When I started to interview women for my blog on the Huff Post, I had one thing in mind. That one thing was to find the secret sauce in these women mix that has manifested their vision into a successful journey. At the end of every interview there were three important principles that stood out of each message.
- Staying Focused
- Being Determined
- Taking Action
I know that whoever you are, whatever you've achieved so far in your life, whatever challenges and obstacles you may be experiencing, it's your hunger for results, real-time information, or maybe that something that you need to read again that will help unlock you.
Meet Dorinda Walker
Vice President, Consumer Strategy and Key Initiatives, Multicultural Marketing, Prudential's U.S. Businesses.
What is your mission?
My personal and professional journeys have been nontraditional, and I know every step of it was to prepare me for my life's mission. It's taught me about my mission to inspire and empower people to pursue their purpose. Right now, I'm fortunate that I get to focus my work on empowering women and communities of color to achieve financial prosperity.
What is your area of expertise and why is it so important?
Although my current role has given me extensive experience in all aspects of B2B and consumer marketing, my area of expertise isn't really an obvious set of technical skills. My true expertise is grounded in gifts that I previously took for granted, like the ability to truly listen, to build strong relationships, help others, and connect dots to make bigger things happen (like the 1+1 =3 concept.) I've also learned that while technical skills are important, and very necessary to help with specific roles, they will only get you so far. In most cases, your value-centered work is what provides you with the capacity to succeed when you're faced with your most significant obstacles.
How do you set goals and stay productive?
Self assessment and self awareness are critical. I often pause to ask myself about the work I'm doing, and the direction I'm headed in. Is my work providing me personal fulfillment? What can I do, or what do I need to stop doing to ensure my goals are attainable? I make a point to set really big goals for myself and my team. I believe that anything is possible with faith, a strategy, plan and hard work. If the goal doesn't scare you, it's not big enough. Therefore, I have no choice but to be productive in order to achieve those goals.
What makes you happy?
I'm happiest when I know my work and energy are helping to make a positive contribution to the world. I also enjoy life the most when I'm with people who laugh, encourage and empower one another, and work to make a positive impact in the world.
What is your favorite book and why?
Currently, I have to put "Stratechic" by Michelle Thornton at the top of my book list. It's a must read for all women. It empowers women to be unapologetically bold and strategic in their pursuit of personal and career growth. These are the attributes I admire and aspire to embody as a leader.
What's your personal mantra - a motto, or saying or quote that you live by?
I have several, and they all have a similar theme. "If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward you're always in the same place."
What's the #1 message or tip you would give to women?
Don't give up or procrastinate when it comes to pursuing your dreams. Create a strategy and plan, and surround yourself with positive like minded people who encourage you to be your best, and then reciprocate. Spend your time and efforts on pursuing things that make you happy and personally fulfilled.