Kyra Mitchell Lewis Of Glow Up, Gyrl: How I Am Redefining Success Now
An Interview with Karen Mangia
Define what success looks like to you.
Take a moment to reflect on what success means to you. What are your aspirations in life, and in your career or business? It’s important to identify your values and desires, as well as how you wish to gauge your achievements. This will assist you in establishing achievable milestones and long-term goals. By prioritizing what requires attention presently and in the future, you can align your efforts with your definition of success.
Have you ever noticed how often we equate success with more? Whether that’s more products, more profits, more activities or more accomplishments, we buy into the belief that we have to do more to have more to be more. And that will sum up to success. And then along comes The Great Resignation. Where employees are signaling that the “more” that’s being offered — even more pay, more perks, and more PTO — isn’t summing up to success for them. We visited with leaders who are redefining what success means now. Their answers might surprise you.
As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Kyra Mitchell Lewis.
Kyra Mitchell Lewis is a highly accomplished and respected professional who excels in multiple domains. As a Creator, Marketer, Career Coach, and the CEO and Founder of Glow Up, Gyrl, Kyra has established an empowering community for women to flourish. This safe space not only fosters learning and sharing but also facilitates meaningful connections and amplifies voices. Alongside her impactful endeavors, Kyra serves as the host of the influential Glow Up, Gyrl podcast. Through this platform, she showcases inspiring guests, shares captivating stories, offers valuable tips, and provides essential resources to empower women in their journey towards purposeful lives.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about the topic of our time. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
One of the experiences that has greatly impacted my life is when I was starting in corporate America and encountered a lack of effective leadership. During that time, I found myself under leaders who expected me to conform to their predefined standards, making it difficult for me to be recognized as a leader or someone with potential leadership qualities unless I fit into their mold. However, this experience shaped my values as a leader.
When I eventually became a leader myself, I made a promise to always meet people where they are and empower them to discover their unique strengths. Instead of diminishing others’ worth, I am dedicated to helping them grow and contribute meaningfully to the team. It has been ingrained in me to assist individuals in finding their voice and becoming the best version of themselves.
Whether through my involvement with Glow Up, Gyrl, or in my everyday career, my ultimate goal is to support others in their growth journey. By nurturing their self-belief and encouraging them to see their potential, I strive to help individuals unlock their true capabilities and thrive.
We all have myths and misconceptions about success. What are some myths or misconceptions that you used to believe?
I used to hold a belief that achieving a specific title equated to success and implied that the individual had a significant impact on their organization or workplace. I also used to think that only certain personality types were capable of succeeding, as this notion was commonly reinforced in corporate environments. However, my perspective has since evolved.
How has your definition of success changed?
In the past, I used to measure my success based on external factors like my job title and salary. While those aspects still hold some importance in my life, they no longer solely define success for me. These days, I believe that true success lies in making a positive difference in the world, assisting others in discovering and pursuing their dreams, and appreciating the blessings of each day by finding joy in even the smallest things.
The pandemic, in many ways, was a time of collective self-reflection. What changes do you believe we need to make as a society to access success post pandemic?
I believe that success is found in holding onto the peace and balance that many of us discovered during the pandemic. It was a time when we were able to slow down, focus, and live more balanced lives. Success means nurturing the talents and gifts we uncovered during this slower period. It means continuing to build the businesses and relationships that we started during the pandemic. Success is about honoring our own needs, even now that the world is “open” again and when society tells us otherwise. The truth is, we should all be different now because of what we collectively experienced during this challenging time. To me, success is never forgetting that period but using it as a mirror to reflect on the kind of person I want to become and the type of life I want to lead moving forward.
What do you see as the unexpected positives in the pandemic? We would love to hear a few of your stories or examples.
The pandemic has brought unexpected positives into my life. One of the greatest changes is that I have been able to set boundaries and regain a sense of balance. Before the pandemic, I was consumed by my office job, working long hours without taking breaks. However, working from home has allowed me to establish healthy boundaries that I will forever hold on to. Though I still wake up early out of habit, being able to work remotely enables me to take breaks and enjoy walks with my sweet pup, Max. By stepping away from my desk when needed, I have become more productive than ever before.
In addition, the pandemic prompted me to start my podcast. This is something that I never would have considered in the past. However, it has proven to be one of the most fulfilling endeavors of my life. Meeting remarkable individuals and sharing their stories has been an incredibly meaningful journey for me. Furthermore, being able to impart my knowledge and insights to my audience brings immense joy and fulfillment.
I also want to express my gratitude for the invaluable time I was able to spend with my parents during the pandemic. The unexpected blessing of both my parents retiring allowed me to prioritize quality time with them amidst the challenges we faced globally. In this phase of my life, I cherish the fact that my parents are not just my parents but also my friends. It has been an incredible experience to deepen and strengthen our relationship in this way.
I would like to sincerely express my deep appreciation for the unexpected blessings that arose from the pandemic. It provided me with an opportunity to establish crucial boundaries, discover and pursue new creative avenues, and foster and evolve meaningful relationships. These experiences have genuinely enriched my life in ways that I could never have foreseen during such a challenging period.
We’re all looking for answers about how to be successful now. Could you please share “5 Ways To Redefine Success Now?”
- Define what success looks like to you.
Take a moment to reflect on what success means to you. What are your aspirations in life, and in your career or business? It’s important to identify your values and desires, as well as how you wish to gauge your achievements. This will assist you in establishing achievable milestones and long-term goals. By prioritizing what requires attention presently and in the future, you can align your efforts with your definition of success. - Focus on your journey, not the destination.
I encourage you to shift your focus from the destination and instead embrace the journey. Success is not a fixed point that you can simply reach; it is an ongoing process that stems from dedication, continuous improvement, and the desire to push yourself further. It is crucial to maintain momentum to avoid setbacks that could potentially undo all the progress you have worked so diligently for. Keep striving, keep growing, and never lose sight of the value that lies within the journey itself. - Consistency is key.
I truly believe that consistency is the key to success. Taking small steps every day to improve yourself or your business can lead to more sustainable and long-lasting change. Instead of waiting for a big chunk of time, dedicating just 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference over time. It’s also important to remember that regular updates, no matter how small, can help you build toward your goal consistently compared to one big push. So, keep showing up and putting in the effort because I promise you will start seeing improvements. - There is no time limit on success.
Success has no expiration date. It’s important to remember that success doesn’t have a specific timeline or age requirement. You may not find your true passion or big dream until later in life, and that’s perfectly alright. Sometimes circumstances can hold us back, but as long as you have the determination and motivation to keep trying, you still have every chance to achieve success. - Remember there is life beyond success.
I would like to remind you that there is so much more to life than just success. While achieving success can provide us with a sense of fulfillment, it should not be the sole focus of our lives. Ultimately, it is up to you to determine what truly matters and where you set your standards for success. It is crucial to maintain balance in all aspects of life. Take the time to nurture your relationships, prioritize your well-being, and ensure that you are not letting life pass you by while relentlessly pursuing your goals.
How would our lives improve if we changed our definition of success?
If we were to redefine what it means to be successful, I genuinely believe that we would experience less stress and anxiety. We wouldn’t constantly worry about things not going as planned or compare ourselves to others. Instead, we would find gratitude in the simple joys of everyday life.
What’s the biggest obstacle that stands in the way of our redefined success? And what advice would you offer about overcoming those obstacles?
One of the biggest challenges we face in redefining success is the fear of judgment from others. It’s crucial to overcome this hurdle by recognizing that your path is unique to you; no one else will walk the same journey. Embrace your individuality and prioritize what brings fulfillment into your life. Additionally, practicing self-love and acceptance will free you from seeking validation through others’ eyes. Lastly, focus on what you can control and what truly matters to you. Life can be unpredictable, but remember that you have the power to shape your destiny by focusing on what’s within your grasp.
Where do you go to look for inspiration and information about how to redefine success?
I genuinely enjoy engaging in various forms of learning, whether it be through reading articles and books, taking LinkedIn learning courses, or participating in networking groups. I find great value in immersing myself in the experiences and perspectives of others. Also, the insights shared by my podcast guests on topics such as business and entrepreneurship are truly invaluable to me.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
- Website: https://www.glowupgyrl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glowupgyrl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glowupgyrlatl
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glow-up-gyrl/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Glowupgyrl
- Podcast: https://www.glowupgyrl.com/podcast
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=94999088
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success and good health.
About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
