Grab a cup of tea, read on, and learn from this wise, inspiring woman.
The lowdown:
Kate Elfatah, founder of HoM Consulting, a digital marketing firm, began mentoring small businesses with her expertise in digital marketing and branding in 2010, using proven techniques that have catapulted her own businesses to a national level. An early social media pioneer, Kate mastered social media marketing and turned a weekend hobby into two growing and viable businesses, achieved primarily with a small budget and a healthy dose of determination. Kate has paved the way, laid the groundwork, and has a proven track record of success. She is now sharing her knowledge with other businesses, setting them up for success in a market that is in constant change. Kate is also an experienced producer, including international celebrity and media events at Sundance Film Festival. Kate has had international success with producing the Lehigh Valley-based dance and comedy troupe, The Looking Glass Revue. She has recently started a chapter of the international networking group F**k Up Nights, where they focus on professionals learning from others’ failures. In 2017, her short film documentary, Small Town Diamonds, premiered during the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. Kate was executive producer and director of the film.
What does the word empower mean to you?
The word empower means to find what in life gives you confidence. For me, the word wasn’t something early in life that I even used. It took me a while to figure it out.
In what way(s) do you empower yourself? Others?
Surrounding myself with positive and driven people is one thing that empowers me. To be around like-minded people where we uplift each other and encourage one another is important. You would be surprised how empowered you feel and motivated when you’re around like-minded individuals that are inspirational and motivated. I also try my best when others are doubting themselves to encourage and uplift them. I’m a good cheerleader.
What is your favorite way to be mindful?
I have learned to be a better listener and, in doing this, it allows me to be more mindful of those around me and how they are feeling. As my children have become adults it’s been very important to me to make sure that I’m aware of how they are feeling and how I can be a better mom and friend. I think that when they were younger and there was so much chaos at times we ignore some important pieces to motherhood. Mindfulness and parenting wasn’t something I was truly aware of until they grew up.
What’s your go-to phrase/mantra for empowering yourself?
Ok, this one is good. There is a show called Absolutely Fabulous and there is an episode in which Eddie (the main character) comes down the steps and says, “Looking good, feeling great, looking good, feeling great,” and it stuck with me. Whenever I’m feeling the pressure and need a boost I start saying this with some pretty physical arm movements! I’m sharing the YouTube clip with you.here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTrwJR2iXMg
Who are your role models/people you look up to?
I am so lucky and fortunate to work with some of the most amazing businesses and entrepreneurs. For me to single just one out would be a disservice to them all. What I can tell you is that every single person who decides to venture out on her own and live her dream is a role model and someone I look up to. Those people are fearless and deserve to be role models to us all.
Can you share a day in the life?
That needs a reality TV show.
What are your strengths?
I am a doer! Well that’s what people tell me. I think I’m a kind person and enjoy doing for others. I’m a good friend. If you’re a friend, you’re a friend for life. Finally, if I say it, I do it.
What advice would you give to your younger self/someone just starting out?
Don’t wait! Do it now! No one is going to knock at the door and hand it to you, you have to create opportunities for yourself.
How do you deal with fear?
It’s ok to have fear, it’s all in how you handle it. Now I’m one of those “rip the band-aid” off people. Get it over with, deal with it so I can move on. If you let it, it can consume you. I’ve had that happen before, where fear was consuming my every thought and I didn’t get much accomplished. Once I realized it wasn’t go anywhere unless I addressed the issue that was causing the fear I couldn’t move on, it was like I could breathe again once I dealt with it. Bottom line, don’t be an avoider. Attack it head-on.
How do you balance it all?
Not gonna lie, I sometimes don’t. I mess up. I pick myself up and do a “do over” when I need it. When I managed people in corporate America I used to tell my employees that we all need mental health days. I still believe that. I think we all need some time away from it all. Good food and beverage and some laughs with friends. I am very fortunate to have an outlet with my producing life and making people smile and laugh, that’s key. I’m blessed with a great team, and I ask for help when I need it. I used to think I had to do it all. You will be more successful in your career and personal life if you learn to delegate and ask for help when you need it. That can be friends, family, or co-workers. I stopped thinking I was a one-woman show — what a difference that made in my every day life.
What would your favorite day look like?
A night in with family. Ok, and drinking mamosas on the French Riverera with my family. Not gonna lie!
What is one of the most valuable lessons you have learned from motherhood?
The biggest lessons I have learned is patience and acceptance. My girls have taught me both. Now that they are older and living their best lives it’s even more important to me to make them proud. Our relationships have changed and grown to be something I never imagined and I am the luckiest mom because of it. I’m more fulfilled in having them as friends and daughters.
Thank you, Kate, for taking the time to share your wisdom with us!
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One Mindful Tribe: Empowered Women’s Leadership for Business and Home
Through my mindfulness work with women — moms in the trenches with little ones, leaders in the business world, artists honing their crafts — I have come to appreciate that we all share similar struggles regardless of life phase or occupation. We all profit from mindful awareness, learning to be authentic, empowering ourselves and our voices, and uncovering the power to lead. Whether managing a corporation or a household, mindful leadership teaches us how to be the best possible version of ourselves — benefitting our families, our businesses, and the world.
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