BOSS Spotlight: Meet The "Elevation Strategist" Zakiya Larry

Zakiya LarryCEO of Quest Media Training providing media coaching and public relations.She has been a speaker in the East Room at the White House, managed publicity for Jumping the Broom, Heaven is For Real, and coordinated production for Oprah. Her media features include Ebony, The Washington Post, Tom Joyner’s Black America Web and more. Zakiya has also held 13 pageant titles including Miss Black Texas USA.She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?

Zakiya LarryMost of my major obstacles were internal. I feared no one would want what I offered. I was afraid that my ideas would always be bigger than my revenue.I thought that my race and gender would hinder my company's growth. As a former journalist, I'm a researcher by nature. Figuring out HOW to start was never a problem. Making the leap, was.  

BN:  What inspired you to break into your particular industry?


ZLWhen in the newsroom as a journalist, my heart would break editing the interviews of young athletes that would interview poorly. I saw the reactions on social media. I heard people laugh and mock them or insult their intelligence. I decided that I wanted to use my expertise to help remedy the divide between the thoughts in one's head and effective delivery that could make media a launch pad. Six years later, I am media coaching, brand building and managing crises for international figures and executives. I still aim to work with athletes (the reason I started)!

BN: How do you balance your personal and professional life or have you been able to find a balance?

ZL: Balance is an ongoing process for me. Currently, I schedule meetings with myself. It feels odd to 'pencil in' eating (really), nail appointments or even reminders to call friends and family. But, I'm willing to feel a little odd until it becomes organic. I am now passionately intentional about living my best life with the people I've been blessed with.

BN: What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
 

ZL: Isaiah 40:31 (a must read!)

BN:  Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?

ZL: I have many mentors. Others are in my head. Ha! Seriously, I'm fortunate to have been encouraged and coached by the best, from: Bishop T.D. and Mrs. Serita Jakes, Lynette Khalfani-Cox (preeminent financial expert), Van Moody (bestselling author of The People Factor and Dr. Oz Core Team Expert), Jonathan Sprinkles (America's Connection Coach) and Charles Williams (CBS New York Producer). I also draw inspiration from Oprah (of course), Lori George Billingsley (Vice President, Community Relations Coca-Cola North America) and a few more women of power and vision.

BN: What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong?

ZL: I MUST HAVE times of silence to spur creativity and ideas. Also, partners and vendors that are highly structured, detailed oriented, discreet and creative.

BN: What is your definition of a BOSS?

ZL: A BOSS is a woman that defies logic. She falls forward, refuses anything less than 'better'. She wills herself whole, is intentional about winning...and is equally as intentional about helping others to win.




To connect with Zakiya Larry   follow her on Twitter at  @ZakiyaLarry
and visit her website at http://questmediatraining.com/

Comments

  1. Thank you for giving snippets of what it takes to go beyond being afraid of success and learning to tap into your resources. What I realize is that you have to pay attention to your best qualities and build from there.

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