We were lucky to catch up with Patricia Pinckney recently and have shared our conversation below.
Patricia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard
Absolutely! I’d say that at the heart of my approach lies the fundamental principle of embracing paradoxes. When we look at situations that, at first glance, seem to suggest contradictory paths or solutions, we usually uncover hidden opportunities and craft innovative solutions that propel our clients to new heights of success.
For instance, while we’re fully committed to integrating artificial intelligence into our operations and services – a move many see as the pinnacle of modernization – we also explore unconventional talent-sourcing strategies. It’s in this mix of cutting-edge technology with age-old human focus that we uncover remarkable opportunities, like our ventures into nearshoring and tapping into Mexico’s rich professional talent pool. What might seem contradictory at first glance reveals itself as a synergistic blend, yielding innovative solutions with real impact.
My journey, shaped by experiences working with industry giants like Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola, as well as guiding startups, has honed my ability to blend the best of both worlds. By marrying the time-tested success principles of corporate giants with the nimble, boundary-pushing spirit of startups, we consistently find pathways that support the success of our clients.
Yet, perhaps the most compelling personal synergy comes from merging my decades-long mindfulness practice with my professional endeavors. These seemingly different approaches in my life have proven to be exceptionally congruent. The mindfulness principles support business best practices, yielding outstanding results.
In essence, by boldly embracing paradoxes and charting a course that diverges from industry norms, we uncover hidden opportunities and craft innovative solutions that propel our clients to new heights of success.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Since I was a little girl, I’ve been captivated by the world of advertising and communication, leading me to pursue a career in marketing. I began my journey in esteemed consumer and service powerhouses like Procter and Gamble, Coca-Cola, and BBVA. My focus was always on market research, trends, and identifying business opportunities based on meeting consumer needs. Simultaneously, I embarked on a meditation practice during my teenage years, driven by a curiosity for life beyond the mundane. This dual passion for marketing and mindfulness eventually led me to found RIMA Strategy and Marketing, with a mission to help growth-stage companies succeed. We provide Fractional C-Level services. Unlike traditional consulting, we immerse ourselves in our clients’ teams, providing top-level executive services on a part-time basis. Our hands-on approach allows us to not only identify solutions but also implement them alongside our clients.
However, it’s not just about numbers for us. We also prioritize the human perspective, fostering relationships that promote team alignment and positive industry impact.
The evolving landscape, including the rise of artificial intelligence and shifts in global geopolitics, has opened new doors for us. As a Mexican American, I’m particularly excited about the opportunities presented by Mexico’s emergence as the largest trade partner of the US. Mexico offers numerous advantages, including geographic proximity, a skilled workforce, and government incentives, making it an ideal market for US businesses.
At RIMA, we’re also passionate about helping US companies navigate these opportunities in Mexico while ensuring mutual benefit for all involved. In today’s rapidly changing world, adaptation is key to maintaining competitiveness, and we’re dedicated to finding innovative solutions that serve everyone involved.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During a time when I was genuinely content in my business and personal life, I encountered a remarkable spiritual teacher speaking about how everything that happens can bring us closer to living a more fulfilling life. I remember thinking, ‘One day, I’ll apply this knowledge and see if it is true.’ That day arrived when my marriage fell apart, resulting in a sudden divorce that brought immense sadness, fear, and earthly challenges into my life. I recalled the words of that teacher and set out to understand their essence. How could I channel those overwhelming emotions and real challenges for good and continue with my business with all those feelings and two boys? I sought out the teachings of Mickey Singer, traveling to his place in Florida. His wisdom helped me navigate forward, not driven by my emotions as I had previously thought, but despite them. Even though I had a solid business background, I suddenly felt vulnerable and needed to dedicate much more time to my children. My practices shifted focus to practicality—how to be present and use my life skills in this new setting.
Confronting intense emotions and difficult circumstances allowed me to explore deeper and develop a newfound empathy for those experiencing loss and disorientation. Life seemed to guide me to work closely with various wise mentors at different parts of my path. My meditation journey extended beyond yoga in earlier years, working with Thomas Keating in centering prayer in Colorado for many years, reconnecting with my Mexican roots and its mysticism through Don Miguel Ruiz, author of ‘The Four Agreements’ later on, and finally, Mickey Singer, author of The Untethered Soul, whose spiritual yogic practices applied to business, enriched my understanding of life experiences.
This journey led to a commitment to well-being paired with a pragmatic economic perspective, applying well-being practices to every facet of life—from family and connections to success in business. At the time, I was teaching practical principles of mindfulness. My teaching expanded, erasing divisions across different life domains. Whether mentoring middle-aged women re-entering the job market or guiding business leaders seeking fulfillment beyond success, assisting young adults navigating career decisions, or simply aiding individuals in finding more authentic joy, I deeply appreciate mentoring, teaching, and supporting my students and peers.
Whether through the classes I teach, organizing larger events, or assisting everyday business clients and mentees, I cherish the opportunity to share practical insights into well-being and business.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that effort alone was the key to success. For much of my life, I operated under the assumption that setting goals and working tirelessly toward them would guarantee success. However, I came to realize that not everything hinges solely on our efforts. This realization wasn’t just about my own experiences; it was something many of us can relate to. We’ve all encountered moments where things seem to effortlessly fall into place, almost as if we’re in harmony with some unseen force. Athletes, artists, and even everyday individuals often describe being “in the flow” when they perform at their best. Of course, it involves doing their best, but it is not only about that.
I began to understand that there is a universal flow that we can tap into if we learn to listen and observe deeply. This state of flow doesn’t feel like a traditional effort. It’s a state of complete presence and absorption, where we feel aligned with the task at hand or the moment we’re experiencing.
Through practices like deep listening, observation, and meditation, we can all learn to tune into this flow. Whether it’s getting lost in a task we love or being mesmerized by the beauty of a sunrise, we’ve all experienced firsthand the power of aligning with this flow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rimastrategy.com/
- Instagram: @patty_Pinckney
- Facebook: Patty Ramirez Pinckney
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/patriciaramirezpinckney