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HERstory-Kim-Reed-HS

Kimberly S. Reed, CDP, M.Ed.

Chief Transformational Officer and
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategist
Reed Development Group

What inspired you to join/start your business?

My parents always told me that I was unstoppable! — When I decided to ‘try it’ after my global corporate role was reorganized and to my surprise it worked! Here I am 13 years later LOVING what I do every single day, every! I have about 3-4 more years left before I ‘try’ something else with Dr. in front of it! Wish me great vibes!

What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?

Being black and a Woman can be tough. I also have a very big personality. I learned early on from one of my great mentors and friend David Orr to ‘turn down the bubble machine’ — which means, know your audience, be a chameleon—let your talents and brilliance shine through, but never loose your true self. This advice is absolutely universal.

On being a black Woman, my skin color still matters to many. Even to Women that look like me. One — there is enough success for all of us! Two — it is OUR responsibility to encourage, help and lift each other, period. Three — understand your own worth and it still is very hard for some Women to clap for you because their arms are too heavy carrying their own stuff. It is not personal.

What was your most satisfying moment in your career?

When I read the countless emails, DMs about how something I said changed or transformed their life or thinking. Wow!

And when another seat opens at the table that I created for someone else.

How do you define success?

God, Joy, Peace, Family, Friends, Love, Legacy, Excellent cuisine and lots of sun hitting my face....

Living your dash to your very best every day!

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Relationships will be your wealth!

What women inspire you and why?

My Mommy, Grandmothers and my Aunts! I come from very strong, kind and loving Women of God.

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

Be fearless. There are two things NO ONE can never take away from you — your talent and your education. Know that you are enough, and even MORE than that!

Describe yourself in three words.

FEARLESS. LOVE. PERSEVERANCE.

Fill in the Blank:

  • When I face a challenge, I... hit it at 120 miles an hour in the snow!

 

  • If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… read a book on how to live without my Mommy.

 

  • The one thing I couldn’t live without is… my mommy and I try my best ever day.

 

  • By this time next year, I will be… working less, dating more or have me a boyfriend/fiancé

 

  • The best thing that happened to me last week was… knowing the God has something up his sleeve!!!!

 

  • To get my creative juices flowing, I… sit on the beach and just chill or look at someone I love. 

Where to purchase my new book "Optimists Always Win!"

All book royalties are being donated to the American Cancer Society AstraZeneca Hope Lodge in Philadelphia and to a premier Academic Research Institution for Integrated Breast Cancer Fund and Patient Care.

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