Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kassi Kincaid. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kassi, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Book Days stands as my most significant professional achievement and personal passion. This program holds profound meaning for me due to its potential to foster a love of reading in children, which is crucial for academic success. Research shows that children who achieve grade-level reading proficiency by fourth grade are significantly more likely to complete high school, secure higher-paying jobs, and avoid involvement in the criminal justice system.

The core mission of Book Days is to empower children to reach their full potential and improve their life outcomes through literacy. What began as a modest initiative in a single school has evolved into an international movement, a growth trajectory that has further fueled my dedication to this cause.

The program’s expansion from local to global scale demonstrates its effectiveness and universal appeal. This growth has not only validated our approach but also highlighted the widespread need for innovative literacy programs. As Book Days continues to expand its reach, we remain committed to our foundational goal: nurturing a love for reading that opens doors to lifelong learning and success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As an unexpected entrepreneur, I discovered my passion for combining business acumen with social impact during an internship at the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This experience reshaped my career trajectory, leading me to apply my business administration skills to a greater purpose after graduating with a degree in Business Administration.

My professional journey began at my family’s preschool, where I found fulfillment in positively influencing children’s lives from an administrative perspective. Seeking a creative outlet, I experimented with pairing children’s books and experiences, unknowingly laying the foundation for Book Days – a multifaceted children’s literacy program designed to inspire a love of reading.

Book Days encompasses three key components:
1. Live theatrical events featuring book readings with character performances and themed
activities
2. A YouTube channel showcasing children’s books through real-world adventures
3. A global mentorship program for educators to bring literature to life in classrooms

As Book Days evolved, it emerged as a unique solution to the global challenge of illiteracy. Our program distinguishes itself by focusing on cultivating a love for reading, particularly in Title 1 schools, rather than merely distributing books or teaching reading skills. This approach addresses the fundamental question: what motivates children to want to read?

The program’s growth has been bolstered by community support and partnerships with organizations such as United Way, the Kendra Scott Foundation, and NFL legend Derrick Johnson’s Defend the Dream Foundation. These collaborations underscore the power of creativity and community in driving meaningful impact.

For over six years, I have witnessed the transformative power of creativity, touching the lives of more than 20,000 children through our initiatives. This experience has ignited my passion for empowering adults to recognize and harness their creative potential.

As a TEDx and keynote speaker, I am dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools to leverage their creativity, enhancing both their personal and professional lives. My mission is to unlock the innate creative capacity within every individual, fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving across diverse fields.

I firmly believe that creative thinking is the key to overcoming even the most formidable challenges, and I am committed to helping others unleash their creative potential to make a lasting impact on the world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of my most memorable experiences in resilience and creative problem-solving occurred when I gained access to a YouTube shoot in Maine. The goal was to film inside the iconic Portland Head Light, pairing it perfectly with Sophie Blackall’s book, “Hello Lighthouse.” However, this location, controlled by the Coast Guard, was closed to the public.

Initially, the main office confirmed my expectations, stating that public access was not permitted. However, I was determined not to let this setback derail the project. I firmly believe that in life, there are two doors: the front door and the creative door. When the former is closed, it’s time to seek the latter.

After some strategic thinking, I decided to approach the town council directly. I located their email addresses online and submitted a formal request. This approach led me back to the original contact, but this time, she was more receptive to exploring possibilities. With their assistance, we secured permission from the Coast Guard, and the filming became a reality.

This experience reinforced a crucial lesson: creativity must be coupled with persistence to be truly effective. Accepting the first “no” often means missing out on extraordinary opportunities. It’s not about disrespecting authority, but rather about finding innovative ways to overcome obstacles. When the conventional path is blocked, it’s time to seek the creative alternative.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In retrospect, I recognize the significant value of LinkedIn as a professional networking tool, and I could have leveraged it earlier in my career. Initially, I focused my efforts on Instagram for content distribution, which, while valuable, did not offer the same professional networking opportunities as LinkedIn.

As my program evolved, I came to appreciate LinkedIn’s immense potential for building a robust professional network and adding value to my industry. An active LinkedIn presence is instrumental in establishing oneself as a thought leader and facilitates meaningful interactions with potential collaborators and stakeholders.

LinkedIn provides a platform to share expertise, engage with industry peers, and disseminate your message to a targeted, professional audience. It’s crucial to cultivate this network proactively, rather than waiting until a specific need arises.

I’ve learned that making a substantial impact often requires collaboration and engagement with others in your field. LinkedIn serves as an ideal conduit for these professional relationships, enabling you to connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and potential partners.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bookdays.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassi_kincaid/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialbookdays/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassi-kincaid-speaker/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/bookdays
• Other: TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbW5mx4bxP0