Zondra Hughes, CEO of The Six Brown Chicks, social media strategist and author
@ZondraHughes
www.ZondraHughes.com
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
I run the Six Brown Chicks, a blog for women. We share our stories in the name of service, and our blog correspondents are so authentic and revealing that I can’t miss a day. Every day is an opportunity to connect with our readers, I’m addicted to that interaction.
How did you determine your career path?
I was 9-years-old and had no idea what I wanted to become. My mother told me that Langston Hughes was my uncle, so I went to the library after school and studied him. I was fascinated; he looked so much like me, and I loved his work and wanted to become like him. I asked for a typewriter that Christmas, and I would just hammer out little poems and short stories like my famous uncle.
At my grad school graduation, I asked my mother, how are we related to Langston Hughes? She turned to me and laughed, “I lied. I just wanted you to become somebody.” My entire career was built on that lie.
Describe the skills that are essential for future business leaders and innovators?
You must be bilingual; you must code; you must be a multimedia journalist or blogger.
You must be active across all social media channels, (including Klout), in a positive, authentic way that strengthens you as an expert in your field. Embrace technology, and be ready to adapt to change.
Describe innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
Social media calendars to organize contributors’ blogs; I take advantage of free Yale online courses (via Coursera.org) to learn coding.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success?
My goals are quantified; are we increasing our fans across our social media platforms? Are we aligning ourselves with major brands in order to offer giveaways and incentives for our readers to engage? Are we increasing our visibility overall? After a thorough review of our numbers, I meet with key members to discuss how we can do even better.
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others.
40 Laws of Power by Robert Greene; Sex Esteem: Secret Lives of Wives and SideChicks by Helen Goldberg and Amy Loeb; How to Say It by Rosalee Maggio.
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you.
Technology puts everything in transition, learn and adapt or die.
What are the three most important factors of being a successful woman?
Forgive yourself; believe in yourself, surround yourself with like-minded people.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
Technology is my life, I can blog from anywhere; I can host live chats, and virtual meetings without leaving home. Technology brings me closer to the outside world and improves my work flow.
What social media or digital tool has made the biggest difference in your life and why?
Klout. Brands identify influencers based on the Klout score and have made several key connections because of it.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would end racism.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’m awesome. Not a thing.
Who or what motivates you and why?
The Universal Sisterhood motivates me; interaction with readers is enlightening and sometimes therapeutic.
What are the dos and don’ts for young women in business?
Pick and choose your battles. Your co-workers are not your friends, keep your personal business to yourself. Network to build your net worth.
How do you successfully grow from business failure?
Perform an autopsy on why the business died, and then do everything differently. Never give up.
Name three successful female role models and explain why you hold each in high esteem.
Oprah Winfrey, Iyanla Vanzant and my mother, Ola.
Oprah built her own; Iyanla taught me the power of forgiveness and life’s do-overs; my mom believes in me and is my biggest supporter.
