Meet Katherine Givens | Co-Founder, Speaker, Writer, Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Givens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work-life balance is critical in the work that I do. I’m a public speaker, consultant, and nonprofit leader. All of these roles require me to work closely with people and not just work with them but to focus on the well-being of others, which is something I am extremely passionate about. We all know that having a passion for the right things is good! However, when I first started, that same passion worked against me. I was so passionate about showing up for others that I failed to show up for myself. I was determined to show up for my close family (husband/children), but the truth is, because I wasn’t showing up for myself, they got the leftovers. I was so focused on the people I served through my work that I missed things in my home life. I lacked something that I am committed to today — balance. My balance is taking off the “cape” and understanding that I am human. I’ve learned that the workday must end to preserve time for myself and my family. It’s unfair to the people I serve, my loved ones, or myself to pour everything I have into my work. For the people I serve and partner with, it sends a false message that I can always be everything at any time, no matter what. For the people I love, it sends the message that my top priority is to work over spending time with them.

Balance evens out your priorities. We can have the career of our dreams and be our best spouses, parents, and friends. But it all requires balance. We cannot neglect a part of who we are to fulfill another because we will never be operating in our full, God-given potential.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Although I am a nonprofit leader, I chose to talk about art because it is deeply embedded in everything I do. Our nonprofit focuses on walking alongside individuals who have experienced human trafficking and exploitation. So, what does this have to do with art? Which is a great question! As a storyteller and a person with lived experience in trafficking, art was vital to my restorative journey. I expressed myself through poetry or creative writing when I couldn’t talk to anyone. When I felt isolated, I connected through music. Art expression is a big part of many peoples’ healing, and it’s beautiful. That’s why I needed to include the arts in our work as a nonprofit.

Before the nonprofit was founded, I wrote stage plays and spread awareness of human trafficking through that platform. It was an eye-opener for so many people as it was easier for them to understand what trafficking looked like in such a real but hope-filled way.

At first, incorporating the arts in social services seemed unrealistic. I knew people would have difficulty understanding how it benefits individuals overcoming severe trauma. People who need shelter and basic needs. How in the world could art help those needs? We overcome the challenge of connecting the two by not connecting the two. Our nonprofit offers mentorship and support with resources, in addition to outreach and awareness through the arts. The individuals in our program can get involved in the arts when they are ready. We’ve found that many people want to share their experiences, but they want to share their way. The arts allow them to do that while sharpening their creative skills.

I want the world to know that I operate transparently. That’s how I am effectively able to serve and partner with people. I don’t show up as a hero; I show up as me—a woman who’s been through some things. I’m a creative that loves working with people, and I love to see people thrive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’re hitting up an escape room or two or three, lol! That’s one of my favorite things to do. The Escape Game Houston, located in CityCentre, is awesome. Food is my absolute favorite. So, we’d be dining at Mikki’s, Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill, Turkey Leg Hut, True Food Kitchen, and Dish Society. We’d hang out for coffee at A 2nd Cup, Mo Better Brews, and The Doshi House. We’d definitely hit up a Rockets game at the Toyota Center if they were playing in town. And if it’s Rodeo season, we’d be there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I can’t honestly make a shoutout without leading with God. My success now is directly linked to the pain I had to overcome in my past. I wouldn’t have overcome it without God. I do what I do because of what he did for me.

I always say I have mentors who didn’t know they were my mentors. My journey to overcoming trafficking looked like modeling people who inspired me. This would be an essay if I were to name them all, but there were leaders in my community that I looked up to, whether they knew I was looking or not. I admired certain writers, too – like Mayo Angelo. The strength, the power, the creativity of using her life experiences for such beauty. Phew. I’ve always wanted to walk in confident transparency as she did.

My children have always motivated me to be better, serve, and love better. And my husband came along and challenged me to see the real me. He taught me how to trust my ability as a leader. In real estate, they say that it takes 80% mindset and 20% skill set to be successful. My husband helped me to achieve that 80%, and he continues to build me up as we grow in all areas of life.

Website: www.twelve11.org

Instagram: @katgivens and @twelve11partners

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathymcgibbongivens/

Image Credits
https://kashphotos.myportfolio.com/