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

Aisha, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my professional career is the importance of setting firm boundaries in the workplace. Early in my career, I found myself taking on more tasks than I could handle and often saying “yes” to every request. While I wanted to prove my dedication and value, it quickly led to burnout and affected both my physical and mental well-being.

Through this experience, I realized that honoring my own limits was crucial not just for my health but also for the quality of my work. By setting clear boundaries with clients and colleagues, I was able to focus more effectively, prioritize my responsibilities, and ultimately deliver better results. This lesson taught me that self-care is not just a personal matter; it’s a professional necessity. Since then, I’ve been more mindful of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which has allowed me to be more present and effective in my role.

Aisha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into communications officially began through church service, but it was something I was surrounded by my entire life. Growing up, stories, reading, and the written word were cornerstones in my family. I come from a lineage of leaders—lawyers, doctors, teachers, and community organizers—who were actively involved in Greek organizations and community groups. Their influence naturally led me to immerse myself in writing, clubs, and community work from a young age.

I had my first job as an intern at 16 at the Black Voice News, an experience that was both formative and empowering. By the time I was 18, I had already been published, which was a proud milestone that affirmed my passion for storytelling and connecting with people through words. This early exposure to professional communication taught me the value of amplifying voices and stories that matter, and it set the stage for my career.

What sets me apart in my work today is this blend of early community involvement, professional experience, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of communication to drive change. My background in church service, journalism, and community engagement has equipped me with the ability to craft messages that not only inform but also inspire and unite. I’m most proud of my dedication to creating inclusive and thoughtful communications that resonate on a human level.

My brand is about authenticity, clarity, and building narratives that align with core values and foster a sense of community. I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is more than just crafting messages—it’s about using the power of storytelling to make a meaningful impact.

Have you ever had to pivot?

After completing my undergraduate studies, I entered the job market during the height of the economic crisis and the collapse of the housing market. Finding work in journalism was incredibly challenging. I managed to secure a position at a newspaper, but within six weeks, the publication announced its closure. The newspaper industry was rapidly declining as the internet transformed how people consumed news. Traditional print publications were struggling to keep up, and it left me feeling defeated. Not only was it difficult to find a job in journalism, but even roles like city writing positions required more experience than I had at the time.

In an unplanned pivot, I took a sales job selling cruises for a major cruise line. Initially, I felt like a failure because I wasn’t working in my chosen field. I had always been adamant about using my degree and staying true to my passion for writing. However, this unexpected turn became a crucial stepping stone in my career. In sales, I learned about consumer behavior, sales psychology, and marketing theory. I began to see how my writing skills could extend beyond just reporting breaking news. I discovered the power of storytelling with purpose—how it could be used to help people and organizations connect in meaningful ways.

This experience opened the door to a career in communications and public relations, showing me that my skills were versatile and valuable in different contexts. It taught me that sometimes, pivoting isn’t about giving up on your dreams but rather finding a new way to achieve them.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea of perfectionism. I’ve always described myself as a perfectionist—meticulous and detail-oriented, often striving to ensure every aspect of my work is flawless. However, this mindset frequently led to procrastination, as I would delay tasks in an effort to make them “perfect.” Over time, I realized that this pursuit of perfection was more of a hindrance than a help.

I had to unlearn the idea that something must be perfect to be valuable. Through various experiences, I learned that imperfections often add a layer of authenticity to our work. They can resonate with others in a way that a perfectly packaged product cannot. By allowing myself to embrace the flaws and see the beauty in imperfection, I began to produce work that was not just polished but also genuine and relatable.

This shift in mindset has been liberating. Now, I focus on progress over perfection, understanding that growth comes from the process, not just the outcome. It has taught me that purpose isn’t found in perfection, but in the effort, intention, and the willingness to be real. Embracing the gifts of imperfection has allowed me to connect more deeply with others and has made my work more meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyaesha?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murphy4hire
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sis-the-podcast/id1553498462

Image Credits

Jelani Shot This – Jelani Lockert