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

Genise , appreciate you joining us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me wasn’t a single grand gesture, but rather a series of opportunities extended by various individuals throughout my career journey. As a person of color who faced challenges in accessing resources and had to prioritize family over education early on, these opportunities were transformative.

What makes these acts of kindness so meaningful is that they aligned perfectly with my values and work ethic. I’ve never sought handouts or freebies; instead, I’ve always believed in working hard and earning my way. The individuals who showed me kindness did so by recognizing my abilities and offering me chances to prove myself.

These opportunities came in various forms: a chance to jumpstart my career in insurance, an introduction that led to landing my first big client, and connections with a network of professionals who believed in my potential. Even today, I continue to meet people who contribute to my growth and progress.

By opening doors and extending opportunities, these individuals didn’t just help me advance my career – they affirmed my worth and potential. Their actions exemplified that kindness doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes, it’s as simple as believing in someone and giving them a chance to shine.

This experience has shaped my own approach to kindness. I now make a conscious effort to ‘pay it forward’ by intentionally creating opportunities for others, especially those who might face similar barriers. I’ve learned that true kindness in the professional world often means empowering others to succeed on their own merits.

In essence, the kindest thing anyone has done for me was to recognize my drive and capabilities, and then provide the platform for me to demonstrate them. This form of kindness – extending earned opportunities – has been the cornerstone of my professional growth and continues to inspire my journey as a lifelong learner and mentor to others.

Genise , 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 entered the insurance industry through a combination of opportunity and sheer determination. From the outset, I recognized the potential for a career that could provide both long-term impact and financial freedom, allowing me to advance and grow.

My journey into entrepreneurship was born from leveraging my transferable skills, building a strong network, and discovering my true purpose in life. It’s been a path of trial and error, but ultimately, it’s been incredibly rewarding.

What sets me apart is my resilience and fearlessness in the face of failure. I view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, always pushing forward. This mindset has been crucial in navigating the challenges of both the insurance industry and entrepreneurship.

After 23 years in the industry, I now serve in the capacity of a learning and development professional. This role allows me to share my extensive experience and knowledge with others in the insurance field, fostering growth and excellence across the industry.

In my current position, I lead a dynamic team that creates and delivers learning strategies to enhance our employees’ skills and knowledge, empowering them to excel in their roles and elevate client service standards across the insurance industry.

However, my passion for helping others doesn’t stop at the boundaries of the insurance industry. Outside of work, I serve as a career and business champion for individuals from all walks of life. I’m dedicated to empowering people to achieve their professional goals, whether they’re in insurance or any other field.

What I’m most proud of is the positive impact I’ve been able to make in people’s lives and careers – whether it’s through developing crucial training programs, mentoring aspiring professionals, or contributing to initiatives that foster growth and success.

For potential clients, followers, and anyone interested in my work, I want you to know that I’m not just focused on insurance – I’m committed to professional development and empowerment across the board. My goal is to help others realize their potential and achieve their career and business aspirations, regardless of their industry.

I believe in the power of continuous learning, hard work, and giving back. These principles guide everything I do, both in my role as a learning and development professional and as a career and business champion. If you’re looking for someone who understands the challenges of professional growth, values ongoing education, and is committed to elevating others, then I’m here to help.

Remember, success isn’t just about individual achievement – it’s about equity for everyone and helping others along the way. That’s the philosophy that drives me, and it’s what I bring to every interaction, whether it’s a training session, a mentoring relationship, or a community initiative.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Pivoting isn’t about failure—it’s about adaptability and making tough choices. The most significant pivot in my life came early on when I became a teenage mother. I had to make the difficult decision to prioritize my child over my education at that time. This wasn’t a setback, but a redirection that shaped my path forward.

This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and resilience. It showed me that life doesn’t always follow a conventional route, and that’s okay. This early pivot instilled in me the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, a skill that has served me well throughout my career in insurance and as an entrepreneur.

I’ve come to see pivoting as a strength, not a weakness. It’s about recognizing when a change is necessary and having the courage to make that change. This mindset has allowed me to navigate challenges in both my personal and professional life, always finding ways to move forward and grow, even when the path looks different than I initially expected.

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

Building a strong reputation has been crucial to my success, and several key factors have contributed to this:

1.I’ve always believed in being genuine in my interactions. People appreciate honesty and can sense when you’re being real with them.

2.I focus on building relationships rather than just making deals. This approach creates trust and fosters long-term connections.

3.I’ve consistently worked to expand my expertise in my field. Being well-informed allows me to provide valuable insights and solutions to clients and colleagues.

4.I’ve found that my ability to connect people with others who can help them has been invaluable. It’s not always about what I can do directly, but about creating a network of support and opportunity.

5.Operating with strong ethical principles has been non-negotiable for me. This has helped me build trust and respect in my professional circles.

6. Under-promising and over-delivering: I believe in setting realistic expectations and then exceeding them. This approach has consistently led to satisfied clients and strong professional relationships.

These principles have guided me throughout my career, from my early days in insurance to my current role in learning and development, and in my capacity as a career and business champion. They’ve helped me build a reputation as someone who is not only competent and knowledgeable but also trustworthy and genuinely invested in others’ success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beinpowered.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theenikkiet?igsh=OWlxeGJiazV2cGxp
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genise-thomas-b5500861?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Socially Crafted is located in Frederick MD

Operated and owned by Ciara Graham