We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Clark recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberly , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

One of the most important lessons I’ve carried from my time in the Navy into my business as a speaker is the power of discipline, structure, and resilience. Joining the military was no easy feat for me—I had to lose a significant amount of weight just to qualify for basic training. Once I got in, the challenges didn’t stop. The intense physical demands and mental fortitude required to graduate taught me how to adapt to new environments and thrive under pressure.

That experience shaped the foundation of my business today. As a speaker, I share my story to inspire others to overcome their own challenges, whether they’re veterans, teens, or those battling trauma and addiction. Just as I adapted and thrived in the military, I’ve built a business that is structured, intentional, and purpose-driven. The Navy didn’t just teach me how to persevere, it taught me how to lead with integrity and resilience, lessons I now pass on to my audiences every day.

Kimberly , 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 Kimberly Clark, a Navy veteran, best-selling author, and emotional intelligence expert, and my journey into the speaking industry began with my own story of resilience. I’ve faced profound challenges, from battling childhood trauma and military sexual assault to overcoming a 12-year struggle with drug addiction. These experiences shaped who I am and gave me a deep passion for helping others navigate their own hardships.

Today, as the founder of Kimberly Clark Speaks, I provide motivational speaking services, workshops, and coaching to inspire healing, mindset transformation, and authentic living. My work spans a variety of audiences, including teens, veterans, educators, and at-risk youth. Through my speeches and programs, I tackle issues such as mental health, overcoming the inner critic, developing emotional intelligence, and substance use avoidance. My goal is to equip my audiences, mostly teens, with actionable tools to overcome adversity, embrace their unique identity, and pursue fulfilling lives.

What sets me apart is the way I weave vulnerability, authenticity, and humor into my storytelling. My best-selling books, Stuck Between Pleasure and Pleasing God and Make Up Your Mindset, reflect my commitment to helping others find strength and purpose. I also developed The Weight Is Over, a book highlighting the resilience needed to achieve lifestyle changes, which further showcases my belief in transformation.

One of the things I’m most proud of is using my platform to normalize conversations around healing and personal growth. Whether I’m speaking to a room full of veterans, coaching teens on mindset, or empowering women to overcome addiction, my mission is clear: to help others recognize their potential, heal from their past, and take control of their future.

My brand is about more than just inspiration, it’s about action. I want potential clients and followers to know that I’m here to provide more than just hope; I’m here to deliver real strategies for change. My journey is proof that resilience and transformation are possible, and I aim to guide others on their own path to success.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that asking for help was a sign of weakness. For years, I carried the mindset that I had to do everything on my own—whether it was during my time in the Navy, battling addiction, or building my business. I thought admitting I needed support would make me look incapable, and I tried to power through every challenge alone.

The turning point came when I hit rock bottom during my recovery journey. I realized that my pride and refusal to seek help were keeping me stuck. I finally reached out to trusted mentors and leaned on my support system, and that made all the difference. It taught me that strength doesn’t come from going it alone—it comes from knowing when to lean on others.

In business, this mindset shift has been invaluable. I’ve learned that collaboration and seeking guidance are key to growth. Whether it’s hiring experts, asking for feedback, or networking with peers, I now embrace the power of community. Unlearning the stigma around asking for help didn’t just make me a better entrepreneur, it made me a stronger, more compassionate person. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day and one I encourage others to adopt. No one succeeds alone, and that’s okay.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been staying true to who I am and building genuine, human connections. I prioritize being relatable and approachable in every interaction, whether it’s with a client, event organizer, or audience member. While AI and automation are valuable tools, I believe that nothing replaces the power of authentic, human-to-human interaction. Yes, it’s more work, but the meaningful connections I create are worth every extra moment.

Word of mouth has been a huge driver for my growth because I make it a point to overdeliver. If I say I’ll send a contract or W9 within seven days, I’ll send it in two. If I commit to being at an event an hour early, I’ll not only show up on time but also assist the organizers with anything they need to reduce their workload. I understand that my role is to partner with them to ensure their event is a success—not just to make an impact but to make them look good for choosing me.

Additionally, I focus on personalized outreach and the numbers game—reaching out to as many potential clients as possible while tailoring each interaction to show that I genuinely care about their needs and goals. It’s not just about booking a gig; it’s about building a long-lasting relationship. By being dependable, exceeding expectations, and showing up fully for every client, I’ve built a reputation that keeps people coming back and referring me to others.

At the end of the day, it’s about making people feel valued and understood. That’s the heart of my business, and it’s the reason I’ve been able to grow and thrive in this industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kimberlyclarkspeaks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyclarkspeaksteens/profilecard/?igsh=aDJmMXRzaWt0Zzdr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564066732827&mibextid=JRoKGi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyclarkspeaks?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kimberlyclarkspeaks?si=gThINCR_ByxMKRty
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimberlycspeaksteens?_t=8sRyH4IWZuo&_r=1

Image Credits

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