We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keisha McKinnor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keisha below.
Alright, Keisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
Several years ago I read an article about the crisis of low self-esteem in girls and how this has pervasive effects on their young lives and futures, including performance in school, relationships with family and friends, and physical and mental health. This not only opened my eyes to the issue that is prevalent in underserved areas and in disadvantaged families, but struck a cord in my heart to want to help these girls build confidence; seeing themselves as leaders. Why? Because I was once that girl who never achieved according to my full potential because of the lack of confidence I had.
Keisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born and reared in Chicago, Illinois, a city I love dearly. When I reached my thirties I realized, aside from traveling, I had never left Chicago thus deciding I wanted to experience life someplace else. I took a bold, faith move and relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, without a job and as a single mother of my 3 year old son. Fast forward, that was 24 years ago. I began working in commercial real estate and property management, climbing the corporate ladder while completing a B.S. in Management and an MBA. In 2011 my life changed forever. At 41 I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.
My cancer journey was difficult. The treatments took a toll on me physically, mentally and emotionally. When I finally recovered and went into remission my paradigm shifted. I was no longer interested in enticements a corporate career offered. I longed for more purposeful work – giving back and changing lives. I didn’t immediate leave my lucrative real estate career but eventually would.
In 2017 I founded my nonprofit, Thrive Community Services. At that time our organization began with a mission to improve the lives of families and children. As we navigated through our first program, we discovered a great need to focus on a strong leadership program for female youth from underserved communities. Thus, the organization underwent a rebranding in 2021 and renamed the organization MKUU (pronounced “em-koo”). In the Swahili language, MKUU means “chief,” capturing the critical message we aim to impart on those we serve: we as girls and women can be the heads of our lives and leaders of the world, and that to lead means to have the conviction to influence others to stand together, rather than apart.
Our experiences are not about us; yet for the benefit of others and that’s my mission…approaching life’s experiences with a focus on growth and contribution. Within MKUU, my consultant business OPINEX Group, and community service, these experiences foster connections and lead to positive change.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
In business I was always taught that a competitor was anyone that had a similar business who could infringe on your target market and that you don’t fraternize with the competition.
One day I received an invite to submit a request for proposal for a huge consulting contract. As I was filling out the proposal I realized my small operations could not meet the need of the scope they desired although I knew I could do the work. Just as I was deciding to back out an acquaintance contacted me on a separate issue. Then it hit me. His business could easily handle this but he didn’t have the invite to apply. I was hesitant because as someone who offered similar services I feared he could take the business for himself. My instinct kept telling me to collaborate. That’s what I did. Although we weren’t awarded the contract it taught me that others don’t have to be competitors, instead partners in this great ecosystem of mine.
Lesson learned: foster collaboration with business colleagues – you never know what it will lead to. This statement is true for both profit and nonprofits – there’s enough work to go around, and then some.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to lead with truth and respect. When I managed teams, I was always honest with them even when it was painful. I stop at saying transparency because as a leader you often have to maintain confidentiality of organizational strategy, team dynamics and personal situations. All can have an effect on decisions and operations. When I couldn’t share information I would express that as well. But because of the trust I built with my teams it was never an issue.
Also, make sure you know your team members and manage according to the individual talents development aspirations. I cheered them on when they moved up on into areas they wanted to go. I encourage and teach others to see the power within themselves. I was never afraid of someone “taking my job.” I trained my team to do what I did. Their success was my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mkuuisyou.org and www.opinexgroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkuuisyou/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkuuisyou
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkuuisyou or https://www.linkedin.com/in/keishaamckinnor/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkuuisyou
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_ktAWRIJyU-igP2nuNl0Q or my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kamckinnor/featured
- Other: To donate to MKUU: https://mkuuisyou.org/donate
Image Credits
No photo credits to share. They all belong to me and/or were taken on my camera.