Kevin Sharpley is a director and producer who has created a range of work that includes film, television, documentary, commercial, music video, multimedia, and video production. Sharpley is a graduate of the University of Miami and Miami Dade College. He was inducted into the Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2014. He is also the president and CEO of Kijik Multimedia, a full-service production company with specialties in integrated, branded and convergent media. Sharpley spoke with rolling out about the importance of exposing your children to education.
What legacy are you leaving for your children and the children of your community?
As a multi-media company owner, we consider ourselves a storytelling company. With projects like documentaries about Haiti and about one of the most important Black artists of the 20th century and other television and film projects in the pipeline, I hope to leave lasting stories about the Diaspora that at once effects change and allows for education in a comprehensive and engaging way.
How would you describe your fatherhood culture?
For me, it’s always been about joining my daughter on her journey. I feel children at an early age have their own personalities, their own ways of interacting with the world that’s unique and independent of their parents. It’s up to the parents to help shape and foster their individuality, their way of being, while also providing stability, guidance, love, nurturing and education on many levels. It’s a tough job, but one of the most enriching, especially as you see your child’s growth and development on a day to day basis.
Why is it important to expose children to education and valuable skills?
Life can often be a minefield, navigating so many things; trials, tribulations, challenges and so much coming at once. Education and life skills allow children to be able to take these situations head-on and maneuver deftly with informed and calculated decisions instead of always reacting off of the cuff and spur of the moment. At least you hope for that. It doesn’t always happen, but at the least, you know you’ve prepared them for the life journey. In addition, it gives them choices as to what they want to do in life and, again hopefully the choices end up being the right way to go.
As a father and a life coach, describe your playbook.
I try to operate with a hands-on, hands-off approach. Children need guidance and structure, otherwise, they go off the rails. But too much and they rebel. Therefore, I try to give a balance of autonomy and authority letting room for exploration, but at the same time boundaries that ensure that it’s known that if things go out of control trouble will be brewing.
How important is keeping your word?
It is of the utmost importance. I depend on people every day and if they don’t keep their word things could go off of the rails very fast.
