delayed, but not denied: a lesson on perseverance

aka how I wrote my first cover story

#WednesdayWisdom

“I had to wait for this big moment, and when I say ‘wait,’ I don’t mean sitting on my hands—I had to climb up a hill for a really long time. It’s giving Mount Everest.” ~ Victoria Monét

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Morning Musings

Ever since my friend Anuli introduced me to Victoria Monét back in 2021, I’ve been a fan. So when the MTV reportedly said it was “too early” in her carer to perform at the 2023 VMAs, I—along with the rest of Black Twitter—definitely side-eyed them. Victoria, being the ever-gracious R&B goddess that she is, tweeted:

I see your advocation for me to have performed tonight and I’m so grateful to you!! Sincerely! My team was told it is “too early in my story” for that opportunity so we will keep working! I’m grateful for YOU, for my tour starting this Friday and for the ability to see some of my favorite people perform tonight and receive the love they so deserve!!! 🤎 🙏🏾

For me, it’s part of the story…and in Gods time ✨

On Sunday, she won seven of the three Grammys she was nominated for, including Best New Artist. In God’s time.

The last part of Victoria’s tweet has stayed with me. I’m no stranger to waiting. After all, it took two years and five IVF cycles to finally have our daughter. It took seven years and three agents to bring my book to fruition. So it should come as no surprise that my first cover story—despite being a professional journalist for 16 years—would also take some time.

Right before I quit my job last year to go back to full-time freelancing, I had three wishes:

1. to write a profile

2. to write a column

3. to write a cover story

The first two came true in short order. As soon as I shared this wishlist in the last check-in with my manager, I had an email from an editor at Business Traveler in my inbox. She wanted to know if I wanted to write a profile on Sheila Johnson. Umm, yes, please.

Then an editor at Yahoo emailed to ask if I’d like to be an advice columnist. Also, yes. And then, I did such a great job with the Sheila Johnson piece, the editor-in-chief of Business Traveler asked if I’d like to interview Questlove for the February cover. HELL TO THE YES!!!

And this all happened within a span of about three months—proof that when you step out on faith, the universe will step up to support you. Thank you, God. This is what they mean by “your gifts will make room for you” (but oftentimes you have to get out of your own way).

Leading up to the interview, I was extremely nervous, anxious and excited. For starters, it’s Questlove. He is a musical icon. But, if we’re being honest, I’m not the biggest hip-hop head, so I automatically felt a bit of impostor syndrome. Thankfully, the angle for the article was more about his business endeavors than solely his music career.

So I approached it as I would any other profile. I did my research. I read articles about him. I watched other interviews. I made a list of questions. And, because I was particularly anxious about this particular interview, I listened to Lalah Delia’s meditation about taking back your power beforehand (and highly recommend saving this one before your own Big Moments, whether it’s a job interview; performance review; speaking engagement, etc.).

A large part of my anxiety though came from what this opportunity could mean—the editorial doors it could open for me in my career. I’ve won awards for my journalism writing in the early part of my career. I’ve since published a book. But I’d yet to write the kind of meaty profile—a cover—that careers are made of. And I’ll be real with you, I was feeling a certain type of way. Especially seeing my peers get recognition for their cover stories every day on social media.

In her acceptance speech for Best New Artist, Victoria talked about her 15-year journey in the music industry and I couldn’t help but consider my own 16-year journey in the media industry.

And like Victoria, I try to remind myself “in God’s time.” Lord knows I’ve seen my fair share of delays, but I know that delay is not a denial. I will keep showing up. I will keep putting out good work. And the industry will catch up. Or they won’t. Either way, I will continue to do me and I’ll continue to build my own thing in the meantime. Watch this space…

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ICYMI

Here’s a few bylines, plus a fun podcast interview you may have missed:

• Racism is rampant in health care and a new memoir reveals how deadly the consequences can be (Fortune): In my latest for Fortune, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Uché Blackstock about her debut memoir, Legacy.

• Ask L'Oreal: Is it ever OK to scold someone else's child? (Yahoo)

• You Aren't Washing Your Water Bottle Enough. Here's How to Keep It Clean. (Peloton)

• Releasing Perfection with The Manifista Podcast

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Upcoming Events

• Feb. 13: The Maternal Edit: Harmonizing Career & Family. I’m excited to be on this panel about what it really looks like being a working mom in media.

• Feb. 13: Groove & Grow: A Galentine’s Celebration. My coworking crew and I are excited to be sharing this virtual event for you to get your groove on (and support a good cause!).

• Feb. 25: Book Club with The Groove Chicago. Grab your copy of Stop Waiting for Perfect and meet me on the mat for this in-person event!

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Now Hiring

1. Director of Operations for Free Root Chicago

2. Senior Grants & Compliance Manager for Mujeres Latinas en Acción

3. Manager, Maternal and Child Health Initiatives for The American Academy of Pediatrics

4. Digital Engagement Producer, Part-Time for Public Narrative

5. Communications Director for The Climate and Community Project

6. Content Manager for Yosemite Conservancy

7. Vice President of Community and Development for Women Donors Network

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Stop Waiting for Perfect is Out Now!

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Thank You

A special thank-you to April, Jeff, Carol, Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat, Jenna, Mallory, Rachel, Angel, Sarah, Camesha, Vix, Anna, Stephanie, Dominique, Tiffany, Emily, Mabinty, Lindsey, Casey, Lynnae, Dani, Amanda, Raina, Abigail, Sharon, Kristen, Heather, Renae, Jennie and Brittaney for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support! 💜

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