Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristen Elizabeth Stewart. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Kristen Elizabeth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?
Well first and foremost, shout out to Blanche Ely High School class of 2005!!! I was in the Medical Sciences Magnet program at Blanche Ely high school and elected to do the LPN track. This track required us to finish our classes in 2 years with our remaining 2 in clinicals. At the time we only had school 4 days a week and on Fridays we had the option to take additional course hours or to volunteer. I did both. As I started the LPN track in junior year I was not interested completely and I was too afraid to graduate early by myself. ( If I had a time machine moment lol!) So I then enrolled into another program being offered that peaked my interest called ALEAP. We were give 500 paid internship hours at the jobsite of our choice. I elected Pharmacy…and BOOM! There it was! I was 15 years old at Walgreens on Oakland Park and 21st avenue learning all there was behind the trade. I was the apprentice to Tricia Button and Miss Barbara. Upon the completion of my hours they loved my work ethic and hired me under the company. I then transferred to the Walgreens right down the street from Ely and worked under Nibodh Patel until I went off to college.
My fascination in pharmaceuticals wasn’t even the general practice. Believe it or not it was the chemical composition of the medications, it’s affects and sustainability. Of which is why when I met Laura Taylor PharmD it literally was God sent. Laura taught me so much it seemed in many cases since my departure from Walgreens and as a technician I was even more knowledgeable than some Pharmacists…can you believe it?
In my career I have worked in 10+ types of pharmacies at different capacities from Compounding to DME to Transplant to ESRD… and even with my current position at a major Pharmaceutical Software Company have assisted over 200 pharmacies nationwide and in Puerto Rico! Though it has been years since I have left the pharmacy setting , I am actually now well on my way to PharmD. The journey has been so colourful and I have had such great mentorship and experiences paired with unmatched knowledge bestowed upon me that this is literallly about to be the icing on the cake for my career! Though….the true cherry on top with be my PA-C crossover!
….I’m coming for everything! I won’t be satisfied with anything short of that!
Kristen Elizabeth, 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?
One thing about Kristen Stewart is I am definitely multi-faceted, Outside of my primary career I am also the CEO of 2 non-profit organizations, a mentor + Life Coach, CEO of a Sawse Company and Scholar.
Ladies In Pursuit of Success Inc and The Anomaly Inc are my two non profit organizations. The Anomaly is still in it’s developmental stages. However, I fell into my Philanthropic lifestyle very heavily while in college. What prompt it was my pairing with a “little” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program that I entered in somewhere around 2007. Through being exposed to the poverty stricken life my little was unfortunately born into I was able to spark the inner philanthropist whilst seeking resources and aid for my little and her family….this experienced brought about an awareness that never left me as I would continue my work beyond college. My organization, Ladies In Pursuit targets individuals and Families in Distress Internationally and has been in operation since January 2013. Since then we have raised over 300k in goods and services with 100% being remitted straight back into the community. I couldn’t be more proud, but this is just the beginning.
Sawse Bawse, my other love is my Natural Sawse Company that is based on producing within the range of seasonal ingredient provisions. All of my Sawses are hand crafted and made with love whilst many of the ingredients being readily available in my very own garden. Quite simply the ultimate Sawse Experience.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Advice: Meet people where they are and not where you want them to be. Throughout my career and ESPECIALLY leading a board of a non=profit you will learn about all types of people. When the average person thinks of a leader they think of the person walking in the front, shouting commands, telling everyone what they aren’t doing right…someone that is often feared.
I don’t need any of that. I produce fellow leaders, people that maximize their positive potential, people that face growth head on, people that push through the storms and people that respect me; not fear me. I give all of the necessary tools, encouragement, highlight wins and show how to pivot a quality event —some call a “loss.” I make sure that I am aware as possible of my staff or board members’ well being and mental state. If advice is needed I share. If an ear is needed, I listen. I know the 2 are not one in the same. But as I said prior more than anything, I meet people where they are. I learned that over the years. I always want people to be their best selves and climb with me to the top, but I recognize that not everyone is willing. They are able, but not willing. So as a leader I will never push beyond one’s will. But I will encourage to the extent that they will receive and exemplify what I preach.
Leadership is an action, not position.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn what support means , what support looks like and that comparison is the thief of joy. I once thought support was a two way street, but in many cases it is not. I once thought the people who you wanted or were targeting was your definite audience, but it is not always so. I once thought all support was visible, but it is not.
I now know, understand and have accepted that it is quite alright and not foolish to support those that never support you. Especially because…. you’re doing it genuinely. And heck…you like their product! lol! I have learned that you often time have no clue who your audience is! I might think Jamaicans will like my Sawse because it has a lot of ginger in it…yet my audience is actually Indians of which use ginger the most in the world. I’ve learned to allow my audience and support to be organic as opposed to presumed. Lastly, there are people speaking about you in rooms you’ve never walked in…. so support is so far beyond that share, like, or purchase! Embrace it all, be grateful, continue your education on your craft/businesses and give thanks + praise for all of your progress. Your one small footstep was a leap for many others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sawsehawse.com and www.ladiesinpursuit.org
- Instagram: @ladiesinpursuit2018 & @iamsawsebawse
- Facebook: @ladiesinpursuitofsuccess and @sawsebawseintl