Why This Social Worker Became a Disruptive Entrepreneur: A Story of Impact

I am Dr. Taniko King-Jordan, a seasoned Social Worker, Disruptor, and Transformational Change Agent deeply committed to advancing justice agendas. As the founder of Leverage Your Impact, I am dedicated to delivering cutting-edge training, coaching, and consulting services. My passion lies in catalyzing positive change and empowering individuals and organizations to enact meaningful transformations in their communities. Through my work, I aim to inspire others to embrace innovation, challenge the status quo, and drive impactful change.

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted?

Over the course of more than fifteen years, I've amassed a wealth of experiences that left me feeling undervalued and marginalized within traditional work environments. As someone who consistently challenges the status quo and questions established norms, I often found myself at odds with the conventional structures in place. The prevalence of gaslighting and racial battle fatigue further fueled my desire to pursue entrepreneurship.

Feeling confined and unseen in spaces where my contributions were overlooked, I encountered systemic barriers like racism and microaggressions, which only heightened my sense of disillusionment. This accumulation of negative experiences served as a catalyst for me to chart my own course as an entrepreneur. By forging my own path, I prioritized my mental and physical wellness while pursuing meaningful work that resonated with my values.

While entrepreneurship wasn't initially part of my career trajectory, I came to realize that it offered the autonomy and freedom necessary to make a tangible impact on my own terms. Despite the inevitable challenges along the way, navigating this journey has been immensely fulfilling, allowing me to align my professional endeavors with my deepest aspirations and convictions.

When did you consider yourself a success? Did you ever have to deal with the imposter syndrome? How do you overcome the imposter syndrome?

In my journey through various adversities, I discovered the essence of my own success lies in my ability to persevere through each challenge. Whether it was navigating the daunting statistics against me within the Child Welfare System, confronting the disappointment of stagnant career growth in professional settings, or grappling with the intricacies of higher education politics, each obstacle served as a test of my resilience and determination. Instead of viewing these experiences as setbacks, I embraced them as opportunities for personal growth and empowerment.

Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against me, I remained steadfast in my belief that success was not only attainable but inevitable. Each hurdle I encountered along the way served as a stepping stone toward fulfilling a greater purpose. With each obstacle overcome, I found myself equipped with newfound skills, strengthened resilience, and an unwavering determination to effect intentional change in the lives of others.

However, amidst my journey, I grappled with moments of imposter syndrome—feelings of inadequacy, negative self-talk, and occasional despair. Yet, I refused to linger in those moments for long. Instead, I worked diligently to counter those thoughts by affirming myself, recalling instances where I excelled, and embracing a growth mindset. These strategies empowered me to navigate through imposter syndrome and emerge stronger and more resilient than before.

How do you push through your worst times? What are some tips on how we can motivate ourselves when we’re not really feeling it?

In both my personal and professional journey, I've encountered numerous challenges that have required me to dig deep and push through difficult times. Recognizing the need for soul care, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery to redefine and grow into the best version of myself. As a social worker, introspection became a crucial tool in my toolkit. I engaged in deep reflection, looking inward to discern what aspects of my life needed nurturing and what needed to be released.

Taking proactive steps, I began implementing self-care practices tailored to my needs, evaluating my support network, and seeking professional guidance to navigate through the complexities of life. Embracing self-love and compassion became paramount, as I learned to prioritize my well-being amidst life's challenges. Inspired by the words of Angela Davis “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept…” I adopted a mindset of empowerment, refusing to accept the status quo and instead take proactive steps to enact meaningful change in my life.

Through this process, I've learned the importance of resilience, self-reflection, and proactive self-care in overcoming adversity and fostering personal growth. It's a journey of continuous learning and evolution, guided by a commitment to self-improvement and empowerment.

Click here to view the website leverageyourimpact.com & here to connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/taniko-king-jordan