We recently connected with Julius Hoggard and have shared our conversation below.
Julius, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear stories from your time in school/training/etc.
After graduating from Plymouth High School, located in Plymouth, NC, I enrolled at Elizabeth City State University, where I pursued a major in Sociology. This choice of major laid the foundation for my career in Human Services, with a particular focus on Mental Health. It also provided me with the opportunity to obtain a license as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), enabling me to serve individuals of all ages in the mental health field. Furthermore, through my unwavering dedication and hard work, I earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from graduate school.
Julius, 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?
I am Julius Hoggard, a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) with over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. My journey in this industry began after I graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a degree in Sociology, which sparked my passion for Human Services, specifically within the realm of Mental Health. As a QMHP, I have the privilege of providing counseling and support to both children and adults. My primary goal is to assist individuals in overcoming mental health challenges and achieving their personal goals, in all walks of life, but particularly the African American community, with a direct relationship with African American men in America. I offer individual as well as group counseling, utilizing a variety of counseling techniques tailored to the unique needs of each client. In addition to my work as a mental health professional, I am also involved with Gman Entertainment as a Music Executive. This role allows me to engage with artists from various genres, providing them with a full-service entertainment experience and meeting their diverse music-related needs. What sets me apart from others is my well-rounded background. With my undergraduate degree in Sociology, my experience in the mental health field, and my Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), I bring a unique blend of expertise that encompasses both the human services aspect and the business side of the industry. This combination allows me to approach my work with a holistic perspective, understanding the individual needs of people while also considering the broader business aspects of the mentla health field and entertainment industry. I take immense pride in my counseling skills and my ability to connect with clients in a compassionate and approachable manner. Building strong therapeutic relationships is at the core, as it enables people to feel comfortable, open up, and make positive changes in their lives. I am dedicated to helping people reach their goals, develop new behaviors, and improve their overall well-being. Whether it’s through counseling, guidance in the music industry, or a combination of both, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those I work with.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Throughout my journey, I faced numerous challenges and moments where giving up seemed like the easiest option. However, I persevered, driven by my strong faith in the Most High and the unwavering support of my parents, who instilled in me invaluable moral values. One story that truly reflects my resilience occurred during my undergraduate studies. As I pursued my degree in Sociology, I faced financial hardships that made it difficult to continue my education. The mounting pressure of tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses was overwhelming, and I found myself on the brink of abandoning my dreams. However, it was during this difficult time that my faith and resilience were put to the test. Drawing strength from the words of parents, fraternity brothers, colleagues, and my faith, I made the decision to persevere. I sought out financial aid opportunities, and part-time jobs to alleviate the financial burden. Through hard work, determination, and the support of mentors and loved ones, I managed to navigate through the challenges and continue my education. This experience taught me the power of resilience and the importance of holding onto one’s dreams, even in the face of adversity. It reminded me that setbacks and obstacles are an inherent part of any journey, but it is our determination and unwavering faith that help us overcome them. I am immensely proud of the resilience I have demonstrated throughout my journey. It is a testament to my character and the values instilled in me by my parents. Despite not coming from a privileged background, I have learned to embrace challenges, remain steadfast in my faith in The Most High, and push forward, striving for excellence in my chosen path as a Qualified Mental Health Professional and Music Executive. I carry this resilience into my work, ensuring that I provide the utmost dedication, compassion, and support to people and the music artists I serve. It is my firm belief that resilience and faith, coupled with hard work and a compassionate approach, are the keys to overcoming obstacles and achieving personal and professional success.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that success and fulfillment could only be measured by external achievements and societal expectations. The backstory behind this unlearning process is deeply personal and transformative. Growing up, I was influenced by societal norms and the pursuit of conventional markers of success. The pressure to conform and meet certain expectations led me to define my worth based on external factors such as academic achievements, career advancements, and material possessions. I believed that attaining these milestones would bring me happiness and fulfillment. However, as I embarked on my journey in the mental health field and encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds, I began to witness the limitations of this mindset. I saw individuals who possessed prestigious titles and material wealth but lacked genuine happiness and contentment. On the other hand, I met people who, despite not conforming to societal standards of success, radiated joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Reflecting upon these experiences, I realized the importance of unlearning the belief that external achievements define our worth. I came to understand that true fulfillment stems from living authentically, cultivating meaningful relationships, pursuing passions that align with our values, and nurturing our inner well-being. This realization sparked a transformative shift in my perspective. I began to prioritize self-discovery, personal growth, and nurturing my mental and emotional well-being. I learned to celebrate small victories, embrace my unique journey, and redefine success on my own terms. Now, I approach my work as a mental health professional and music executive with a renewed understanding of the holistic nature of well-being. I strive to help people and artists not only achieve their external goals but also foster inner fulfillment, self-acceptance, and overall happiness. This unlearning process has taught me the invaluable lesson that true success goes beyond societal expectations and material accomplishments. It lies in the pursuit of authenticity, personal growth, and cultivating a sense of purpose aligned with one’s core values. By unlearning the narrow definition of success, I have been able to embrace a more holistic and fulfilling approach to life and work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gmanent.com/
- Instagram: LilTwinTheLevite