Akema Day calls herself a “passionologist” because she mastered an ability to get people to tap in, and profit from, their divine gifts and passions in life.
The life coach, author (The Journey: 21 Days of Affirmations), motivational speaker, writer producer and music supervisor was first spotted on VH1’s “Basketball Wives” and and then on “Mob Wives” dispensing invaluable lessons to free people from self-imprisonment emanating from negative self-talk and complacency.
Day took a few minutes to share with us her passions, her secrets to success and how she juggles multiple business interests and makes it all work:
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
One of the greatest inspirations for the work that I do, is the feeling of accomplishment I get when someone’s life is positively effected by something I’ve said or done. I often found myself looking beyond the surface in search of my purpose. Now, knowing that I’m doing what I was created to do, is what inspires me.
How did you determine your career path?
When I was a child, my mother encouraged me to explore my talents and interests. This helped me to determine what I really liked to do, as well as what I was good at doing. Continually weighing out my desires versus my abilities, matched with God’s purpose for my life, is what guided my educational and career decision making process.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
As a certified Life Coach, I connect with all industries because my work is with people. My love for music, television, and entertainment, plus the fact that I am a former recording artist, helped me connect with some clients in those industries. I’ve been highlighted for my work with celebrities; however, I also enjoy working with regular everyday people.
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leaders and innovators.
Some important skill sets necessary for future business leaders and innovators must include; self-awareness, critical thinking, visionary, and adaptability.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
I began writing my own vocational theory in 2009 called P.P.S. “Passion, Purpose, and Success.” I’ve applied my researched methods on a countless number of individuals. This process includes, helping individuals discover and learn how to optimize their true passions, uncover their purpose and obtaining desired success.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success?
I set goals by writing them down and setting timelines. The goal must have a timeline and meet completion in order to measure its success. As a life coach/therapist, I create treatment plans (for my clients) that include goals with desired outcomes and timelines. I often customize my workshops and sessions to fit my clients or the communities needs. This helps to obtain the highest level of satisfaction and success rate.
Name your favorite role model for success.
Oprah Winfrey is my favorite role model for success in television. She paved the way for African American women as a talk show host, and defied the odds against her (coming from an underprivileged background) by turning her inquisitive journalistic abilities into a billion dollar empire.
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others. The first book I would recommend is You Can Heal Your Life, by Louise L. Hay. The second book that has influenced how I see life is, Emotional intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves. The third book that I am inclined to share is my own publication, The Journey … 21 days of Positive Affirmations. The main tag line on the cover says, “Changing how you see yourself.” I believe how you see and feel about yourself, certainly affects how you view the world around you.
Explain why lifelong learning is important to you.
Lifelong learning is important because the world is continuously growing and changing. If I am to remain relevant and diverse in this world, I have to be open to personal and professional growth.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
It is my own voice I hear in my head affirming that I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens and guides me. I feel confident that I am living in my purpose and I will continue to achieve success on many levels.
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
This means I must do my part to help my community and the people that live in it. If that means volunteering to work with the youth once a month, or offering a free educational workshop to those in need, that’s what I will do to help my community. Everyone plays apart and can effect positive change in their community.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change?
Preferable world peace, however, the world is the way it is for a reason. I will continue to live in my purpose and help as many people discover theirs. I believe if everyone lived in their passion/purposed filled lives, we would have a lot less violence and destruction in the world.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change? I’ve been told that my greatest gift/curse is I’m too giving. Too giving of my time, my money, my love, etc…. I recognize that I am a giving person with a big heart. Learning how to be empathic and not sympathetic is not an overnight lesson. Despite all of my education, certifications, and expertise, I am still a work in progress on this journey we call life.
