Kelsey Nicole Nelson: Rejection to Success - Kelsey's Inspiring Journey in Sports Journalism

[00:00:00] Speaker A: I've had the opportunity to talk with many people who love doing what they do. And one of the things I know about this person that's coming up, they've been able to take that word no, flip it, and turn it on, because I know being told no pushes one to be creative, you have to be, and you have to create what you want. And one of the things that this person that I'm about to introduce has built her own seat at the table. You hear me? And so I know many people have a vision, and they know what God has placed in their heart. But the thing is, are you going after it? From facing rejection to building her own brand, Kelsey Nicole Nelson, an award winning broadcast journalist, George Washington University professor, two times presidential lifetime achievement awardee, and business owner, emphasizes the power of networking, preparation, and never giving up on your dreams. Now, she also reminds us that success is not just about reaching your own individual goals, but also about uplifting others along the way. Now get ready to be motivated and empowered as Kelsey shares her wisdom on navigating challenges, knowing your worth, becoming the best version of you. Let's go. All right, ladies and gentlemen, this is Derek Wells. Why not you? And today my guest is none other than Kelsey Nicole Nelson. This one, I'm excited about having her own because of her one. It's not only her background, but because of her love to help and work with youth and elevate them to think outside the box, because it's definitely needed. I mean, she's an entrepreneur, an award winning freelance journalist. She's worked with Bally Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports. Welcome Kelsey Nicole Nelson to the show. Thank you. [00:02:00] Speaker B: Thank you. Thank you for that wonderful introduction. Like, I'm humbled to be here with you. So thank you so much for sharing your platform with me. [00:02:07] Speaker A: You are welcome. You are welcome. So, look, before. Before we, like, like, you know, just kind of get into it, I want to share a quote with you and let me know, like, how this actually. This quote actually resonates. [00:02:20] Speaker B: Okay, let's do it with you. [00:02:22] Speaker A: And it's from Pam Oliver. Now, you only. You only have. You only have but so much energy. Focus on the right things, the positive things. I'm not thinking about what anyone else has to say. I have a job to do. I try not to focus on the things I can't control. If I. If I can't control it, I don't worry about it. [00:02:48] Speaker B: I love that. Well, first off, you're talking about a quote from one of the goats, right? So once you said it was from Pam Oliver, all of us knew it was going to be a powerful, exceptional quote. But, you know, everything I think she said resonates so much. Like, for me, I'm one person that I think, I hope that everybody I've been around or touched has realized. I try to bring positive energy to any room I'm in, right. And that's just, that's just me, part of my brand. Like, when you meet me, I'm going to smile first at you and then hopefully have a good conversation. I'm just very big on that because first impressions matter, right? And then what she's about, like, you can only control what you can control. And I think it's one of the hardest things to learn in life, right? [00:03:22] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:03:23] Speaker B: Some of us want things, but we don't control it, right? It's out of our hands. I'm a woman of faith, you know, to me, the man above controls it, right. Not understand everything. But that's why life is a journey, right? And you go different things, I think, many times, too, you realize sometimes those things you didn't get was him protecting you or preparing you, right. For something big, protecting you from something that you shouldn't have. And then I think she's a living, breathing example of that. Like, Pam Oliver has a storied career, right, in the broadcast journalism industry. She has pioneered through a lot. [00:03:54] Speaker A: She has. Right? [00:03:55] Speaker B: Like she embodies, again, just strength. And honestly, what she described is what the plight of a black woman, if I'm honest with you, right, bringing energy into a room and being yourself, but also just knowing that you can get through whatever you need to get through. Unfortunately, again, you don't control everything. So I love that quote. I am a woman of quotes. If I've ever emailed you everything, if you've ever heard me speak, I am going to have a quote. [00:04:18] Speaker A: You are. [00:04:19] Speaker B: They speak positive things, you know, into existence. So it's a powerful one. It resonated with me immediately, and hopefully it resonated with others out there as well, because not just for broadcast industry folks, that's for every single person. [00:04:29] Speaker A: Every single person. [00:04:30] Speaker B: So I love it. [00:04:32] Speaker A: That's right. I mean. Cause you just think about, like, how many people just, they get, they get so consumed with what other people think or trying to project this image. And the image that they really are trying to project doesn't even align with who they are, what's on the inside of them. And so it's like they're living a false life to be something that they're not. [00:04:51] Speaker B: Right? The tragedy and that's no life to live, right? Like, I think it. You would spend, too. To me, I'd spend too much energy trying to be like somebody else, right? Like, hard enough as you are, you having to think every day how to be somebody else. And like you said, I think when you live a false narrative and under false pretenses, everything's harder. Cause you have to think more to kind of be that person each day. You know, for me, I'm unapologetically me, which you. And, you know, one of the things I like, like, when I meet people, especially if they've only known me on social media, they're like, you're just, like. You come across. And I know what you mean. And it means a lot to me, though. Cause this is how I am. Like, what. What you see here is what you see. If you get me, you know, in person, even if I'm just waking up, you know, I might need a quick yawn, but you still are going to get me in my full best self. And so I hope people see that, because that's why you are uniquely you. And that's, like, you know, for me, it's why, like, with my brand, I do try to, like, push all of me through that. And I think social media is one of the great things. But what I've had to learn is, honestly kind of how to be vulnerable, too. Like, it's so easy to go through wins, right, on social media. And again, I grew up in a. I grew up in a household where it was you had to be a strong black woman, right? So that's so long what I had to portray. But then as I got older, I realized, like, it's okay to showcase your pitfalls. That's how people can better journey. And honestly, that's kind of what propelled me into the motivational speaking realm is, I think when people saw that, it's like, oh, you are just like me, and I am. Don't let, like, don't let things fool you. I mean, I've had wins, but I've had a lot of losses. Right. Through those losses, though, again, I've learned kind of how to propel and get to the next game. Right, in terms of sports. And I think that's been one of the most valuable things that I've learned. So, like you said, it's so easy to maybe feel like you can't be yourself in a world. Imposter syndrome is real, and, like, they don't fit in a certain box or quota. But I've always been a person. I can't fit any box. That's why, like, I've never done. I've never had just one job. Like, that's just never been me. Throw me in those boxes. I've had to kick down those sides and say, look, that's not gonna work for me. Like, if you want me, this is kind of, kind of be everything that you get and everything that comes with me. [00:06:57] Speaker A: And the crazy thing about it, you can't have imposter syndrome. Being in work, being in a line of work that you have, you have to be able to ask questions, right? [00:07:03] Speaker B: Otherwise, yeah, yeah. And then if you ask questions, you have to also be able to take them. I tell them that all the time, you know, when they're like, certain you don't want to ask. I'm like, look, I'm a journalist for a living, so I have to get what I take, you know what I mean? At least to me, right, to be my full, authentic self. I can't ask for somebody else to be that. Yeah, I'm not being that, right. And I think that's honestly how you are a better, for me, how I am a better journalist is because, again, I get what I take. And for someone to connect with me when you're speaking, like, even when I'm teaching class, I have to find a way to connect with folks, right? Have to be able to connect with them and ask them things in a way that they're also able to ask me. It's not one sided. To me, every relationship, you know, is two sided. And hopefully it's going to be mutually beneficial for both. For both parties or both. [00:07:44] Speaker A: Right? So, I mean, what I mean. Cause you're teaching at the university, you're speaking to youth, you're coaching. Like, where do you think that passion actually came from to actually teach and give back? [00:08:00] Speaker B: My gosh, it's easy for me. It's my parents. Like, you know, for me, my parents instilled in me very early. You know, we were always out as a family doing things together, you know, volunteer drives and, you know, giving back. And so I'm thankful to them, right, because they taught me the importance of community early, I think also caring adults, you know, I always share that. I went to so many daycares growing up because my parents worked so much. I had so many caring adults, you know, in my life. And so Andrew said early, you know, lifting as you climb, and it takes a village, right? And so I was beneficial. You know, my first experiences to sporting events were because we were given tickets as a family. Right. And so for me, it's kind of life full circle. Right. So what can you do to give back to the people? Cause if you just win, what does that do for anybody else if you're not lifting up others along the way? So I, you know, I think my dad, Joe Nelson, and my mother, Olivia Amber Nelson, you know, for everything that they. I'll give their government names on. [00:08:53] Speaker A: That's right. [00:08:55] Speaker B: They're not on social, though, so don't worry. But, you know, it's great to just. I'm thankful, though, like, those early lessons. And, of course, when you're a kid, you don't realize it. Just enjoy. You're out with your family. You're giving back the church family. You know, we were always volunteering, and, you know, whatever needed to be done, like, it was, no question we would do it. And I think that just stayed with me in the long run. And so now, honestly, it's a part of me and who I am, because, again, I want people to know that, like, for me, legacy is so important. And what I leave when I, you know, what I want to leave when I leave from this world is just hopefully that Kelsey Nelson was a caring, you know, individual that always gave up her time and nothing are too big for her. Right. I'm a. I'm a person like everybody else, so, you know, whatever I can do to make something better or make something more positive for somebody, I'm going to do it. So it's just that simple. [00:09:39] Speaker A: Yeah. And. And I think, like, one of the things that you said, that's. That's. I mean, it's huge. And that's your parents. I mean, because you think about, like, how many. How many youth nowadays, or just people in general are based. Are raised by a single family. Single parenthood. [00:09:57] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:09:57] Speaker A: I mean, my folks, they divorced when I was seven years old, and I chose to live with my mom. And then what was it? My freshman year in high school, I ended up transitioning, moving back to live with my dad. But it was, you know, you just. The parenting styles are totally different. [00:10:17] Speaker B: Right, right. [00:10:19] Speaker A: Moms. Moms was more hands on. And one of the reasons I had to go move back with Paul, because I was just messing up in school. And so she gave me an ultimatum. She was like. She was like Angela Bassett and boys in the hood. Derek. Okay, you need to sign this contract. [00:10:33] Speaker B: What you gonna do? [00:10:34] Speaker A: What you gonna do? [00:10:35] Speaker B: Right, right. [00:10:37] Speaker A: So. But, you know, at the same time, that was. That was one of those defining moments when I really had to dig deep and. And rely on myself and then actually believe, because, dude, I was struggling. And when she gave me that ultimatum, it was like, okay, I need to. I need to come. I need to. I need to step my game up. And so I actually went from, like, a D student to an a student. But so that just kind of lets you know, like, the power of just belief and having that mindset. Yeah. But at the same time, here I am, I make that transition, then I go live with pops. Pops is more handoff there. Did you do your homework? Yeah, dad, I did it. Then why does school call? And talking about, you missed this. [00:11:24] Speaker B: Really, what had happened was. [00:11:31] Speaker A: But environment. Environment is so huge. [00:11:34] Speaker B: It matters. It matters so much. You know, my dad, you know, was raised by a single parent, you know, and, you know, but my dad, I think he really instilled because of that, you know, he was going to make sure that he was going to be, you know, in my life. And I'm a daddy's girl, right? Like, my dad had been at every game that I played. My parents, at least one of them, would be at the honor roll assemblies. Like, they made a way. Right. And I think that's a. Again, when you're a kid, you maybe don't realize when you look back, it means so much to have that consistent support. And so, for me, it wasn't just in the household, it was outside of the household. Then I think, you know, I had parents that, you know, again, my parents are from Jackson, Mississippi. Right. So their. Their life was much different. And I think they had to really build, and they purposely moved to where they moved to here in the DMV area where I'm based, so I could have a better life. But it was always like, you know, if you want something, work for it, go get it. And I was always told, you know, like, you can be great and you will be great. And I knew that support, and it matters, like you said. So those positive environments and even all my after school programs, that's why I'm a big advocate, practice programs for youth, you know. Again, I was always around kind of caring adults who showed, like, success. Success was the only option. It was no failure that was gonna happen. It's gonna be success. So that was kind of my environment. Like, somehow, some way, I'm gonna have to do something with myself and something with my life because I wanted to be somebody. Like, that was always what I was told, like, how are you going to be somebody in this world? That was kind of, like, always my moving motivation for me yeah. [00:12:53] Speaker A: So what was the, what was that, that, that one thing, that person that drove you towards journalism? [00:12:58] Speaker B: Oh, yeah. You know, for me, honestly, there's so many I always tell people, like, luckily my parents were news watchers, right? So. And I finally get home from school, like, you know, the news was always on. And it's kind of how your environment, sometimes you don't think about it, but it influences you, right? It's kind of like how, you know, theme songs, like, instantly, you might even watch the show, but you heard it, right. So I think for me, you know, I always give Oprah as the example because when she had Mississippi roots like my family, she kind of persevered through all the odds, right? And so she had touched down in both. And then for me, she had went on and started her own network again as a black in this country, again, defying the odds when everyone said she wouldn't make it. So, you know, I remember watching folks like her. Y'all remember when we used to all run home 04:00 p.m. open debris show. You had to be there, you know, watching, you know. Robin Roberts Honestly, when I would see these black news anchors right on television, it meant something. They look like me, you know, I hear them talking so powerfully. And I remember asking my parents, like, how many folks are these? How many people are these folks talking to? And, like, like hundreds of thousands. And then for national, they're like millions. And, like, the people watching that person, they have that much influence, you know? So for me, it was just that broadcast realm. And even every day in the car, you know, I remember my dad would turn off, like, you know, Donnie Simpson show and Tom in the morning, you, you guys remember Donnie Sissy, you remember that, like, but you'd hear again these powerful black narratives and powerful black voices. And I just saw, like, how, I mean, people looked and valued their opinion and their thoughts. So for me, I could point to so many people, but to me, it was the power and influence that they had. I just, I love that ability to influence. And so I think for me, it's many of those early journalism pioneers, those black voices that I heard that really inspired me to get into the field and really showcase to me, you know, seeing is believing and that I really be, you know, what I see. And then also I'll shout, shout out to Nas. Shout out to Nas because, you know, that I can used to always play that our boys and girls club, you know, thing. And so just, but in again to be somebody. So I think music has such a big influence, you know, on me as well, because, you know, when you hear those words, that positive affirmation, again, it just tells you that you truly can make it. People there that, you know, have done it, and then so you can kind of continue to follow that path, but of course, make it your own. So just shout out to everybody who I got, I would just listen to just growing up that planted those seeds in my head that honestly, this day have never left. [00:15:19] Speaker A: Wow. So, man, what was that. What was that journey like, though, to actually, like, just kind of break in? Because, I mean, you already have. You. I mean, you have these, these, these thoughts, these ideas, these visions for your life, right? But you always know that there's some type of resistance, somebody who's always trying to block your path, always, you know. [00:15:42] Speaker B: And to me, you know, as you get older, you realize, like, when you have haters and stuff, it's because you're doing the right thing. Right. You're younger. It's like, you know, and I told people all the time, like, I've been told so no, so many times. Like now, it's almost, it got to a sense, you know, of course, it impacted me when I was younger because, you know, it makes you feel like you're not worthy. Right? And then what I had to realize, and so I tell this to young people, I turned the word no and I switched around, and it turned, turned into the word on. And, I mean, God would be on to something else, you know? And so I think, for me, my journey to journalism was not your typical journey. Like, for me, you know, I grew up in the DMV area, and we had to draw some greats from here, right? Like pioneer greats. And I'm like, I want to stay here. I want to be the next great, you know? So I go to journalism school at University of Maryland. And, you know, long ago, I do all the internships and doing good in school, kind of doing everything right, like, right, like everybody's supposed to tell you, and then you get to that final semester and you're applying to jobs, and that's kind of when life gets real. And I should talk to any seniors out there, taking you back to your, especially in the journalism field, and that's when you start to get a lot of no's or the couple of yeses you get are, like, in the middle of nowhere places. And so for me, I was kind of like, all right, so I know I get to journalism. I know it's not going to be an easy field, but, like, I have two options. Either I can take these no's or really three options. I can either take these no's and just say, you know, maybe this wasn't the field, maybe I'll just onto something else. Or I can go to one of these small name places and try to work my way up and see what happens. Or I can bet on myself. [00:17:04] Speaker A: That's right. [00:17:05] Speaker B: Essentially, I was like, I'm a bet on myself because I was like, I'm already in the DC area. I'm in the most powerful city in the world. Why would I leave to work my way back here? [00:17:11] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:17:12] Speaker B: So that's kind of when I was. That's honestly how I fell into the world of freelancing. So I was like, I got. I would put myself out there. Luckily, I had started an internship in college that turned into, like, freelance work, unpaid freelance work when I first started. But again, it was just a chance for me to get my name out there and build my. I think I learned early in college, and this was kind of before social media was, like, popping off. Popping off. Right. Facebook was kind of like, king and, you know, people wouldn't post. But, like, I learned early, like, your name had to be known. Like, journalism is such a networking industry. So I was going everything. I was at, every game I could cover, I was raising my hand, and I was volunteering, and I had no car. All the meanwhile, way to get there. I call it my BMW. It was either bus, Metro, or walk. I was going to take that place, right? So my BMW, I was going to find a way to get there, you know, like our final rider or something. And so for me, it was again, raising my hand for those opportunities. But then I realized, I think, like, six or three months down the line, I was out of school, and I was like, all right, I don't make any money, and I have wonderful parents. I have parents also. Like, you got a degree. You need to get a job and get applied. So it's like, all right, so back to reality. And that's when I was like, okay, I need something else that's gonna help my resume stand out. And so that's when I decided to make the choice to go to grad school. And I was like, okay, if I go to grad school, I don't be in there forever. And I need a really good. And so, luckily, applied to Georgetown, had a great sports industry management program. I thought pairing that with my broadcast journalism degree would be a perfect way for me to showcase, like, I need to be in sports media. So go to Georgetown, you know, intern again, doing everything I need to do, made really, really great connections. And now I come out of school, right? And so now I have two degrees, which is great because you have a master's. That already kind of puts you above. And then I had done all this great journalism internship work, and I had begun to build up my real. Build up my name in the area. So then now when I'm graduating, I have more people that know me, and I'm starting to get more opportunities, right? I'm putting myself out there. I'm putting my work out there. I'm sharing it, you know, wherever I can share it. And one opportunity turns into the next opportunity. And so I think for me, it's like, was one learning my. I think one way I broke into journalism was like, putting myself out there. You can't be afraid. If you do something, it's great if you do it, but if nobody else knows you did it, who cares, right? So pushing and promoting myself out there, I think two great connections. I was hood. I was getting myself at every conference, and I didn't really learn the value of conferences to, like, grad school ish era and networking with folks. My rule is, if you're ever in a room, at least one person needs to know you're in that room and know when you left that room. Otherwise, you need to be in that room. Right. So I was going, introducing myself, putting myself in there, making sure people knew who I was, what I was, even if they weren't in the drawsome world, because I'm like, I don't know what this person knows, but if they know me, you know, they might spread my name. [00:19:48] Speaker A: That's right. [00:19:48] Speaker B: That's the next big thing. And then. And then also, I think when you do a job, do it well. Like, I don't realize sometimes you don't. You don't just want names on your resume to have names resume. If you didn't do a good job or someone can't vouch for, you can't have a reference from that place, what did you do there? Right? So, doing my job, the best of my ability, and that's really how my journalism career popped off, honestly. Like, my name would be recommended to this person or someone would see me there. And now fast forward. It's been about ten years since I left undergrad, which is scary to think about. And again, one opportunity, not just turn into journalism opportunities, but that turned into public speaking opportunities. That's how I began teaching. And it's like, because people kept seeing your work and your value. And then companies kept, you know, this person would hit me up or that person would hit me up and just. [00:20:28] Speaker A: Give me a cheat. [00:20:29] Speaker B: And also, I will be honest, I also wasn't afraid to like, reach out in people's inboxes and say, push and promote myself and be like, hey, if you end up hiring, you know, introduce myself, I'm looking for honor opportunities. Please keep me posted in the loop and not be afraid of the power of follow up as well. So my career has just been a testament to repetition and doing the work, networking and getting to know people. And then again, putting myself out there, betting on myself, really just believing in myself and knowing my capabilities and value. A cyprophalic industry. [00:20:57] Speaker A: And you know what you were when you were just talking about that and you were just talking about like getting yourself out there and pushing yourself. It's like, I heard you actually talk about it on one of your, on one of your videos where you actually just talked about valuing yourself and knowing your worth. [00:21:15] Speaker B: Yes. [00:21:19] Speaker A: If you don't know your worth or your, or, you know, or your value, how can you actually, how can you sell yourself? Basically? [00:21:26] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:21:26] Speaker A: Especially in those networking opportunities. [00:21:29] Speaker B: Right. [00:21:29] Speaker A: Because people can actually that, I mean, they could feel like when somebody's a little bit timid or timid or unsure themselves and, yeah, you have to have that confidence. [00:21:37] Speaker B: You do. You do. But I think it has to be moderate. So I want to come off, I feel like I said, you don't also want to come off too aggressive, right? Because going back to value, you want to know you want something, but like, you're just not going to do anything for that, right? Balance. I'm going to go back to you for value. That's what I said I used to do when I first was starting off. I knew I had to do work for free, right? Because again, I need to build my, I needed to build my reputation. People had to know who I am. I will tell you, ten years later, there are still people asking me to do some stuff for free. And it's like, have you seen my work? Have you seen, again, knowing your value? And that's not to say, of course, like, I do career days and stuff like that. One of the best pieces of advice I got, though, is how much your co workers make. And I can't tell you enough how important that is because sometimes you'll think you know your value, right? You're doing good work, doing good things. You have a co worker who might be doing the same thing, but maybe it looks a little bit different than you. You might see what they're getting, and then you're laying it like, wait a minute, like, what's the difference? And so I think that the most valuable things is being open and loud and at least finding. And this is why I say it's so important to not just have a mentor, an organization, but to have an ally, right. Or sponsorship in an organization. Right. They're going to come to bat for you and come to value once you learn and then knowing what the market is too. And I think that's honestly when I went to power also saying no to things. Like, when I first started, I thought you had to say yes to everything, right. Because you just needed an opportunity. Right. So in high school football, like, people putting me in so many different places all over the DMV area, but I was just excited to be there. And then I realized later on that, like, you don't need to say yes to everything. You have to say yes to the right things. What's in alignment with your visions and goals? What's in alignment with your purpose? What's going to help propel you to where you want to be? And if the answer is no, then maybe you don't need to be there if it's not answering any of your questions, right. And that it's okay. It's not going to be the end of the world if you turn something. Sometimes life has a funny way of working out. You know, working it way out. It might come back to you as well. Right. It'll be a better opportunity the second time around. I think those are like, the biggest things. Like I said, when you're first starting out, you just want opportunity, right? [00:23:39] Speaker A: That's right. [00:23:40] Speaker B: You're trying to grow, but now, like, the power of no. And just realizing again what my value and worth is, is so important. Especially, I'll be honest with you as a black woman, because sometimes people will try to undervalue you. I think that you don't know. And that's kind of why for me, I love doing multiple things because I've had to get educated in multiple things. Like, I have no, I am my own agent right now. For myself, I had to learn that, right. Because I'm wearing that hat, but also wearing the talent hat, right? Yeah, the business hat. Right. So I'm doing all of these different things, but it's been so valuable for me to know where I, Kelsey Nicole Nelson, sit and stand and kind of what I can demand, you know, for what I bring my time, talents, and treasures to any opportunity, right. And I'm thinking for any opportunity that's considering me. [00:24:24] Speaker A: That's right. And you know, as you, you're talking about like knowing, knowing what your, what your, what your, your co workers or your peers might be getting. Why? The first thing that came to my mind, what happened? No, it just made me think about these guys who sign these contracts, right? Whether it's football, baseball, basketball. [00:24:44] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:24:45] Speaker A: They getting paid off of what they're value. And then some of these goes out there, they'll hold out until they actually get what they deserve. [00:24:52] Speaker B: Right, right. I mean, I think about the value. I mean, in my neck of the woods, the big thing was Lamar Jackson, right when he was holding me out, right, doing it with his mom and I was like, oh, he's not going to get what he's worth or value. He should just take the money. And at the time, yeah, I know it's since passed because jeez, quarterbacks are getting so much money right now, but at the time he was the highest paid and nobody thought he could do it, right? Like no way. And he held out that he eventually got what he wanted. And I think that's what we're seeing now. And that's kind of why again, if you have the right agent, they'll know your worth and value. If you have somebody working with you and they're going to make sure that you get that, right. They're going to do the due diligence to get that because you've done the work, right. If you do work, the proof is in the pudding. [00:25:29] Speaker A: That's right. [00:25:30] Speaker B: You to do your part and give me what I know I deserve and what I value. I think sports is a great example of that. And luckily for sports too, because a lot of that knowledge is public. It makes next quarterbacks contract easy, right. That's why Jordan love paid all that money, because they were looking at all the other quarterbacks that got made and like, look, look at what he just did. And now this is what he can demand and this is what he can use. That's the one great thing about sports, again, is that so much public knowledge, right. That now it's easier. I think people like, okay, if he got that and I did this this year, then I can get this. That's a fun thing. [00:26:03] Speaker A: Have you ever thought about, I mean, because you're in a sports city, I mean, and you just, in sports seems to be like your life when it comes to things that you cover, right? Like have you ever thought about becoming an agent or representing some of these. [00:26:19] Speaker B: Guys, you know, I will tell you. So there was a small a while back when I was at University of Maryland, I was on the pre law track and the agent crossed my mind. I also sports agent is a lot. I love athletes. I love players and the great work that they do because I love covering their stories. They're a lot to manage, like being an. It can be a lot. So I think for me, I like knowing what they do. Maybe in the future, maybe there will be like a k and N consulting the company. But I think I will definitely have people who, again, that's their passion and value because that's the other thing I've learned. Like, and also not selling yourself too thin. Like, I love knowing what they do, but I think right now I'm doing so many things that I love, but I'm also know I'm like almost a reach capacity with what I've done. So I think right now be an option in the future, but with what I have on my plate right now, it'd be way too much for me to manage and handle. But again, door is open if anybody needs some consulting. Consulting for any of those things in that area. But yeah, it's a lot. Shout out to all the agents out there because I don't think people realize the work that they do to get big contracts. [00:27:22] Speaker A: I can only imagine. What do you think your. I guess your strengths are? Like, I guess when you think about your superpower, your gift. [00:27:39] Speaker B: This is a great question. You know, I think for me it's a couple things. Like, one. Okay, so I'm called a connector. So easy way of saying that the influencer I'm good at. Like, I'm good at meeting people and then, like, knowing kind of where to place them, if that makes sense. Right? Oh, this person. Oh, I have an event coming up. They'd be a great panelist, you know, at this or that person. I need to match with this person they were looking for, you know, educator or whatever. So I think I'm just really good, like, meeting people and then kind of knowing where to place I. That's why people are always telling, like, how are you doing all these events and stuff? I just keep meeting people and they keep telling me about all these great things and I think because I keep my relationship strong and because, again, how to just promote and push. Like, it's like you're always in mind. And so I think I'm really good at that. You know, where just connecting, I think is one, I think also just branding. Right. Like this is something I fell into. Right. Like, you know, I mean, I'm thankful that, you know, my cannon brand has taken off, but, you know, when I first. When you first start, you really are just trying to put yourself out there, right. You don't even realize that you are your own brand, you know? [00:28:40] Speaker A: Right. [00:28:41] Speaker B: I've. I've been blessed now to realize, and now people come to me for, like, brand and image consulting, but, like, how do you brand yourself? How do you tell your story? And I think that's something that I've been really good at, knowing how to package that and knowing how to make it resonate with an audience. I think branding and branding touches so many things. I think I'm the public speaking realm. You know, I've been blessed with the gift of gab. And so that kind of, you know, again, shout out to the family, shout out to everybody that talked me coming up along the way, that helped me just kind of develop, you know, that skill. And again, you don't know you're good at until, like, literally people tell you right into that. Like, it was like, oh, you're a good public speaker. And the next thing I know, you know, this person's reaching out or that person's reaching out, or I get so many nice notes, you know, after I speak. So that's been something that's been amazing. And then even just, like, promoting yourself, but in a way that's not too much, if that makes sense. I was like, oh, you're so good at promoting yourself and, like, doing it in the right way. Like, we always think you're doing something, but it's not annoying. So I think knowing that brand value is also really important. [00:29:34] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:29:35] Speaker B: And then I think just my biggest thing is, I think I make people feel comfortable, like, and that's so important for me as a journalist. Like, when I'm interviewing folks or, like, kind of help them put their guard down. Right. I want an action point for them to be real with me because, again, for me to get the best out of somebody, they have to be comfortable for them to share it. Right. One of the things they also take pride in is just, like, how can I connect with somebody? Let them let their guards down. I mean, I've had interviews, and people have shared very intimate details, you know, about themselves or families. That's not always hard. That's not always easy to do. Right. Sometimes it's the first time they've ever shared those things out loud and out publicly. So how do you make that happen? And then I think four probably I just say, like, I think I'm just good at finding opportunities, right? Like, I'm always in the community just because I'm always searching. Like, I just kind of never give up. So, like, I'm always looking for things and kind of things aligned. So I think I'm just. I've been very blessed to, like, just know how to find things and then kind of fit those things kind of around the schedule. So I think. I guess I've many superpowers. So if Marvel ever wants to reach out to me, I am a. I will be that black woman superhero, should they need it. [00:30:46] Speaker A: Look at. They are. They are forever making movies, too, so. [00:30:49] Speaker B: They are so my Marvel. Look, people have asked me about acting, and so funny. I'm always like, I'm not an actor. I'm a broadcaster. Maybe it's time to make that pivot. [00:31:00] Speaker A: You beat us. The superhero journalist. [00:31:03] Speaker B: There we go. Look. [00:31:05] Speaker A: Right? [00:31:05] Speaker B: What is it? Superman. He was like, he was working in the news. [00:31:08] Speaker A: That's right. [00:31:09] Speaker B: Clark. Clark Kent. [00:31:10] Speaker A: Clark Kent. [00:31:11] Speaker B: So add that black woman in that newsroom. [00:31:13] Speaker A: That's right. [00:31:15] Speaker B: I will take off with him. Save the world. [00:31:21] Speaker A: Your microphone could be your secret weapon, you know? [00:31:23] Speaker B: There we go. You never know what it's going to turn into. [00:31:25] Speaker A: That's right. [00:31:28] Speaker B: Need me for this election. Might need that superhero come out. Make sure people behave. You never know. [00:31:40] Speaker A: That is funny. [00:31:46] Speaker B: Look, we were already so. People already know. You know who to call. Me and Derek, world's best kept superhero secretary for real. [00:32:00] Speaker A: Zodiac signs connect. [00:32:02] Speaker B: There we go. Cancer energy. You never know what you're gonna get from cancer. [00:32:09] Speaker A: Oh, my gosh. That is hilarious. [00:32:14] Speaker B: Too funny. [00:32:16] Speaker A: So when you wait, when you're pursuing. When you're pursuing something, and I know, you know, there's those times when we have to just. We have to put the blinders on. We have. We have to put those on. So how do you, like, get to a place where you just start transforming the way you think and operate to become that person you need to be? [00:32:40] Speaker B: You know, this is. This is a good question. You know, people, I kind of get questions a lot about, like, how I prepare, and I do. Like, I always kind of close myself off, like, before a game or, like, when I just watch USA basketball. Kind of that, like, me time, right? That alone time. Like, reconnect with myself, reconnect with feelings, and just kind of, to your point, turn into what I need to be. So, like, I teach an 08:00 a.m. class, right? So usually kind of when I'm, like, getting myself ready for that class is about my 30 minutes Uber ride to downtown DC. From where I live in DC. That's my time to just kind of prepare and, you know, get myself in that mindset where I can be the best for my students. Right, right. Turn it full professor mode and, you know, I'm on. Right. And I'm on it. And again, I have to, especially 08:00 a.m. class, you better be on it, right. Because you're the first person, like, usually that those students see, you know, beyond their roommates or, you know, a couple going to class. And so whatever that me time is, I think that's the time I use, like, for me to turn even before I go, you know, on stage for something, like, again, I just have to find that moment where I just get in thought and felt, like, in touch with me. And I just kind of, that's when I do, like, my own motivation. Like, you know, how can I be the best that I need to be? And that's kind of when I go through things or scenarios or situations, you just remind yourself of who you are. I think that's what it is. Like calming your nerves. I'm very anxious person, because, again, perfectionist, like most people. Right. So how do you calm your nerves to be the best? Because I think nerves can be good, but also, you don't want them to dictate your thoughts and your feelings and emotions. Right. So get them to a place to just, like, calm down. And I know I can put my best self forward. So whatever that me time is before anything, it's very valuable and crucial. Like, whenever I'm going out to, like, do an event again, I have to block off whatever, however, allotment of time. That is just for me to connect with me. So I always said, like, I'm an extrovert, very extroverted. But I have my introverted moments. And my moments are when I can really prepare and be my best self. Right. For me, because I can't be all, you know, I can't be all on all 100% of the time. You kind of have time where you, like, cool down, you reset, you recharge, you rejuvenate, and then you can be kind of the better self for you. So a lot of times it is rides, you know, riding to wherever I'm going because that's the time when no one can really bother me. Even though, you know, you have those uber drivers sometimes. Yeah. And I'm so nice. Right. And they'll keep talking to you and it's like, yes, I'm preparing, you know, for a quick speech, though, but so great to talk to you. Right. And again, this kind of resetting, rejuvenating and getting back to, you know, whatever, whatever mode or mood I need to be in for whatever I'm doing. [00:35:01] Speaker A: Right. I know there's, there's been times when, I mean, because I'm kind of like the same way, you know, where you start getting anxious about things and especially, like, when you have the stuff that's coming up and. [00:35:11] Speaker B: Right. [00:35:12] Speaker A: You're like, um, especially like a speaking type of engagement or you're going to be around some other people and it's like, dude, it's not about me. It's not about me dwell. It's not about me. What can I do to add value to these people? So it's like you get into this place and shout out to doctor Joe Dispenza. Because I never, I never thought about, yeah, like meditation in a form that I was actually, that I learned from him. [00:35:42] Speaker B: Nice. [00:35:43] Speaker A: Where it's like, you know, all right, this is what's going on. This is, this is a place where I'm currently at, but this is, but this is where I need to be. And so managing these thoughts and just getting to a place where, okay, this is a place where I'm at focusing on what I want, what I'm capable of, and then envisioning that and envisioning, like, what that looks like. Right. But also, but also taking the breaths, right? Like the deep breath through the nostrils. [00:36:23] Speaker B: You have to, these might look different. Like, for me, like, I love music, right? So music puts me like, you know, in a mood, right? Song for everything, right? Popping my airpods in and letting that music kind of call me because again, when you get anxious, your body starts to move. Like your blood starts flowing fast, heart starts being fast. I was like, you got this. You know, I literally, I always was like, I never really understood yoga until recently. And I found this video online and it was like trauma informed yoga, and I was like, trauma informed yoga and I was doing the video and it's like, you know, just like, let your emotions spur you and all that stuff. And, like, in my mind, I'm like, okay, I don't have any emotions on my mind right now, but, you know, I'm gonna do the, and that's happening. I'm like, a little emotional. I'm like, maybe I did have some knots and things, right, that were inside. And so, like I said, it's different for everybody. And again, I know to me, but whatever it is to, like, get yourself in that setting and that feeling. Like you said, I'm always thinking about how can I be the best for whoever I'm. Whatever. Whoever I'm doing it for, but also not just for them. I want to be the best version of me because at the end of the day, when I something, I want to be proud of what I did. Right? [00:37:23] Speaker A: That's right. [00:37:24] Speaker B: I want to take on this in that. So how do I get to a spot where I could make kind of getting both of us happy again? Every relationship for me is mutually beneficial. So how can I be mutually beneficial to whoever I'm talking to? And how can I be mutually beneficial for me? And so that alone time for me and matters so much is probably the most important of my day. Every single day. [00:37:39] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:37:40] Speaker B: And that's when you kind of have to reconnect with yourself, because life is a lot. There's so much. Right. But when can you take the time out and again, just kind of let the world be? And it's just you. You and your thoughts, your feelings, you and your emotions acting so. I'm so thankful for that time and again, that's something that's so valuable to me and something I have to do before every kind of, like, bigger thing and even smaller thing. Right. Even something like class. Again, I can be the best version of me for myself because I never want somebody to say, Kelsey was off today, or, you know, something like that. I want to always be on. So for me to be on and making sure I know myself best in order to present myself in the best way that I can. [00:38:15] Speaker A: That's right. And I just think about me. You just think about, like. I mean, you mentioned faith earlier, and you talk about it. You just think about, like, how often did Jesus just kind of go away by himself to pray and to be by himself to recharge, to think, to do whatever, express gratitude. Right. It was often. And he did it for a reason. Because you need that alone time. [00:38:37] Speaker B: You do. [00:38:38] Speaker A: You do. [00:38:39] Speaker B: I don't. I don't talk for everybody, but I think even. Even the biggest extrovert, you know, has probably some type of alone time that they have to do. [00:38:46] Speaker A: Right. [00:38:46] Speaker B: And honestly think about it. Like, that's why, like, when you sleep, you get in your thoughts and emotions, and your body has to turn off. Like, no one can be on, like, the entire time, but, like, be your best self is knowing yourself. And that's not to say you can't know yourself from talking with other people, but totally. Knowing yourself, I think, is, again, when you have the time with just you and yourself. And if you haven't had a chance to do this yet, I highly encourage you and you're going to learn and see things about yourself that you probably never even knew. [00:39:10] Speaker A: That's right. [00:39:11] Speaker B: For me, I know how to calm myself down now. Right. And that's important because if I have bad nerves, I might can't present myself in the best way because my body is doing all these things and my thoughts are turned off, you know, and I'm not thinking the way that I need to think. So I need to know how to control myself. And that's like, one of the best things I ever learned is getting in touch with your thoughts and emotions. And again, it looks different for every single person with how they get there. [00:39:32] Speaker A: Yeah. So, I mean, has there. I mean, I guess when you're going through that process and you knowing that. Okay, just like you mentioned before, like, just kind of like being as being in this anxious place sometimes we have so much going on where we can't even recognize it at times. But, like, how do you get your place to a. I guess on a. I guess gets to a place where you consciously are aware of what you're actually doing or what you're actually projecting. [00:40:02] Speaker B: Yeah. You know, I think for me, so I am a natural competitor, right? So, like, natural athlete. And so everything's a competition, which means how. That means, like, how can I be my best self and how can I be better than the last time, you know, I got on. So for me, I, like, my mind again just goes kind of into that, like, competitor mode, like, you know, win and, like, what do I need to do to win? And I think this is me. It might be different for every other person. I think that's kind of what has helped propel me. Like, you know, I'll look out into an audience before I speak. And I love the kind of the bigger the audience, kind of more motivated. Right. I get because I'm, like, the opportunity to reach and connect with all these people. And then also I think I'm one of those people that always thinks, like, there's gonna be someone in here that you touch. Like, I have never left a speaking engagement and someone not come up to me and, you know, kind of share something that resonated with them in person. And then sometimes I get those emails after. Right. Or they'll come out to my website. And those are the things that motivate me because I'm like, there's someone out there that needs to hear this. There's someone out there that I'm going to reach. There's someone out there that's going to be inspired right by me or what I have to say. And that's one of the best feelings in the world. Purpose again, remember to do. I'm drove. I'm driven by legacy and influence. And so my purpose is like, how can I touch somebody? And I think that's kind of what I'm always thinking. To, like somebody in there again, is going to, is going to resonate, resonate and benefit again. Because I'm a competitor, too. I know this opportunity is going to help propel me to my next one. So I'm like, if I this one, you know, that means bigger and better for the next one. And so that's kind of how my mindset works and everybody's different, but to me, every time I step on stage, every time I'm in front of a camera, it's an audition. It's an audition. I might get that call back. I might not get that call back. Right. So when you feel like when you're in that mode again as a natural competitor, it's like, I want that callback. I want to be invited back. And so that, for me, I think, is kind of what pushes him, propels me when I look at everything like that. And I think especially life teaches you that it's an audition. This is not guaranteed that you get invited back and invited back and hopefully, you know, get that contract. And so that's kind of, I think that has motivated and pushed me to kind of be the best at, like, whatever that opportunity is. [00:42:03] Speaker A: Yeah. And I know you just talked about competition and it's so competitive, just like you said in the beginning, like, what do you, what do you actually do to make yourself stand out from the competitors? [00:42:15] Speaker B: Oh, this is a great one, you know, and this is what I'm honestly always thinking about because, and I tell this to people all the time, like, there's so many people doing what you do, so how do you. And I think that's what goes back to, like, branding. So, like, for me, you know, social media has been incredible, like, for most people, but, like, there's so many people, you know, that have seen my work or something through social media. And so, like, a couple things. Like, one, I've learned the value of my name. I go by my full name, right? So many Kelsey Nelson's. There's not as many Kelsey Nicole Nelson's. Even though earlier this year I got mistaken for neglistallion's ex best friend, but she's just Kelsey Nicole. I am Kelsey Nicole Nelson. [00:42:47] Speaker A: That's right. [00:42:48] Speaker B: But it was an important lesson because actually, now my name is trademarked. Right. So this is my. I own this. This is my brand. And that's important because, like, my biggest thing, like, I remember when I was younger, I used to google myself, and I would get so frustrated when I was not on the first page. Kelsey Nelson's. And then I realized that, like, you have to do certain things to make sure you come up at the top. And so for me, that looks like is, you know, making sure I'm always, like, having appearance and the right appearances. Right. So a radio show or coming on a podcast or talk show, I'm always like, how can that add value? Right. What is that going to do to help my name and brand? So I think for me, it's like, okay, that's going to show me, like, for this instance, this podcast is really digging into who I am. So that's going to show me in a light where people, like, really get to know me and be comfortable with me. [00:43:29] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:43:30] Speaker B: Sports radio show that shows my knowledge of sports. Right. And that's going to make you want to kind of get me for that. So I think every opportunity in alignment, but I think it's. It's making sure that you go on the right things, but you always need to be doing something. There is not a week that I don't have some type of appearance or podcast or engagement. [00:43:45] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:43:45] Speaker B: And I think also, just with branding, there's not a week that I'm not out at something. Right. Like, so this week is a busy week for me. Like, I'm going to the White House for an event. I have the city open in DC. I got invited to some special events for that. Like, so I always just kind of have to be out there pushing and promoting myself, which I think also huge. And that's kind of, again, going back to branding. That's part of my brand. People expect to see me at different things when they go on social media. [00:44:05] Speaker A: Like, that's right. [00:44:06] Speaker B: I'm not like, Kelsey, hey, everything good? You okay? [00:44:08] Speaker A: Where you athenae? [00:44:10] Speaker B: Haven't seen you. [00:44:11] Speaker A: So it's like, I know this girl ain't on vacation. [00:44:13] Speaker B: There you go. Right. Sometimes if you see me off, like, I need a little break too. But that's part of the brand. People like to grind. And so I think, for me, what has separated me is my work ethic. I always tell people, you will not outwork me. I have been an underdog my entire life. I am always hungry to win, right? So that means my work ethic is like, again, I'm always working. I think that's another thing that separates me. It's like I have two internship programs I'm running. I'm a professor. I'm doing broadcast. I work for the nonprofit world, doing communications and comms. When people know you're always working, it's also comforting, because, again, people, nobody's going to say no to somebody who has a good work ethic and actually enjoys work. And then if they know you can handle multiple things, which is not easy, that's also comfort in that. I think also just being consistent in the work I do also kind of help propel me. And I think just the third thing, again, having a strong network. Having a strong. Having a strong network, you got to have the right people in your corner who's going to. Who is going to say your name in rooms that you're not in. And so I think just helping to separate me, I think I've been able to have the right mentors and right supporters that have helped, you know, push and propel the canon brand and the canon into places that, like, I've never even thought about. And I'm so thankful and so grateful for that. So I like to think that's a combination of those three things that have kind of helped to separate me from the pack. And then I think just being an authority on stuff, like, I tell people, like, so I am a DMV sports authority. Like, so when people do DMDC sports, like, a lot of times they come to me for things, right? Because I have branded myself on knowing all things DC sports. But it's helped propel me, too, because DC is the nation's capital, also has helped propel me on a national scene, right, where, oh, she doesn't only know, like, DC Sports, she can national sports. And then, like, you know, so for certain sports, like NBA, WNBA, NFL, again, I'm an authority on those things. So shows will call me to talk about those things. But I think you have to be. That's why I said it's not just doing something, but it's doing it well, because I think I have branded myself for now ten years in the DC sports market, I have built the thing where people know they can trust me. My reputation is like, Kelsey knows her stuff. Again, she's an authority on this stuff. So when you get her, you're going to get the best knowledge and analysis, and you're going to get the real stuff. I think that's the biggest thing, too. Like, what can you really brand and promote yourself on that you are uniquely in? And especially because I'm in this place where unfortunately, there's not as many women that look like me in this industry, what we're trying to push, it's like she's a black woman in sports authority in DC. That used to be chocolate city. So again, I kind of think helps push and propel you on away. It's like, dang, who is this? Who is this woman that. Yeah, so it gives you, like, your unique own lane. And of course, one of the things I'm working on now is helping to grow that lane because I should not be right to be doing that. But I also know with, with that privilege I get is a power I have to influence. And that's another reason why I have to do really well when I'm on staff, because I want to keep the door open for other people that look like me to come through. And so I know I. It's going to hopefully open that door for more people to be like, oh, dang, we need to start looking at more diverse candidates, you know, to be on or that. So I always had that pressure as well to do good, not just for me, but again, for the community, because we know we have so much more work to do to just increase diversity representation in the media. [00:47:18] Speaker A: Yeah. And I know, I mean, that's just part of, like, creating a legacy for those people behind. And I just think about just your work with National Afterschool association and then reading lit, reading and comprehension, literacy, all of that stuff is so huge. And you're part of that. [00:47:40] Speaker B: It's so true. I remember this is when Pizza hut was big, right? Remember for you to have, like, reading competitions and when you, like, did good, you get the free pan pizza from Pizza Hut, which I still love to this day. I actually miss Gordon Pizza Hut. But, you know, it's like reading. It's so valuable because people don't realize, like, reading can be as small as reading a text on your phone and can be as small as reading instructions. And you go to Ikea and you're trying to build whatever you're trying to build, or it can be as big as reading a book, right. But knowing how to read is so important because again, that's how you automatically can understand things better, right? That comprehension that you talked about, that reading comprehension. And I realized, especially when you get to school, especially when you get to college, like the reading levels are so different and so vast. A lot of time it's based on zip code. And that's an issue. You reading quality, right. That we have to a quality education that we have in this country, which is an amazing privilege, but it's not a privilege. Not everybody is getting that. And so I realized, like, I was a super fast reader growing up. You can't tell I talk fast because my mind moves very fast. But then I realized, you know, not everybody was like that. So what could I do again to help my classmates and peers get on that reading level? So I was like, in a combination class, I think it was like, you know, so I was like one of the, one of the, one of the younger folks with the older folks, which was great because also, you know, then it's like, oh, shoot, like, I don't know, like, I gotta be good. Like, I'm with the big kids. But then it's also like, well, how can I help others like me, you know, get into these classes? I think that's kind of what I learned the value of, like, I'm just reaching back and helping pull up along the way. But, like, I'm such a big proponent, again, of basic reading because so many, even adults, right, don't have the basic reading skills. And without basic readings, it's gonna be hard to achieve anything in life. Everything kind of starts at that basis of knowing how to read and then how to write. And whatever language that you speak, you have to know how to. In any job, you're gonna have to know how to read and write, like, at a basic level. So it's like going back to that basic note, how can we make sure that reading comprehension is not just an opportunity but a privilege to all? [00:49:36] Speaker A: And that is so. I mean, that is so huge. I mean, you just think about when it comes time for you to apply for. For a job and fill out the application. I mean, some of the basic things people actually struggle with, right? [00:49:48] Speaker B: Reading is fundamental and everything they're going to give you to read. Like reading a contra. Like, a lot of stuff. Like, if you think about it a lot of time, they're paid to read stuff and then comprehend it in a way that folks can take in. Right? Like, that's the thing. But it's like, just basic things, again, that people should be able to do. And again, if you go, I challenge you to go in certain schools and, like, our kids aren't reading on basic grade level, and then the same people are complaining, you know, that, like, these kids aren't doing what they need to be doing. Well, we need to invest into making sure they have the basic necessities, again, to a quality education, and they're able to actually read on grade level at a minimum. At a minimum. Because we don't want to just graduate them. We want to graduate them successfully so they can go on and be whatever they want to be without reading comprehension. Again, it's going to be very hard to do anything in this world that you want to do because that's a basis kind of, of humanity is knowing how to read. Right. And that's everywhere you go. Not just here in the US, but every. Everywhere you go. [00:50:39] Speaker A: Everywhere. Everywhere. Oh, my goodness. So what do you think somebody, I mean, when you just think about or just kind of look back over just your life, your time, what are some of the, I guess, one of the most challenging things that you actually had to overcome and then how, you know, how did it help you with your faith just in yourself? [00:51:01] Speaker B: You know? I will give this example. So I am born and raised in the DMV area. And, of course, like, your dream is to work for, like, a hometown team, right? Cause it's like, I grew up watching them, you know, I want to be working for them. And so, you know, as life would have it, I did end up working for. They were the Washington football team at the time, but of course, one of the biggest NFL brands and a team I grew up watching. Right. So that was incredible. But prior to that, not everybody knows there was a basketball team in the area that had kind of courted me and invited me out and, like, spoke to me and I, you know, and I thought things were going well. I'll never forget, like, so essentially, I thought I had the job. And this is when I also learned the value of actually getting things in writing, not just verbal talking. But I'll never forget. I found it on social media, and they didn't tell me that I didn't get the job, and I was prepared for it, and I was so excited. I couldn't wait to share the news, and it broke me. I mean, I'll never forget. I was outside. I just. And I'm not like people that know I'm not a big emotional person. Like, if you ever see me crying, probably watching a movie, like, certain movies make me emotional for some reason, but, like. But I just started, like, bawling out crying. I started bawling out crying because I was like, it's nothing worse than feeling like your home team because there's no place like home. And so things hit differently. Like, because, you know, again, I brand myself, because I'm DMV sports authority, I brand myself on home. I'll just never forget. Like, I just thought I was the biggest failure in the world. I'm like, dang, I lost out on this amazing opportunity. I thought it was gonna be life changing for me. Like, I was preparing for my next steps because I thought I had, like, I thought I had it in the bag. [00:52:29] Speaker A: Wow. [00:52:30] Speaker B: And I'll never forget, like, after that moment, you know, went home, because everybody has pouty moments, you know? So I was just pouty, pouty. And then I realized what was I going to do? They didn't care if I was crying. They didn't even care to call me and tell me I didn't get the opportunity or even email me so they could care less. So me, you know, just pouting and being mad at the world and being mad at myself wasn't doing anything. So I think if anything, I turned that energy into a positive. And that's kind of when I went back to the, I went back to, like, what I knew, and that was, again, how to, how to, how to get myself out there. So that's why I went back to the portal and started applying and applying and applying and applying and putting myself out there. And I give that to say, like, I think a lot of times, like, people always tell us to have a dream, but no one tells you what to do after that dream. So that was a dream job for me. That's where I was preparing for the next step. When I didn't get the dream job at the time, I kind of first thought, like, it was overdevelop for me. I'm like, dang, I got rejected by the hometown team. Like, I'm not even good enough to stay at home. But what I realize is, in the sense, in the essence, again, that job wasn't meant for me. It wasn't for me. And who knew, like I said later, that I know I would go on and work for the hometown football team, which I think was a bigger brand. Again, you don't know how life is going to work itself out. But I also learned, like, self doubt and pity does, again, doesn't do anything for you. Again, I think you need your moments. Like, it's natural to have emotion when you don't get something. I still get irritated sometimes when I don't get stuff right now, but at the same time, turn that energy into a positive. And I just started working hard. Like, I remember I was up all night. I was just applying, applying, applying. I started refining my resume. Like I was doing, I was looking over my website like I was doing anything I could do to make sure I put out a better brand. I think that's kind of what you learned, too, is that you're never too good to refine yourself. You're never to refine your skills. And so it kind of forced me again to take a look. And again, it wasn't that I was bad, but it obviously meant that I just kind of had to take a look back at myself and just find a way that I could, again, find that next opportunity. And so I should think failure can be like that multiple ways. Like, I have. I've known people, you know, who have kind of had a failed opportunity in a career, and they've kind of given up. He's different. That could have been the end of my journalism career. We might not be talking right now because I would have been like, dang, I'm just done. Like, let me try something else. But again, I turned that into, I think, something, luckily, that all those applications that I started filling out, one of those turned out really good, and I got opportunity, but it wouldn't have happened again if I had just given up in that moment. So I think, I think probably I give that example because I think, like, your worst defeat can sometimes be your biggest blessing again, you won't see it at that time, usually, and you're going to have thoughts and emotions. And now, you know, this is the same team, and it's a team I cover now and I comment on now, and people invite me on shows to talk about now. Yeah, opportunity. But I'm still having opportunity with that team. And so that's why, you know, how things are going to kind of come full circle, you know, back to themselves. That's kind of why I still to this day, like I said, I keep a folder of all the no's I've ever gotten. It's a reminder of how far I've come, and it's a reminder of God's path for me and what was answer the ones that weren't meant for me. So, yeah, I think. I think that was a defining moment because I've never been that emotional, especially in public, like, to burst out crying because I was, like I said, I'm a strong, I come from a strong black woman lineage, so, like, I wasn't, like, taught to, like, you know, just do that. But I had so many in that moment because I thought it was mine. Like, that Washington like, they had given me a tour. Like, I was ready, I was prepared. And then also, don't count your blessings before they come. Right. It taught me that, too, because I had verbally gotten something, but I hadn't got that email back. And I kept emailing, trying to figure out what was happening was like, oh, okay, maybe they're just busy. And, you know, it turned out to be like, no, they just didn't want me that time to do that. So. And that's the biggest thing. Like, what do you do to prepare for the next step of the dream? And I think that's something that's so important to do. Know that your dream can have multiple facets, right? Like my dreams, plural, I have multiple that I'm trying to reach, you know, and achieve. And so one determined, you know, it's not going to be the end of all of those dreams. It's just going to be a pivot and setback. But I can't come back, right. For whatever. Whatever God has meant for me to do. Again, why I live this life that he has fortunately graced me to live. [00:56:33] Speaker A: That is so. That is, I mean, that's absolutely powerful and true. I mean, you just think about, like, how many times or, you know, like you said that verbal confirmation, but it's not written, right? [00:56:46] Speaker B: So that's written. That's the learned. [00:56:49] Speaker A: So that's what we. So that's what we base it off of. And we're like, okay, yeah, I got this. And so it almost made me think about, like this, how sometimes we can assume that we have something or may possibly assume that, you know, I'm just going to get this based off of who I am and my reputation and who I know. Meanwhile, God is like my child that you have not even. You haven't put in the right amount of time. You haven't even prepared. And if I give you this job now, you might just fumble it, you might stumble. There's no telling what might happen, but the right opportunity, and now look at you. [00:57:25] Speaker B: It will come. Right? And that's what, man, if I gave up after every no I've gotten, I for sure, you know, wouldn't be here. Cause I tell people, like, when I was working for the Washington football team, when I first talk with them, it was like a no, like they didn't want me. And lo and behold, you know, Covid happened and I get an email. [00:57:43] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:57:43] Speaker B: And, you know, I'm working for the team, and I had started with two shows and they actually ended up giving me a whole nother tv show, right? So this was a team at first that again, it wasn't the right time. It was grad. And so it's like you just never know how things, you know, are going to be and going to grow. Like journalism professor again, that was not in the cards. I was not in the plate. But I think that's the other thing too is just knowing people are always watching what you do. And so going back to like how do I separate myself? I think that's why it's so important too. Whatever you put out there just needs to be good. And that's why also how you treat people matters too. Because what people put out there about you, it needs to be good. And somebody's always watching and they're looking. And you never know again when God's grace is going to go in line with your plans, match and mesh each other and you need to be prepared and ready for that. That's the other big thing too, is just like, and just be good and do good. But like I said, like, you never know. [00:58:31] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:58:32] Speaker B: Who's looking, who's watching and where that opportunity might be. And it might not be opportunity that you plan for. You have to trust him. You have to trust him. You never, never know where that might lead you. [00:58:42] Speaker A: And it's just another opportunity for growth. I mean, just in the area that you may, that you might not even know. But here you are. [00:58:49] Speaker B: I mean, wow, I'm thankful the entrepreneur was never in the car. Like you learned, like work for somebody, do good and make money, you know. But again, life had its plans and, you know, and I've learned too. Like I learned early on, you don't need to wait for a seat at the table because you can build your own. God has a quick wise to build your own. And then the great thing about building a table is that you can welcome other people to your table. And that's kind of my give back part has come in and that's why I've entered two internship programs I'm running now because I realized again, God has put me on this earth not just to bless myself, but to bless other people. And so that's what the beauty again, of being able to have your own tools and supplies and being able to bring others up along with you. And as people have my table, eventually I'm going to excuse them because I want them to go build their own tables as well. Right? I want, I want to have a whole cafeteria of tables of opportunities for folks. And so I think that's what's a beautiful thing about life is that you can touch so many different people, and you never know how it's going to come back to you. And again, I think you're expecting blessings back, but, like, I love when I have a former student or something, like, reach back out to me and I see what they're doing and it's a blessing. And then told me what they're doing to help other people. And it's a beautiful, beautiful pipeline, right, of just giving back in those dreams. [00:59:55] Speaker A: Yep. I never forget when I end up having to give, like, a little presentation to this man's group at church. Actually titled it the table. The table I have prepared for you. So it kind of goes off with Jeremiah 29, where when God talks about the plans that I have for you, the plans to prosper and not to harm you. Right. And so if you actually, like, just think about that. You've. You've already. You're in a win win situation. You're gonna have to do some work. It's gonna take some time. You have to grow. You're gonna have to encounter some. Some heartaches, but at the same time, know that God is with you no matter what. Know that God is with you and he gonna carry you through. Your main thing is just not to give up. [01:00:40] Speaker B: Not sounds so easy to say, but it's, what do you do? And, like, none of us, we gave up during our weakest, our weakest moments, but it's knowing God has you, and again, knowing that, that's part of the journey. Like, you know, life is full of twists and turns, but it's. Eventually, you're gonna get to the destination, but, you know, there's beauty and adversity. There's beauty and chaos, and that's what we all have to remember. And so once you get through that, it's beautiful. But again, know that there's. That's why it storms every now and then, right? This is life. You're gonna have those storms. It's how you come through it. And I think that's what will push and propel you to be better. You have gone through that adversity and those trials and tribulations of life, that test. Everybody teaches you a lot about you, and then once you know your resiliency and your tenacity, there's nothing that you can't do. [01:01:24] Speaker A: That's right. [01:01:26] Speaker B: Just saying. [01:01:29] Speaker A: So when you come across those people who, you know that you might been speaking to, maybe students in your class, people that you're mentoring, and a lot of these people I mean, they have something that they're trying to overcome, something that they're battling. What are some of the common things or common problems that you might see in them that you actually helped them overcome? [01:01:49] Speaker B: Yeah. You know, I think the biggest thing is, like, a lot of people don't realize, like, how to get in touch with themselves. Like, I always get, how are you so confident telling your story, and how did you get to who you were? And for me, it's like, I did have to get comfortable, and I, you know, I did have to know how to do my elevator pitch, but knowing that 30 seconds is not the full story of me, you know, but it's not the full. And knowing that your story's gonna evolve and it is change, and you're going to change. And that's why I tell people, like, you know, I really sit them down. I'm like, tell me. So the first assignment I give my students is, like, for them to tell me about themselves. And it always varies, right. You know, with what people share. Like, some will share more about their hometowns, some will share more about their parents, and some will share, you know, more about some about them. Sometimes something they've overcome and what they share. In that first part, I can tell kind of how open they are or how non open they are. Right. I mean, I've seen things that, like, geez, I'm like, this person has already come through a lot of adversity, and they felt comfortable sharing this with me. They don't even know me yet. [01:02:42] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:02:42] Speaker B: Right. Other times, like, okay, this person's a little bit more reserved and kind of a more general picture, general view. So that's something like a lot of people want to get. It's like, how do I get comfortable just not only knowing yourself first, but then once you know yourself, how do you get comfortable telling and sharing that to other people? Because a lot of people have been through pain, let's be honest, and hurt from some person in their life, and it's backstabbed them. [01:03:00] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:03:01] Speaker B: Biggest thing, like, how do you get comfortable being open and being vulnerable? Believe me, being vulnerable was the hardest thing for me to do, because, again, I thought you always had to portray, like, a perfect picture. That was the only way, you know? But once you learn that, it's a. It's a powerful tool. I think the other thing is perseverance and how to keep going. What we just talked about, you want to know, how do you keep going? Like, after, you know, after this, you know, or after that? And I think the biggest thing again. And that's a journey, too, like, knowing how to persevere, because again, everybody goes through something different. For me, I hear, like, I always have had goals, and those goals drive me, like, every single day, every. I have not reached them yet. I have not reached them yet. So every single day I'm like, what can I do to better reach that goal again? Everybody's motivation is going to be different, but I'm very goal driven also. Luckily, again, I saw my parents in my life and I would make them proud. Like, that drives me. So, like, you know, those things that are always, you know, in my mind. And then I think success is probably the last thing I get a lot about, like, but success looks so different for every other person, right, in people's minds. Like, your life is perfect and, like, everything is successful and that, because I don't see everything right. And so they're like, well, how do I get a to this or how do I get to that? And that's kind of one of the biggest thing people need, like, a how to plan a roadmap and plan again. I always like to prepare people for what to do after the dream. Yeah, do after the dream because everybody tells you to dream. But my biggest thing is how do we make that dream a reality and what happens after it? Like, when you're a kid, everyone says, what do you want to be? And usually, you know, I want to be a teacher. I want to be an astronaut. Nobody asks you, well, what about after you become a teacher? That's assuming that you. That your whole life, right? [01:04:27] Speaker A: That's right. [01:04:27] Speaker B: And then people also assume that you're going to have one answer. Why do you have to have one answer? Why can't I have some commas between those jobs and between those jobs? So that's what I think. I kind of tell people, like, how to kind of push and expand their mind for what does success look like? Success could be success in your family, success in your relationships, success in your career, success in your community. I mean, there's so many different things, again, for what we all think of as success. So I think, again, once you kind of it all ties into each other, once you know yourself, I think it's easier to find success. Hard to find success when you don't know yourself. I mean, you're not in line with yourself because it goes back to our conversation earlier, knowing your value. And a lot of times, success, success is tied to your value. You want to make a lot of money. You got to know your value because you got to know what job you should say yes to, what men you might need to counter. You're like, I'm going to leave a little bit more if you want me to come to your company, right? I'm going to need a little bit more if you want to work me to work for you on your consulting firm or whatever. So I think a lot of it is tied together, but I think the biggest thing is sometimes people just need somebody to help plan it out. That's really what it is. Somebody sit down, listen to them and help them to, like, just kind of plan it out. Because a lot of times so much is in our heads, right? Get it down on paper or whatever your, you know, our computer or whatever your, whatever your process is, I think it's a lot easier to visualize. And so that's why I think I kind of have, like, been able to kind of help people. It's like, kind of, what's that next step? Everybody already has the dream they do comes after that. And I think that kind of people get a little bit lost because they haven't really thought it out or mapped that part out yet. [01:05:53] Speaker A: That's right. I think, you know, a lot of times, I think people just kind of, I think they disregard what they're actually good at and they kind of get in, like, in this competitive mindset, or they just want to do the thing that's going to bring them, you know, where they can make the most money, where it's not so much about making them the. The most money at this, at this time. Especially, like, if you have a gift, especially, like, with you. Right, right. You're knowing your value, you know, with your worth. You know that you're good at connecting with people. You can network. And then you said, you have the gift of gap. And so now God has given you this. You recognize it. Let me make this work for me so I can just operate in my passions. [01:06:30] Speaker B: Right? [01:06:30] Speaker A: And so helping people identify those things, whether it's just creating a list of everything that you good at, everything that's, that's tugging at your heart to do. All right. [01:06:40] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:06:41] Speaker A: That's, that's. Let's create a plan and make you go and help you get, and help you get with the, you know, the things that you want. [01:06:48] Speaker B: Have heart. Like, when I go talk to young people, though, I always want to ask money, right? Like, how much are you making and what's the money? I said, hey, you want to make money? I said, how are we going to get there? What are we going to do. That's the easy part. But how are you going to get there? That's the harder part. That's why I said, like, about mapping it out. And like you said, kind of that competitor mindset, but you said it, like once. People kind of get the plan on paper. [01:07:05] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:07:06] Speaker B: You know, next. So, like, I always get, I want to be an NFL player. Like from young boys I talk to, let's map it out. How are we going to get there? What are the steps that we need to get there? What is recruiting going to look like? What's there? What's our highlight video going to look like? Are we working with the agency? Are we in an nil state now? We're making money in high school. Like how are we going to get there? We'll plan that out. And then also, again, what happens after the NFL? Because the NFL doesn't last forever. What happens after that? Right. So how are we going to plan for that? And like you said once, I think you put it down on paper, it's a lot easier for folks to visualize and really see, like, oh, dang. Okay. Yeah, you need to kind of make something. No, for the, you know, and maybe it's become, maybe you'll become an NFL team president one day. Maybe you'll become a coach, you know, maybe you'll be an agent, you know, there. But whatever it is, you know, it's like, again, just making that plan and then also knowing, though, that plans are subject to change. [01:07:51] Speaker A: That's right. [01:07:52] Speaker B: PBD. And knowing that you're going to have to pivot sometimes in those plans because things don't always go according to plan. Life does not go. So how will you still, you know, be able to meet your goal? And that's the biggest thing for folks to realize is it's also easy to plan stuff out, but it can be harder to have to navigate and shift, you know, changes that happen in life because we can't control things. And how do you still, though, again, be successful and whenever you're trying to reach that destination? [01:08:16] Speaker A: Yeah. You know, one of the things that really, that really helped me identify, like my why and my purpose was it was that, you know, at one point it used to be kind of shallow. And then I thought about, like, what is that one thing that, like, I'm really, like, I'm willing to die for? Like, because you think about like, Martin Luther King, he had a mission and he was willing to die for. And it got to the point where he was like, even in his last speech, it was like, he spoke from the heart with so much power and conviction. [01:08:49] Speaker B: Yes. [01:08:49] Speaker A: And so when you think about something that you're so passionate about and it actually gets to the point where it's not about you, it's about the other people. People you don't have no selfish ambitions whatsoever. It's about helping other people. And so it's huge. And that's where the transformation actually starts to begin, because now you got to do some things that you never thought you could do and just leaning on a whole nother higher power. [01:09:17] Speaker B: I think that purpose is so important. Like me, my mother grew up, you know, my sister, my summer is in Jackson, Mississippi, and my grandmother grew up not too far from where Medgar Evers was lived and was killed. Right? And for me, I think knowing the plight and struggle of folks so early, when you go back to, like, you know, purpose, for me, I had a greater purpose because I knew the people that had come before me. Like, there was no option for me to fail because I knew what people had went through for me to be able to have this right and the rights that we have. So I think just knowing, I think your story, like one of my favorite quotes, our history lies in our past. Our past lies in our future, right? And so you have to know the past to understand where you're going. And so for me, I'm so motivated, you know, from older black folks in the community that have seen and went through, you know, stuff that many of us probably can even bear, right. Or can't think of, right. The unfathomable. And I think that's what my purpose is. Like, how can I continue to, you know, carry the torch? One of the first. I'm big into poetry, and I was younger, you know, I wrote a poem, and it started off with, I am the dream and the hope of a slave. I mean, I've seen. See, I had sharecroppers in my family not too far removed, right? So knowing that flight, knowing what they went through for me, I had to carry that baton and torch because too many people sacrificed too much for me not to. But that's my purpose. Everyone's purpose is gonna look different. But for me, coming from a black southern family and knowing what they went through, it's a lot. [01:10:40] Speaker A: It is. [01:10:40] Speaker B: And so I knew, like, you know, I. What my grandmother went through, scrubbing floors and stuff through, you know, for me to be able to afford that and have a little sister. So anybody that's an older child also knows usually like that, that torch you carry, there's a lot counting on you, right? That's my purpose. And, you know, for, like, how can I, how can I continue the story? How can I be the next freedom fighter in my own way, you know, to make sure I'm helping people that look like me. So that's why once you find your purpose, it's going to help so much. That's why people ask how you're so high energy. Like, I know my purpose. [01:11:11] Speaker A: Right? [01:11:11] Speaker B: I know that you and I push and propel that, and I want you to feel that. Like, Kelsey's not just telling me that she, she feels that. She felt that she's real to this, she's true to this, not new to it. She knows what she knows, you know, find a way to get there. [01:11:28] Speaker A: Oh, wow, man, the stories and you talking about your, your family as far as being sharecroppers. And I'm like, man, because my folks, they're from Louisiana. Small part called Hammond connection too. [01:11:39] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:11:39] Speaker A: And so, so I just never forget just riding, riding with my uncle one day. And this was back in, I think this was like 2000, 920, ten. I just happened to be out there and we were rolling and he was like, so he actually took me to this one neighborhood. It was like, hey, Derek, this is an area that we call Pumpkin Hill. And he said, this is an area where we would not be caught at after such and such time. Like when a lot, we made sure that we were up out of there because we're no, I mean, there was just no telling what could happen. [01:12:10] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:12:11] Speaker A: So when you think about that, and that's like only a generation, two generations away, right. [01:12:15] Speaker B: Not that far removed from stuff that happened in this history. [01:12:19] Speaker A: Yeah, not, so I'm like, man, you just cannot take life for granted. And so whatever you've got, yeah, deploy it and share it. [01:12:28] Speaker B: You have to. [01:12:29] Speaker A: Yeah, you have to. [01:12:30] Speaker B: No day is promised, but with the day that you have, what can you get? What can you do to help? And that's, I can't simple enough, like, know your history, know where you come from, know the plight of your people, because if that doesn't inspire you, I do not know what will. Black folks have been through a lot in this country, still going through a lot in this country. And so for me, you know, it's like, you know, carrying some of that and what can I do to kind of help give back to that next generation? Because each generation should hopefully have it better, right, than the last. But Mississippi, New Orleans, New Orleans roots, you know, my dad took my sister. I'm very dick. Her money, Mississippi and money should resonate bells with everybody. You know, the story of Emmett Till. And, you know, for all of us, just know that story. First off, what that mother went through, what he went through. If that doesn't make you feel emotional, you know, I don't know what will. I went on trip. It was last year. I went to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and it's my first time going to Tulsa. And they took us to Black Wall street. And I remember, like, they're telling us how Black Wall street, you know, I heard about, but going there is a lot. And there's not a black owned store there now, which is even more heartbreaking. But I remember they told us how the dollar would go around, like, 27 blocks, 27 times in that community. And then you realize all that success, right, with that white hatred. Why kind of. Obviously the massacre occurred. And still, how, if you notice now they're still fighting for there's some. We have about three survivors, I believe now, you know, over 100 that are still fighting for. Right. In reparations from what happened. But when you stand there, really know, like, again, the black success that was there, that was fearful for others, and they did a like, obviously get rid of that. And now to this day, how Tulsa is still a segregated city and how still to this day, what was once black is not. It makes you, at least it made me feel away, and I was just uncomfortable in that moment. And again, it reminded me of my purpose and that baton in torch that I meant to carry. And that's why I tell people all the time, too. As much as you can get out, not just know the history, but feel the history. Right. Go to where Daphne was killed. It'll make you feel away. And your kids probably feel away if they know that story, know that plight again of what came before them, to know what they could be and what people went through for them to be able to be. [01:14:35] Speaker A: Yeah. Oh, we. [01:14:37] Speaker B: Oh, just. Just a little. [01:14:42] Speaker A: Yeah. But you have, like you said, you have to feel it. [01:14:45] Speaker B: You do. [01:14:45] Speaker A: Yeah. If you don't feel it, you can't tie your. Connect, some kind of emotion to it. So you. [01:14:49] Speaker B: Yeah. And that's what motivates me. It's simple. Like you said, just go in there. And again, when you hear something, when you go there and you just again, let's see what people went through. [01:14:59] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:15:00] Speaker B: That doesn't touch you. Like I said, I don't know what will. And so I have a greater purpose. And that to me, fought before me for me to give up or for me to quit or for me to just not do for others? [01:15:10] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. [01:15:22] Speaker B: All I know how to be. [01:15:26] Speaker A: Before I let you go, I just. I know you've kind of touched on it before, talking about success, and success is different for every, you know, for different people, but when you think about your own life and what you're doing right now, this phase in your life that you're at. [01:15:47] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:15:47] Speaker A: How would you actually define success? [01:15:49] Speaker B: Ooh. You know, my high school senior yearbook quote was, what we do in life echoes throughout eternity. And, yes, I still remember my high school yearbook quote. I told you I love quotes, and mine was meaningful. I wasn't just picking one to be. And so I think, for me, it's different things. But like I said, I mean, if I. If I drop, you know, any one of these days against people I impacted, you know, and touched, for me, it's, you know, I want to make sure that I'm setting up, like, my internship programs that I run. How do I make sure that those are lasting long after me? So I have an HBCU connection program. So I make sure I'm giving back and making sure HBCU from students from historically black colleges and universities are set up for pipeline media and then sports media communications and PR internship. How do I make sure that interns are actually having real world, hands on access in the media industry when everybody's asking them for experience, not giving them a chance to learn that experience? I think, how does that continue? I think, for my students, like, what can they take from what I've taught them, and how can they share that out? Right. Like, I would love to share that back out to the world with what they're learning. That's important. How do I make sure that we have ethical, real prepared journalists going out into the world to cover the stories, right? Making sure that we get an onus back on again media, real reporting, accurate news, factual news. That's really important to me, I think, in just the broadcast world, too. How do I let my stories live on? Like, one of the things I love, I interview, like, a lot of former players or athletes, you know, Sam Cunningham comes to mind. Cause before he died, Sam bam Cunningham, if you know his story, you think about the integration of Alabama football and SEC sports. And Sam Bam Cunningham was a large reason why. And so interviewing someone, a pioneer, and, of course, little did I know that he would pass shortly after. But he got to get his story straight on my show, and so it's really important to me. So how do my broadcast industry, how does my broadcast work again, really live on and tell a story that's going to be meaningful to somebody because there was some stuff that, like, was said in his story that he was like, I'm going to be on the record, and I want to get this straight. Yeah, he had a chance to get that straight, and he had a chance to. How can my broadcast work, like, live on and just tell stories and set stuff straight? Yeah. I think is also probably important, and I think just the last thing for success, I want to be happy. Like, at the end of the day, I want to be able to go home and smile and be proud of what I've done right. So I can make sure that, like, I'm happy. And being happy, to me, means being real with myself, which means being real with, you know, everything that I want to do. So, like, you know, how. And that's why I said, for me, it's important. Each day, I'm doing something, working towards my goals, like, something I can check off, and, sorry, gonna get me one step closer to the goal. So whatever it is, I need to make sure I'm doing that. So for me, I think it's that. But a lot of my success, like I said, is more so, like, what I've done, done to reach other people again, legacy, to hopefully help it live on and pass. I can't take all this with me. Right. I can't take all the knowledge I have to pass that, and I want somebody else to pass that. So how does that baton, how does that pipeline, how does it keep continuing? I think that's when Kelsey Nicole Olson will be happy, you know, with some of that. Hopefully. Hopefully success in terms of success that I'll be happy with. [01:18:53] Speaker A: That's awesome. Awesome. And so real. Just real brief or real quick here you have this. You have this multimedia company. Like, do you. What's the vision for? What do you envision that being? Because, I mean, you think about. I mean, because you mentioned Oprah Winfrey, and she has her own network. And I was like, that was one of the first things I kind of thought about, like, okay, she is in. [01:19:22] Speaker B: Would be a good network. [01:19:23] Speaker A: You know what I'm saying? [01:19:24] Speaker B: Ready for it. And it's funny you say that because, you know, kind of how k and n stuck. When I was younger, everyone would call me k and N, and they'd be like, so it's like a spin off of CNN because you're Kelsey, like, and that's kind of how that started. And, of course, it just happened to be my initials. And for me, I will tell you, a network is in the vision, like, and I would love that, obviously for the future. But why I started my multimedia company listening with k and n is because again, I needed to build a seat at the table because no seats were being offered for me. I started it because essentially, again, as a black woman looking to get into the sports industry, and I was first applying to those jobs, no one wanted to give me an opportunity behind the mic. Nobody wanted to give me an opportunity behind the mic, so I had to create my own. And then what I realized is the power in creating your own is that you can do what others didn't do for you. So that's when I realized, oh, I can give that opportunity to others that didn't have it and offer. And that's when the internship program started for me, giving back. And so I think the vision is a lot of young people reach out to me all the time like, hey, hey, healthy, how can I work with you? Or how can I get experience? This is the way that they can get experience, right? Because before it's like how can I have a structured way for them to get experience? How can they actually get class credits? How can they actually learn? I've been interviewing so many amazing candidates lately, it's like I almost wish I could take them all. And I tell them I'm big into quality though, rather than quantity. And I also know how much I can manage and handle and I don't want to do anybody a disservice, right? So right now at ten for one of my internship programs and two for my other business. But all that to say, I think, you know, my biggest thing in terms of like, you know, what I want this to be and do is I want to change the narrative. I want us to be able to tell our story. So my show, it's real. Like when PR folks or somebody reaches out to me, we have the questions. There's no questions to give you in advance because I don't have them prepared in advance. I go off what they say, right? So whatever they say is kind of that's going to be how we change the tone of narrative. I don't have a time limit on it, really. We're just going to talk or audience show on the live stream show. We're just talking. Like I talked to my like 3 hours and we had just first met. And a lot of times people see us talking. It's the first time I've met this person, like, so you're really in the full actuality and so I think that's what I really want people to see, like, what it's like to have real conversation with the person and to really know somebody's story, because I do think we have lost the art of having a conversation. I can't tell you how many people don't know how to conversate or converse. I'll say that's the better real word, converse. How to converse with, it's a loss of art. And, like, knowing how to connect with somebody, to me, is, like, one of the most fundamental principles that we all need. You know, especially if you travel, like, you better know how to connect with anybody from the flight attendant to, like, the gate agent to whoever coming across. Right. You need to be able to have a conversation, and so many people don't. So I'm hoping that, you know, the show pushes that and pronounces that. But again, I really hope the show pushes that a black woman can lead in the sports industry, that a black woman can do in the sports industry, and that a black woman can be in the sports industry. So for me, I would love, again, my goal is not to just become a national name, so my international name, you know, on international shows, but, you know, I want everybody to hopefully, you know, see what we're building and what we're creating. So that's the goal, I think, for listening with k and N. I want to get my merchandise back out there. And people were actually. But people don't really know our vision and purpose, again, to kind of give a voice to the people who'd feel like they're not heard or the people get their story straight, you know? And so just to build, again, bring back real conversation in a journalistic manner. Right. So many also, if you say something that doesn't mean I'm not going to follow up on it. I want to know on a journalistic way. Right. How can we have that real conversation? And that's kind of what I want to bring back to folks. So hopefully soon there will be a k and a. Yeah. You know, somewhere for folks to tune in, listen to, support. But for now, there's Liw, K and N, so they can still watch. [01:23:08] Speaker A: There you go. There you go. That is good. That is good. K and N coming to you all soon. [01:23:17] Speaker B: You heard it here first. [01:23:21] Speaker A: So if anybody wants to contact you, reach you, or just follow you, where can they go? Go. [01:23:27] Speaker B: Easiest way is my website, Kelsey nicolenelson.com. if you want to get in contact with me, just go ahead and fill that contact form. It goes right to me and only me right now. Check that out on social media. Just the real Kay Nelson. Very active on there. LinkedIn and Facebook just by name. Kelsey Nicole Nelson. Again, want to connect in and just be in fellowship with people. And if you want to follow the podcast, just listen in with cannon.com, and then you can listen to in with KN.com anywhere you listen to your favorite podcast. So be sure to hit that subscribe button. But again, I hope to connect with folks and just, just shop it up, talk shop, talk sports, you know, whatever it is that I can hopefully do to just connect with people, then I'm Connector. I'm a storyteller. [01:24:10] Speaker A: That's good. That is good. Y'all heard it first. Ladies and gentlemen, Cassie Nicole Nelson. Kn yes, absolutely. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Kelsey Nicole Nelson. Listen, you have to say her whole name because her name is her brand, you all. Her name is her brand. And so one of the just, I mean, there were so many takeaways, but one, I love the fact that she kept it moving. She always pressed. And I know a lot of times rejections and setbacks can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities. So don't give up on your dreams and trust that hard work and patience will pay off. Absolutely. Thank you again, Kelsey. Y'all definitely touch base with her. Social media links are down below. Contact her, reach out, support her endeavors. And, hey, it's your turn. Your turn. I just want to thank you all for watching this video. I'm excited about your growth and your transformation quest to become the person God has created you to be. So I will definitely see you in the next video and hit the subscribe button to hear also. Why not you? We cannot become what we need if we remain where we are. Y'all have a blessed week, and I'll see you next time. Dee Wells. I'm out.