at least three more books published and DVD training series for marriages completed as well.
TDR: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
Dr. Sakeisha: Determined. I use that term because regardless of how many obstacles how come my way, God has blessed me with the ability to keep going in spite of the severity of various hardships that I have encountered throughout my life.
TDR: What are some of your current initiatives people can help you with?
Dr. Sakeisha: My current initiative that people can help me with is the Marriage Can Win Initiative. We are desiring to connect with couples that are serious about winning in their marriage. We are currently putting together tele-classes so that we can reach couples across the globe. If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges in their marriage particularly in the areas of Communication, Finances and Sex; please have them contact us via our website. Our book "Marriage Can Win" will be available for purchase soon.
Connect with Dr. Sakeisha
Periscope, Instagram and Twitter @ Dr.Sakeisha
www.MarriageCanWin.com