We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr Elma Hairston a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr Elma, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
It takes the drive, determination and tenacity to endure the challenges that life and business present. It is a matter of perspective and the midset it takes to remain focused to hold steadfast to your goal. My plan for success which is stated in my book: uncover and follow your passion, Understand your purpose, maintain a positive attitude, always looking forward and anticipating your next opportunity, Push through barriers and setbacks, exclude negative people from your circle of infuence, stay committed to your mission, study successful people and model their behavior. Success is measured by the height of your apsirations, the breadth of your vision and the depth of your convictions. Success lies not in how wel-known you are, but how well-repseted you are. It is not in the power to take, but the willingness to give.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
The Essence of my person: Dr. Elma Joyce Hairston is a National Speaker, Presenter, and Best-Selling Author, known for her thought-provoking and highly interactive sessions. Her unique speaking and training style inspires audiences to maximize their potential and execute in “excellence without excuses; responsibility without compromise.”
Dr. Hairston was born in Jamestown, North Carolina, lived in Colorado for over a decade, completed a successful career in corporate America, and now calls North Carolina home, where she is the Founder and Managing Director of Dynamic Images International LLC, providing consultations and core skills training in professional development, brand awareness, career advancement and customer service. She has held numerous leadership roles in business, community, church, and political organizations and served on the National Board of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Hairston has spent much of her adult life mentoring girls through her 501(c)3 Dynamic Images by the Hairston Group® “Professional Style at its Finest.”
Dr. Hairston is no stranger to community service in High Point. She is President, High Point Branch NAACP; Board Member – High Point Schools Partnership; Board Member, High Point YWCA, Board Member — John Coltrane Foundation, Member – League of Women Voters of the Piedmont, Member – The Dolley Madison Woman’s Club of GSO. She is the recipient of the 2022 YWCA Woman of Excellence Award and the 2022 HP NAACP T. R. McRae Above and Beyond Award.
Dr. Hairston earned an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service, Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication, a Bachelor of Science in Organization Management and Corporate Etiquette Certification from the American School of Protocol, Atlanta GA.
Ragsdale High School, Jamestown, NC is her alma mater, where she excelled in track and field and was one of two of the first Black cheerleaders. She was one of the first Black contestants in the Miss High Point USA pageant.
Her Book: Becoming Dynamic 7 Compelling Strategies for Success www.dynamicimages4you.com Her Mantra: Why Settle for Good When You Can Become Dynamic!
To whom much is given, much is expected. She is the baby sister of Lucille, Maggie and Billy Hairston and the daughter of Margie and George Hairston whose memory and legacy remain!
The core of my work: Dynamic Images International LLC is a world-class innovator in professional development, customer service, and career advancement. Our mantra is “Why settle for good when you can become dynamic”. We help individuals and corporations expand, enhance, and empower brand perceptions by providing consultations and core skills training. Experience the persona, power, and presence of understanding the impact you make in the professional image you project. It is an external presentation of an internal sate of being fueled by the organization’s core values, guiding principles and mission statement. After my consultation and training, companies and individuals will reflect a brand perception fueled by a company culture and inner spirit reflected from the inside out. Many of the principles can be found in my book Becoming Dynamic 7 Compelling Strategies for Success.
I am most proud of: Spectrum “Pay It Forward” Advertising award for small businesses.
I provide the deliverables to help my clients understand the true essence of “Impact” “Your Impact is Presence in Motion”
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Early in my career I initially allowed the voice of one to put my career on hold. A friend of mine allowed me to present my image consulting strategies to a group of about 25 women. They all had great utility in my presentation but a voice in the offing said “who does she think she is?” Those words caused me to doubt my expertise. At that moment I made it up in my mind that I would acquire all the degrees and certificates in my field of expertise so no one would ever doubt my authenticity or expertise again. And that I did. As well, you might know it, the person who needed most what I had to offer was the one who most rejected my counsel. In the final analysis, a perceived set back is a set up for your next success. Never allow anyone to stand in the way of your dreams and aspirations. In my motivational talks I encourage my audience to believe in the greatness that lives inside. We have all been given a gift and whatever that gift might be no one can do it better. We are more than a conqueror as we emerge from our circumstance as a victor not a victim.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I am and author and my book Becoming Dynamic 7 Compelling Strategies for Success is the catalyst on which I not only impact my own success but the success and businesses of others. This book is my coaching tool used in consultations and core skill training. Becoming Dynamic is for individuals ready to active their potential and embrace the success that has always been there for the taking. The focus is on the ultimate, not the mundane–excellence without excuses, responsibility without compromise. These powerful proven strategies will empower you to become the dynamic individual you were meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dynamicimages4you.com
- Instagram: www.instagran.com/HairstonSpeaks
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Elma.Hairston www.Facebook.com/dynamicimages4you.com
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/Elma-Hairston
- Twitter: www/twitter.com/HairstonSpeaks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKq3maaKY3GatLQ__SVTiFQ