We were lucky to catch up with Fatima Kargbo- Gathers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Fatima , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

When I think about what my parents did right, the first thing that comes to mind is how intentionally they raised my sisters and me to understand where we came from. My parents immigrated from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and while they were determined to build a new life here, they never let us forget our roots. They made sure we understood our cultural foundation — the values of hard work, resilience, and community — and that education was something no one could ever take away from us.

I remember my parents often saying, “Your education is your passport — it can take you anywhere.” That belief has guided me through every stage of my life. They taught us that success wasn’t just about personal achievement but about how you show up for others. People may forget your words, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel and how you stood by them when it mattered.

Those lessons have deeply influenced both my personal and professional journey. Being raised in a multicultural household helped me relate to people from all backgrounds and find common ground easily — something that has been invaluable in my work. It also shaped my life’s mission: to help others step into their power and potential. When I started my business, it was with that very purpose in mind — to support people in putting their best foot forward, whether through interview preparation, resume development, or salary negotiation.

In many ways, I see my parents’ legacy of hard work and service continuing through the work I do today. Their example taught me that helping others isn’t just a choice — it’s a responsibility and a privilege.

Fatima , 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’m Fatima Kargbo-Gathers, a Human Resources leader and founder of Hire Influence Consulting, where I help organizations and individuals design effective talent strategies, strengthen leadership pipelines, and foster inclusive workplace cultures. With a career spanning the technology, healthcare, finance, and telecommunications industries, I bring both corporate expertise and entrepreneurial insight to everything I do.

I was raised with a deep appreciation for hard work, education, and purpose. My upbringing instilled in me the belief that true success is defined not only by what you achieve, but by how you uplift others along the way. Those values have guided my approach to leadership and remain at the core of how I serve clients and communities today.

I discovered my passion for helping others grow through my work in Human Resources and Talent Development, where I’ve had the opportunity to partner with leaders and teams to bring out the best in people. Before launching my own consulting firm, I served as a Senior Technical Recruiting Business Partner at Microsoft, where I collaborated with leadership to align recruitment strategies with business goals and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Earlier in my career, I led large-scale recruitment programs, improved hiring processes, and developed engagement and retention strategies that strengthened workplace culture and employee experience.

When I founded Hire Influence Consulting, my goal was to create a space where both professionals and organizations could thrive. I offer services such as resume writing, interview preparation, and salary negotiation coaching—equipping clients to step confidently into new opportunities. In the future, I would like to help organizations design leadership development programs and talent strategies that build strong, inclusive teams and support long-term business success.

What sets my work apart is the heart behind it. Coming from a multicultural background allows me to connect with people from all walks of life with empathy, curiosity, and respect. I see every client relationship as a partnership built on trust, authenticity, and shared growth. Beyond my business, I’m deeply committed to service. I serve on the Boards of the AnnieRuth Foundation and C5 of Georgia, member and avid volunteer with the Junior League of Atlanta, and mentor for young women from 6th -12th grade through Every Girl Shines. Service is not just something I do—it’s who I am. Helping others put their best foot forward, both personally and professionally, is my life’s mission.

A Florida native by way of Boston, Massachusetts, I now call Atlanta, Georgia home. What I’m most proud of isn’t just building a business—it’s building confidence in others. My brand, Hire Influence, is rooted in purpose: to help people and organizations lead with intention, grow with integrity, and influence the world for good.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my reputation within the market has been built on two core principles — authentic relationships and collaboration over competition. Networking has been an essential part of my journey, not just in the traditional sense of meeting people, but in truly connecting with like-minded professionals who share similar values and a commitment to excellence.

Having a strong network of peers in the same industry has been invaluable. We actively support each other — sharing referrals, collaborating on projects, and even exchanging clients when one of us offers a service that another doesn’t. I believe there’s real power in community and that success is amplified when we lift others up rather than compete for the same space.

For me, building a reputation has never been about self-promotion; it’s about serving with integrity and adding value wherever I can. Supporting other small businesses, mentoring new professionals, and championing collaboration has allowed my network — and my brand — to grow organically through trust and shared success.

Ultimately, I think what sets me apart is that I see networking not as a transaction, but as a relationship. When you invest in people, celebrate their wins, and genuinely want to see them succeed, the business follows naturally.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

For me, fostering brand loyalty starts with genuine relationships. I truly care about the people I work with — not just as clients, but as individuals — and I believe that authentic connection is what keeps relationships strong long after a project ends.

I make it a point to check in quarterly with my clients, not only to see how their professional goals are progressing but also to ask how they and their families are doing. Those conversations often go beyond business; they’re about maintaining trust, showing genuine interest, and celebrating milestones together.

I also stay connected through personalized follow-ups, sharing relevant resources, and celebrating their wins — whether it’s a promotion, a new opportunity, or a business expansion. My goal is to create a lasting partnership built on care, consistency, and value.

At the heart of it, brand loyalty grows when clients feel seen, supported, and remembered. By showing up consistently and authentically, I’m able to maintain relationships that extend far beyond a single engagement — they become part of a community of mutual respect, growth, and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hireinfluenceconsulting.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimakargbo-gathers
• Other: Can share my most recent interview on Youtube with a fellow influencer: https://www.youtube.com/live/aTvK0JvEQbE?si=Zx7FOmghAXG2g7ER