We were lucky to catch up with Kalah Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kalah, thanks for joining us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?
Before my HR career started, I remember being on the other side as an employee. I did not have a pleasurable experience with HR that initial changed my outlook of the department. Now, as a Human Resource Professional, it’s important to create an inclusive work environment for employees to feel safe, heard and respected.
What shaped my views on the workplace was at my previous employer. Seeing how all departments even on the executive leadership level were actively involved in the workplace when it came to inclusivity, was something I never experienced before. The love and care for their employees brought enjoy to my heart. They were a company that actually lived by their mission statement and it was such a honor to work for such a great organization.
There’s moments were inclusive was the number one priority. I think it’s impactful when company’s have goals that vigorously focus on creating a positive work culture. A business that embraces diversity, make employees feel valued, demonstrate open communication and have opportunities for growth is an ideal company to work for from HR perspective.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Kalah Smith. I’m Human Resource Professional as well as an entrepreneur (Travel Vlogger, Model and etc).
I got into both industries during the pandemic. In the beginning of 2020, I made a promise to myself that I would create my travel vlog that year and document all my travels just like the year prior. After January it was a whirlwind, I lost my job but quickly found another job to pay the bills. In March, the deadly tornado ripped through my neighborhood. After surviving the tornado, the pandemic unfolded. After a couple months of pure choas, I was diagnosed with COVID-19. Not only was I diagnosed with COVID once but I tested positive for COVID twice back to back. Forced to quit my essential job, I quickly ran to a temp agency. Luckily, my psychology degree allowed me to enter the workforce as a remote HR Analyst. Which was the start of Human Resources journey.
Because so many mishaps happened when it came to employment, I went much harder with my travel vlog.
Kalah.Worldwide was born!
Unfortunately the hype was not good enough. The world being locked down made it extremely difficult to create travel related content. Hitting another road block, I still pushed through and produced as much content that I could.
As the restrictions lifted, life started to slightly go downhill with the loss of a prominent family member. It started to become a struggle to keep myself motivated.
Despite being indifferent, throughout the years, I’ve partnered with local businesses, collab with content creators and had meetings with companies that would like to work with me in the future. Which quickly regain my momentum to continue my travel vlogging career.
What I am most proud of is my resilience. I have stopped and rest along the way but I still kept pushing and have had great outcomes within each area. What I would like for people to know about me is that I am a person that’s ready to show the world who I am and what my brand is all about. I have so much more in store, follow me and stay tune!!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I love the word resilient. My life story shows how I am a true testament of what it means to be resilient.
In 2014, two months after graduating from high school my brother passed away.
Overwhelmed with grief, I found a new purpose in life and had a bigger drive to become successful.
Unfortunately, he did not get the chance to attend college, start a family, build a legacy or have the opportunity to live his life the way he wanted to. My brother’s memory lives long through me which resulted in me graduating with two dual bachelor’s degrees with three and half-years. I’ve worked in high established places and I’ve worked along aside well known individuals.
My brother is, to this day, my biggest motivator and I will continue the journey to become successful.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal as far as a Human Resource Professional is to become a consultant for companies on how to generate happy, loyal employees by creating a positive and safe work environment.
My goal for my travel vlog is to share the world through my travels. I want to inspire people to explore these amazing and exotic destinations. For the people, who cannot travel, I hope they can imagine themselves in those wonderful locations I was able to capture. There’s so much beauty in the world that it should be seen!
As far as my modeling, I’m still continuing to build my portfolio and hope to work with brands soon!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalah.worldwide/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kalah.worldwide
Image Credits
Kalah Smith