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

Imani, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

During my first year of college, I felt completely invisible at my HBCU. While most people saw me thriving as an honors student, White House Scholar, and advocate, I felt less encouraged to share my voice because of the exhaustion that I was experiencing as a result of leading throughout my high school years.

Most people would imagine college to be the best time of their lives, but my introduction to college was met with lots of rejection and redirection. I was sitting in my dorm with my roommate expressing my desire to lead, but there was an absence of space that I needed to uplift myself. My roommate told me to start a YouTube channel. I responded, “Girl, bye! I’m not doing that”.

Months later the words “Black Girls Lead Too” came to me. I instantly wrote those words down and use them as affirmation for myself. When I looked at the student and faculty leadership on my campus I realized that the issues I face on my campus reflect the larger issues of the world. In attempt to develop a leadership pipeline and help other Black girls on my campus feel like they too can lead I decided to turn Black Girls Lead Too into an initiative focused on leadership, social justice, and Black girlhood. I truly believe this program will help to close opportunity gaps for Black women and girls and we will see a drastic positive spark in research and data.

It took me two years to gather the courage to actually start. I wrestled with imposter syndrome and self doubt. My final push to start was getting a message from a stranger sharing information about a potential opportunity to pitch any business in exchange for a stipend. I took the opportunity after doing some research on their company.

Following this, I hosted an event on my campus to introduce the idea of Black Girls Lead Too. We focused on Black Girlhood, intersectionality, and socialization and shared how it personally impacted us during the event. I than began to wonder what the world would would look life if leadership felt less fugitive for us and more inviting and liberating.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Ever since I was a young girl I’ve always chosen creative paths to navigate the world. As a young girl, my wildest dream was to become a princess. As I grew older my passions changed, but one thing remained the same I wanted to make choices that would influence others to dream bold and big! I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. In elementary school, I wanted a talk show after watching Keke Palmer’s “Just Keke”. They say what you imagine as a child always has a funny way of manifesting as an adult.

I got into social justice work when I was in high school. I always told my teacher, Ms. Davis that I was going be an advocate. During my time in high school I co-founded a diversity, equity, and inclusion task force and affinity groups that would help students feel seen. Additionally, in my leisure time I would host Black girl empowerment events and call them “Beyond the Illusion of Magic”. The goal of each of the session was to create a safe and loving space that would encourage them to be inspired by collective community.

While being at school I realized that who I was as a child and in my teenage years prepared me for this very moment. As suicide rates increase for Black women and girls between the ages of 15-24 its important that we intentionally disrupt the systems that are intended to harm them. Aside from any other demographic, Black girls are pathologized, criminalized, and underrepresented at large levels.

I think what sets me a part from most people is my willingness to serve – Its not an easy task, but I believe that God has given me the courage to help others see the goodness inside themselves. I love willingly and it is my prayer that everyone who encounters me feels led to dream bigger and bolder because of the glory in themselves.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn lack. Far too often we feel a sense of urgency for the validation of others and I had to unlearn that. It has truly been a journey, but once you realize that you lack nothing your entire mindset begins to shift. I learned more about myself by interrogating the roots of my feelings. When I started leaning into the audacity of who I could be and tapping into little Imani and her desire I learned so much about myself.

I can’t say that it’s always easy because that wouldn’t be true, but I can say that I am doing my best. When lack shows up to steal my joy and cause anxiousness I know now how to respond with truth and authority.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, there have been many books and podcasts that have inspired my entrepreneurial journey.

Some of my favorite podcasts to listen to that have helped me develop personally are:

1. Earn Your Leisure
2. Social Proof Podcast
3. Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Some books that ave inspired me are:

1. I Hope You Fail by Pinky Cole
2. Doing Business Gods Way by Shae Bynes

These resources have helped me on my journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imanii.christine/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imani-wulff-cochrane-49bbb023b
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ImaniXchristine