![[Moms Unfiltered] Empowering Women in Business (with Kanika Watson)](https://img.transistor.fm/lGNP630zYfJepFluGKPvXST3sc2whKOPVz-iT0Q_E2M/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:800/h:800/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83NGY4/NTg0ZWJlM2U1OWFi/MWIzNWMxNjE2ZWMw/MWVlOS5wbmc.webp)
Zuryna Livermore: Welcome back to
Operations Unfiltered, the podcast
that takes you behind the scenes of
influencer and talent management.
I'm your host and your favorite
marketing project manager, girly Zuryna.
Today I'm joined by someone who's played
a key role in my own professional journey.
Kanika Watson is a
leadership coach consultant.
I like to refer to her as
your personal business bestie.
She's also the founder of
Kanika m Watson Consulting.
Kanika was once my manager during our time
in higher education, and this conversation
truly felt like a full circle moment.
It honestly reminded me of our times
in her office back at the higher
education institution, which I'll
name in our episode description.
But anyway, we got real about what it
means to lead with faith, not just in
life, but in the workplace as well.
Kanika shared how being laid
off from the federal government
tested everything she knew about
stability, purpose, and success.
Ultimately deepened her relationship
with God and set her on her own path.
This episode is truly for anyone
navigating uncertainty, holding on
to faith, and learning how to lead
boldly and unapologetically even
when life doesn't go as planned.
So without further ado, let's
get into this week's episode
of Operations Unfiltered.
thank you so much for joining.
I personally know you, but for those who
don't know can you just tell us a little
bit about who you are and your business?
Kanika M: Sure.
Well I am the, CEO and founder of Kanika
Watson Consulting, and so my firm is
pretty, it's been around for a little bit.
I've been doing this work for years.
I officially made it a business a few
years ago because I was doing this work.
You know, pro bono
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah,
Kanika M: helping women,
Zuryna Livermore: of course.
Kanika M: helping women especially,
but professionals in general,
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: especially women of color
and really helping them to, you
know, build their leadership skills,
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: with advancement, help
them navigate the tough spaces
they have to encounter a lot of
the barriers that we experience,
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: trying to make sure
that women feel supported.
But also other professionals as well.
Again, I work in a lot of different areas.
I've worked in government, I've worked
Zuryna Livermore: Yes.
Kanika M: nonprofit, academia, so all
those experiences brought together and
those environments are really helpful
to inform how I work with my clients..
Yeah, it's a little
bit about the business.
Zuryna Livermore: Yes.
And I know, like I said, I know you
personally, I work with you and I know
that you wear so many different hats.
You're wife, mom, business owner
of course, woman of faith, and
can you walk me through a day
in the life of Kanika Watson?
What does that look like?
Kanika M: Absolutely, absolutely.
I mean, those two days are alike.
I mean, it's, it's different every day.
But really my core priorities
are really my family.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: my faith, as you mentioned.
And then also purpose.
Purpose is really strong for me.
My mornings are really crazy,
Zuryna Livermore: I am sure.
Kanika M: sacred, all the time.
But you know, I've spent some
time with God to begin my day.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: my son, my 10-year-old
son, you know, ready for school
Zuryna Livermore: 10.
Kanika M: him off.
Zuryna Livermore: Oh my goodness.
Wait a minute.
10 is crazy.
Kanika M: I know.
Zuryna Livermore: 10.
Kanika M: nine.
It could be 11 next, next month.
So is just,
Zuryna Livermore: Oh my goodness.
Kanika M: just flow by so quickly.
But
Zuryna Livermore: He was
like five when I met you.
Oh
Kanika M: isn't it crazy?
And
Zuryna Livermore: yes.
Kanika M: just grown so quickly
and he's 10, even though he is
gonna be 11, he's 10 going on 18,
Zuryna Livermore: Oh, I understand.
I have a 3-year-old going on 23.
Yeah,
Kanika M: Wow.
Oh my gosh.
That's amazing.
I can't wait to see pictures.
Zuryna Livermore: I know.
I definitely will share.
'cause she's a little model.
Kanika M: Oh my gosh.
I only imagined.
Yeah.
But so my days are, like I
said, my days are different.
You know, my daytime hours really
business especially lately..
I'm coaching creating content, I.
Sometimes leading strategy sessions.
Those are my days.
And then my evenings really
are for coaching clients.
That's
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: them are available.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: I reserve that time
for them, but then I also make
sure I reconnect with family.
That's
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: really important to me.
That's the number one thing for me.
I realize my son is growing
like we just talked about.
Zuryna Livermore: You blink in there,
Kanika M: Yep.
Zuryna Livermore: like you said, 18 or,
Kanika M: It'll be very soon and I
Zuryna Livermore: yeah.
Kanika M: that time.
So,
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: to make sure I
spend, quality time with him.
And then, one thing I've
learned in my journey is to
also reserve some time for me.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm.
Kanika M: every day.
So that's
Zuryna Livermore: my goodness.
We are gonna have to touch on that
because I think me, as a budding
entrepreneur, as someone who's still
highly ingrained in the corporate life, I
definitely need to work on that me time.
So I definitely wanna pick
your brain about that.
Kanika M: Well, absolutely.
Absolutely.
Zuryna Livermore: But I, I, you
mentioned that you work a lot
with executives, women of color.
Can you describe to me what
your ideal or what the customer
that you've worked with in the
previous, what that persona is like?
Who are they, what do they
do, and how do you help them?
Kanika M: Sure.
So it ranges, but
primarily it's mid-career.
then going all the way up through
executives and also entrepreneurs.
Zuryna Livermore: Oh, okay.
Kanika M: yeah, so I've worked with a
lot of entrepreneurs, obviously because
I am myself, but also in general.
It's been really helpful getting
them helped start with their
businesses helping them build out,
messaging, branding, strategy,
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: through their
next steps strategically.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: huge piece.
But my, my customer
primarily is women of color.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: obviously work with all
professionals, but women of color have
definitely been a focus area for me.
And so, you know, really working with that
woman who wants to advance in her career,
who might be pivoting in her career,
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: who might be looking
for, just something new to do.
Wanna step out and take
on a new project or maybe
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: lead an initiative and
needs some assistance and thinking
through strategy around it.
So I really help with clients,
in those types of situations.
Also career branding, which is what I
call, what people call personal branding.
I step into that realm as well because
the branding background, because I'm
also a public relations leader as
well, so that obviously when you link
in career and link in my background,
that's definitely an area of focus.
So helping people with branding,
and that could be a range of things.
I mean, thinking through
their messaging strategy for.
If they're moving into an executive role,
Zuryna Livermore: Yep.
Kanika M: thinking through
how to, rebrand their career.
So if they're thinking about a
pivot, how do we look at that resume?
How do we look at that messaging strategy
around how they'll present themselves?
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: Whether it is they're
thinking about thought leadership,
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
It really sounds like you're like their
business bestie, to be honest with you.
I like that.
Kanika M: love how you put that, but yeah.
Zuryna Livermore: A business, a corporate
business bestie, and we all need them.
I like to think of it also as like
a project manager for your personal
brand, and people don't think of it
like that, but that's what you are.
That's what I'm thinking of.
Kanika M: It, it, it is something
people sometimes overlook.
They just go straight to resume
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: the resume.
It's really how you present yourself,
your executive presence, and some
people you call it leadership presence,
Zuryna Livermore: Yes.
Kanika M: the whole package.
So resume certainly is a teaser
because it gets you in the door.
I.
Once you get in that door,
how do you present yourself to
whomever you're interviewing with?
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: it could be a contract
you're trying to secure.
It could be even just providing someone
some background on what you're about
to launch as far as your new business.
So a lot of little things tie into that.
Zuryna Livermore: A lot of little
mile markers that make up the
whole piece of the whole puzzle.
Yeah.
So I, I love that.
And like I said, I really would
think of you as the business
bestie because that is so needed.
And,
Kanika M: is.
Zuryna Livermore: you
mentioned your resume.
Can we get a little rundown of your resume
and how it's landed you, where you are
today with your consulting business?
Kanika M: sure.
Absolutely.
So, I, I went to Howard University, I
Zuryna Livermore: The real
at you from what I'm told?
Kanika M: Yes, that's
the real HU for sure.
And so I, I went there and I met
the mentor who I've had forever.
In fact, I'm going to Howard
for graduation with her.
It's gonna be awesome.
She's one of the commencement speakers for
our School of Sea, which is where I went.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: started there.
And she really nudged me early because
I was a budding, writer and wanted
to do some work in public relations.
I was also in the English
space, literature, but she
was like, public relations is
something you should consider.
Zuryna Livermore: Hmm.
Kanika M: from that point on,
I found I fell in love with it.
I started there I started doing work
as early as a junior in college,
you know, thinking about clients
working with small public relations
Zuryna Livermore: We
love a good internship.
You were prepared.
I love that.
Start early if you don't
take anything from it.
Start early.
Kanika M: Start early and then
even, you know, step out on faith
because I did, I got clients and I
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: to do that.
I was nervous.
So yeah, so it started that early.
And so then from there, I moved up
went into the nonprofit world and
I worked there, worked at Heart
Association and other nonprofits.
And then eventually I
landed in government.
And I had been there for quite some time.
And then also higher
education where we met.
Yep.
So, you know, I've had, my experiences
have crossed industries and also
the corporate space as well,
working with clients and so forth.
So I've had a, a great run.
Still working, obviously
building and building,
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah,
Kanika M: definitely have
a diverse background.
And public relations has been the focus.
I've worked on internal
and external comms.
I've done work on branding campaigns.
Zuryna Livermore: I can
definitely attest to this.
I can, we've worked on many of campaigns,
so yes, I can definitely attest to that.
Kanika M: Yes.
Zuryna Livermore: going down your
own resume, I can see the pivots
that you made, even with the
industry switches that you made.
And I know even with myself, I've
had a different, a few different
industries, and it's scary to do that.
I know so many people are
fearful of doing that.
And I wonder what helped you stay
grounded during those seasons of change
and, and how, what advice could you give
to someone in those seasons of change?
Kanika M: sure.
That's definitely, you know,
something that a lot of us are
encountering now more than ever.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: This has been a
season of change for so many
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: But every trans, I would
say, every, every transformation or
transition, I would say has refined me.
Working
Zuryna Livermore: Hmm.
Kanika M: government taught
me discipline and structure.
Zuryna Livermore: Yes,
Kanika M: times it
Zuryna Livermore: I can imagine.
Kanika M: Yes.
And some of it I created myself
because sometimes there were some
situations where there was no structure
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: we were new,
we were starting out.
One of the things I, I'm really proud
of is, is building an operation within
you know, the government agency I was
working in and from the ground up.
And that was an
Zuryna Livermore: Hmm.
Kanika M: Strategic
communications component.
And it, it was from the ground up.
So that was structure I created, but.
you know, it, it's, it bloomed.
It expanded and it became a huge focus
of the work that I did for years there.
And it's still, I think it's, I
don't know if it's still there,
but with all the changes, but it
Zuryna Livermore: Right.
Kanika M: time I checked.
Zuryna Livermore: So much going on in
the government space and I definitely
wanna tap in there 'cause I, I, I'm
sure you've shared, I've seen on
LinkedIn and I don't know if you feel
comfortable sharing, but I, I know
that a lot of people were impacted
by the federal government layoffs.
And I'm not sure if you were impacted
or if you feel comfortable sharing
about that, but if so, how did you turn
that challenge into a new opportunity?
Because I always wanna look at the
glass half full versus it half empty.
Kanika M: I agree with you.
And that's the way I've, I've
chosen to look at it too.
I mean, naturally, you know, when you
go through a layoff and I was I was
part of layoffs at where I was working.
And it was definitely an unexpected jolt.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah,
Kanika M: in the news things were
Zuryna Livermore: and
I'm so sorry for that.
'cause that is not a good feeling at all.
Kanika M: not, it's not.
But you know what?
I looked at it differently and this
was, you know, it took some time to get
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: not an overnight thing, but I
do look at it as, as divine redirection.
And so that took me, you know,
a little time to get there.
But, you know, really I felt
like for a long time I felt this
really quiet nudge that, really
helped me align with my purpose.
And I knew that I needed to, , most
people are, wed to their jobs 'cause
they're worried about stability.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: you, know,
we're known for stability
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: And then that
sense of purpose and duty.
So, when that happened to me, when
the layoff happened, it was painful.
You
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: and professionally, it
absolutely did sting, but it did
give me the space for clarity.
And that's why, now looking
back now, appreciate a bit.
I was finally able to go
all into the business.
I
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: that opportunity before
because I was working really hard.
And so really.
I've been coaching and supporting
professionals behind the scenes, and
this was for a long time, as I mentioned.
And so I now have the
freedom to continue building.
Zuryna Livermore: I love that how you,
again, you've pivoted this word pivot
is so, it, it's, it keeps her being
repeated because I feel like that is
just the stage and season that we're in.
Everybody's in, but especially for you
Kanika M: yeah,
Zuryna Livermore: I, I just,
I'm congratulating you.
I, I do wanna extend my condolences
'cause that's, that's a hard thing to
do, and I've experienced a layoff too.
Kanika M: Yeah.
Zuryna Livermore: And you spoke
about making time for yourself
in your day to day, but with this
experience specifically, what did
you, what did that day look like?
How did you take time
to pour into yourself?
Did you get the ground running
immediately, or did you have
a self care day, a spa day,
A waiting to exhale moment?
Maybe, you know.
Kanika M: So some of that
happened and, and I would say
as late as last week, this is, I
Zuryna Livermore: Mm.
Kanika M: more the exhale piece
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: happened.
You know?
You know, for me as a leader, I always
think about the people that I work with.
I.
Zuryna Livermore: Oh, so sweet.
Oh my God.
Kanika M: And so I was worried about
their wellbeing myself as well.
So I
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: know, neglect myself.
But at the time when all this happened,
that's the first thing that I was thinking
about is that transition and how this
is going to impact everyone around me.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm.
Kanika M: we lost a lot of people.
It wasn't just myself and a few people.
It was the entire operation.
So it was really difficult.
Zuryna Livermore: Wow.
Kanika M: Yeah.
And so that was the thought.
And so my processing
was really focused there
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: and it took me a
matter of days to really.
Finally take a breath, think
about what truly happened.
Even second guessing myself,
did this, did this happen?
You
Zuryna Livermore: Did this really happen?
Yeah, I can imagine.
I can imagine.
Kanika M: Yeah.
And I, and I just literally, it
took me it's been a month now and it
took me some time, but I did finally
take a waiting to exhale moment.
Like you said.
Zuryna Livermore: Yes, and
I hope it was a good one.
I hope you threw a couple things.
Maybe you should schedule an
appointment at a rage room.
I hear they're all the rage.
Kanika M: Yes.
I
Zuryna Livermore: Yes.
Kanika M: to take you up on that.
Yes,
Zuryna Livermore: yeah, look, we
can do a group day 'cause I listen,
Kanika M: I know.
Zuryna Livermore: but honestly,
you've mentioned in addition to your
consulting business, that you've
built things from the ground up.
And again, I can attest to it, at
the higher education institution
that we met at, you've built
things from the ground up.
Kanika M: Yes.
Zuryna Livermore: wonder how do you
define that as you're building your
consulting business from the ground up?
What do you define as operational
excellence in your business?
What does that look like for you?
Kanika M: So for me, operational
excellence is really personal.
It's deeply personal.
It's really about building a
business that works for my life.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm.
Kanika M: that the hard way because
I did pour a lot into others,
sometimes neglecting myself and not
really thinking about the impacts.
And so really this time around.
It's really about busy building
a business that works for me
and not the other way around.
Zuryna Livermore: I love that.
Come on, this is a business for me.
Hello.
What does that look like?
What is that for example, are you
blocking off certain out hours of the
day versus leaving your schedule open?
I know that's, I'm doing that personally.
Like I love that.
Kanika M: No, I agree with you.
And, and that is certainly where I am.
I call it the soft CEO life.
Zuryna Livermore: Ooh, I coined that.
Kanika M: yes.
And so it definitely is, values aligned,
is sustainable, and I have created
systems to create space for excellence.
And so this is without all the chaos,
I've been surrounded by that a lot
in the workplaces I've been in.
And so really streamlining
client onboarding providing clear
communication and then boundaries.
That's important.
Boundaries,
Zuryna Livermore: Come on, boundaries I
that I'm in my boundary setting season.
It took me a lot, a long time to get
here, but I am so happy that I'm here.
But come on.
Boundaries.
Kanika M: Yes.
That is important.
I, I know in the past I've neglected them.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: and so now I honor them and I
try to make sure my clients do the same.
Set them
Zuryna Livermore: Mm.
Speak a little bit about that.
Like how do you help them
move from strategic vision to.
Execution.
'cause I know sometimes a lot of my
clients get stuck in that ideation phase.
And then I have to come in and help be the
call monitor if people like get to class.
Like you get to your destination.
Kanika M: You are so good at that.
You've helped me in so many ways too.
But yeah, I mean that's
essentially what it is.
I really help them slow down.
That's one thing is a lot of
women, especially like I said, all
professionals I work with, but women
in particular, I notice that they
feel like they have to do so much.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: I try to get them
to slow down and get clear.
You know, powerful vision means nothing
if you're stuck in your head and you have
scattered sticky notes all over the place.
Zuryna Livermore: Come
on and you yelling at me.
I have sticky notes.
I need to,
Kanika M: hold up.
okay.
But organizing them and defining
what success actually looks
like for you, that's important.
It's not about outcomes, but you
wanna make sure that you, you know,
want to feel and show up and lead.
You
Zuryna Livermore: yeah.
Kanika M: you show up and lead.
And so from there, once we get clear, I
reverse engineer the path help them break
their vision down into clear phases.
Help them prioritize what
matters and right now, and then
we co-create an action plan.
Something
Zuryna Livermore: Come on.
It's giving Agile sprint.
I love this.
Kanika M: That that
is, that is what it is.
That is what it is.
And it really, it's like part
strategy, part mindset, and
then also part accountability.
So really
Zuryna Livermore: Hmm.
Kanika M: to pull those things together.
And then my role really is
to help them move forward,
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: that overwhelm stage if, if
they're in that and move to ownership.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm.
And speak a little bit about
what accountability looks like.
Is that like a, you yelling
at me type of thing?
What does that look like?
Kanika M: So that's me reminding you.
And, and this is really a, like
I said, we co-create the plan
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: I'm just there to provide
support and a reminder that you are,
you, you matter one your voice, own it.
Two, and then really thinking
through what is your vision.
Meet yourself there.
And so finding ways to do
that in achievable ways.
And so I just remind my, my clients when
we meet again what, we may, may have
talked about, what we may have set as
goals and just keeping them aware of where
they are, what they've put in front of
themselves to make sure they achieve 'em.
So just being that sort of
like that, that's personal
side, almost like your little
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah, a coach.
Kanika M: Yes.
Zuryna Livermore: You know what?
I think some content creators could use
you as well, because I mean, I'm, my role
in business is really to treat for content
creators, to learn how to treat themselves
as a business and not just like a hobby.
So thinking of your personal
brand, thinking of the systems that
you use to promote your content.
Kanika M: Yes.
Zuryna Livermore: that's why I'm
so excited and proud of you for
your consulting visit because
I've seen you on LinkedIn.
I've seen you implement the practices
that you're, what you've preached.
So,
Kanika M: you.
Zuryna Livermore: and to that point,
this is a question that I always ask
of my guests do you consider yourself
a content creator or an influencer?
Kanika M: That's a great question.
I can I cheat and say both?
I
Zuryna Livermore: Yes,
Kanika M: Yeah.
Zuryna Livermore: absolutely can,
Kanika M: yeah.
Zuryna Livermore: because.
Kanika M: of it and the content
creation piece comes naturally
'cause of my profession.
So that's why I say I gotta kind
of, but then at the same time, I'm
hoping that the influencer side of me.
helping women and professionals all
over really help them show up, help
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: you know, they are
supported, especially those who are
going through struggles like layoffs
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: Career shifts, whatever
it might be feeling supported.
So I try to influence through some
of the words that I say by sharing
my story sharing with them, even
nuggets and gems of information
that may be helpful for them.
'cause I've gone on that journey
that they may be currently starting.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: providing them with
insights and, and giving them that
advice that they may not be able
to get in their workplace or around
whomever they may be surrounded with.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah,
Kanika M: us are, are riding solo
in these, in these workplaces.
Zuryna Livermore: absolutely.
Kanika M: And don't have support,
you know, and a, a crew on the
side to help nudge them along.
So I'm hoping that the influencer
side is helpful to women
and to other professionals.
I'm hoping that it's inspiring, uplifting,
Zuryna Livermore: I can tell you
that it is because I know that
you live what you're preaching.
I know you personally.
And I operate.
That's why I wanted to have you on the
show because the operations unfiltered.
I really wanna ensure that people
have the right people, processes,
and tools in their toolbox to
ensure that they're successful.
That's what I do in corporate, that's
what I aim to do with live more agency.
And I feel like you are, not only
do you have the right people,
processes, and tools in your toolbox,
but you, you give people some tools
and processes that they can use.
So
Kanika M: I hope so.
And I'm gonna continue
doing it 'cause I know
Zuryna Livermore: please.
Kanika M: this season, this is
the season and I appreciate that.
Your compliments are so awesome.
Thank you.
Zuryna Livermore: It's because
they're lived experiences.
Kanika M: thank you.
They are, we've, we've gone
through them together, a lot of
Zuryna Livermore: Yes.
Kanika M: no, I
Zuryna Livermore: And and one thing
that I can really say is that you've
always had a sense of, oh, even though
it's quiet sometimes your, the sense
of faith that you have, I can feel it.
It's super strong
Kanika M: you.
Zuryna Livermore: it feels like
it's central to both your personal
and your professional life.
And I wanna know.
How does it influence how you
make decisions in business?
Because that sometimes
I feel like that's it.
Just the, the voice of God disguises
itself as imposter syndrome, or,
or sometimes I can't hear clear
'cause I of the imposter syndrome.
So I'm wondering how do you fight through
that to, to make those decisions that
you need to make to be successful or
even make those uncomfortable decisions?
Kanika M: No, I think
that's a great question.
And faith is not a side note.
It is foundation for me.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm.
Kanika M: how I serve my clients
and how I say yes or even no.
And then also it helps
me navigate uncertainty.
Like what I just really
recently experienced.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah
Kanika M: you know, my business
is a calling, I answered.
So
Zuryna Livermore: I know that's right.
Kanika M: yes, it's not
just a goal I pursued.
So for me it's, it's foundation
to everything that I do.
So yes, definitely faith is
definitely a part of my journey.
Zuryna Livermore: I mean
truly living out loud.
I think I'm getting to the point
now where I can not feel so awkward
about it, and especially in public
settings and corporate settings.
What advice would you give to other
people who want to get to that
point where they can openly and
integrate it into their everyday life?
If they're a little timid and
they don't wanna compromise or.
Feel like they're not being professional,
Kanika M: I think that's
a great question too.
And absolutely you can honor your
faith without preaching it out loud.
You don't have to.
It's up to you.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: definitely let it
show up in how you treat people.
That's, that's important as a leader,
especially how you make decisions.
And then how you show up in the workplace
or wherever you might be, your business,
your community, whatever it might be.
Be,
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: your quiet anger.
I know.
For me, that's what it is.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: something I preach out
loud, but something that I keep in
the back of my mind and it, it, it
really is sort of the compass for me.
It guides everything I do and
I tell my clients when you live
your values and it's very clear,
your presence speaks for itself.
You don't even
Zuryna Livermore: Oh,
Kanika M: to
Zuryna Livermore: love that.
Kanika M: Yeah.
You
Zuryna Livermore: Oh man.
Kanika M: say anything.
It's, it's there.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah, it's
and I always say that about
you, you had a quiet elegance.
I always call myself the modern southern
bell because I'm from Houston and I
have that little Southern, but I'm,
I feel like I have a little sass.
That's why it's the modern part,
but you always exude that southern
bell energy, meaning it's how
you act and it's, it's probably a
godlike energy that you're exuding.
So I wanna say that I
personally experienced that.
I don't know.
Kanika M: I appreciate that.
And like I said, I don't, I
don't have to preach anything.
It's, it's, and, and, and anyone.
I think I feel the same about you as well.
You definitely give off that vibe as well.
And it's, it's a beautiful part of you.
And I think that, you know, as
long as your, your, your values
are clear, you know what they are.
You live 'em, it comes right out of you.
It's a
Zuryna Livermore: I love that.
Oh, you're gonna make me cry.
Come on.
Listen.
I'm saying you, anybody who needs a
business bestie, we need to come on
over to Kika, Kika m Watson Consulting
and lemme not bring customers to you.
'cause you might be
booked and busy already.
So.
Kanika M: Yeah.
I look.
Bring 'em on.
I love it.
I love it.
I want help.
I really do
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: passion, so yes.
Zuryna Livermore: but like I
mentioned, the reason why I'm so
happy that you're here is because
I have been managed by you before.
And the reason why I took that
job is because I was looking for
someone, a woman of color, and
I told you this in my interview.
I said I needed somebody
who was a person of color.
Who can pour into me.
Kanika M: Yes.
Zuryna Livermore: I wonder what is your
leadership philosophy, if you will, and
how do you mentor emerging professionals?
Because you already know
that you've helped me.
I remember the day you left too.
I was on vacation, I was in Houston,
I was eating my good Whataburger,
and I got the call and I called.
I was hung up the phone,
I couldn't even eat.
I was like, oh my God.
But yeah.
Anyway.
Kanika M: I know.
I'm so glad we're still connected.
I am.
But no, I appreciate that so much.
I, it really means a lot
to hear you say that.
I
Zuryna Livermore: Yes,
Kanika M: appreciate that, and I really
appreciate working with you as well.
It's been, it was a great
experience working together.
Zuryna Livermore: it was.
It was.
I learned so much.
Kanika M: my God.
We did, we and, and we
encountered so much together.
Zuryna Livermore: Yes.
Kanika M: and I appreciate that too.
We, we went on that journey together.
We learned together.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: it was great.
But my, my leadership philosophy
has always really been rooted
in vision empathy and care.
I did not see that a lot coming up
with my own supervisors and leaders
I've been encountered over the years.
So I really made sure that was
part of, , my makeup as a leader.
And
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: growth.
You know, for me, emerging leaders
it's really about planting the seeds,
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: to create a
space where they can rise.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: just perform, wanna make sure
that they have the opportunity to grow.
I definitely believe in
setting a clear vision.
Like I mentioned earlier, leading
with empathy is really important.
And then creating that space,
which I didn't always have myself.
You feel seen and you heard in making sure
that you are in an inclusive environment.
But really, you know, I try
to mentor professionals.
I don't just focus on the task at hand.
I try to invest in that
person that individual.
And I've had large teams.
That's not always very easy, but
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: to make the time to do that.
I've been, you know, fortunate
to have some amazing talents.
My team, yourself included various
Zuryna Livermore: Thank you.
Look, she's, look, my resume was helped
out because Kanika poured into me.
That's all I can say.
It's attributed to you.
It really, like I said, we were only
together for, it felt like such a
short time, but you really, really
made a lasting impression on my career.
So.
Kanika M: you.
I appreciate that.
absolutely appreciate that.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
And I, I just wanna understand
from you, what do you think we
often get wrong about leadership?
Especially as women of color in
professional spaces, especially given
what we've gone through together,
what you've experienced solo.
, What do leaders get wrong?
Kanika M: I think one thing we often
get wrong in leadership especially
women of color, is equating
strength with silence and survival.
Zuryna Livermore: Oh.
Kanika M: I feel like this is an
unspoken pressure that we carry.
We
Zuryna Livermore: Childhood trauma.
Kanika M: I know we outperform
to prove ourselves constantly.
But true leadership isn't
about over-functioning and I've
learned this in my journey.
It's not about being strong all the time.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: we feel like we have
to do as a badge of honor.
It's about creating
space for authenticity.
Rest, as I mentioned before
and then shared responsibility.
I just wrote a piece.
Actually it's so funny you mentioned this.
I just wrote a piece that just, I
published this morning on LinkedIn and
Zuryna Livermore: I'm gonna
have to go check it out.
Kanika M: Yeah, it's about the, it's
called the real cost of powering through
Zuryna Livermore: I love that.
Kanika M: safe.
Yes.
Zuryna Livermore: Oh, wow.
Kanika M: And I
Zuryna Livermore: I love that.
Being strong isn't safe.
Kanika M: It
Zuryna Livermore: I love that.
And I think that so many people of color
are understanding that rest is resistance.
I'm learning that myself because to
your point, that's the reason why I
was just trying to climb the ladder.
So I, I wanna be a senior.
This, I wanna be a people manager.
But there is, there is
something to be said about.
You know, growing in your role that
you're in and that being okay, there's,
you don't always have to keep going.
Keep going.
So I'm learning that.
Kanika M: No, I, and look, I'm st.
Even though I've, I feel like
I've, I've mastered it to an extent
because I've been through so much.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: I don't think
we talk about it enough.
Zuryna Livermore: Mm-hmm.
Kanika M: I, you know, I think that we
do a lot, especially women of color.
We mask, we code switch,
we suppress our own needs.
And that's to
Zuryna Livermore: Heavy.
Kanika M: going.
And I think that's something
we've all just naturally learned.
We were taught in some cases and
it shouldn't require us to lose
ourselves honestly, to be a leader.
We need, it really needs to let us be our
full selves and bring that to the table.
And for me, the real power is
really when change happens.
When we really realize.
What we're doing.
And some people, like I said, it
takes some time to get there, but I,
you know, I put that piece out this
morning to help people who might
be in the midst of it and haven't
recognized it yet to really take notice.
So I'm hoping
Zuryna Livermore: My
goodness, I'm listening.
I.
Kanika M: Yeah, I hope, I hope it's
helpful, but I, you know, I really I had
to, I had to go through it myself to be
able to speak about it today, honestly.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah, I'm gonna
link it in the podcast description
notes for everybody to go check
it out because I think that that's
something we're all in a season of.
We need to slow down.
To your point that you mentioned
earlier about how executives,
we all need to slow down.
Oh my goodness.
I'm gonna read it.
Kanika M: Thank you.
Exactly.
Zuryna Livermore: Yes.
But you have all these things going on.
Everything's moving fast.
What does success look like for you at
this stage of your life and your career?
Kanika M: You know, success for
me is knowing that I'm doing
the work that honors my calling.
Like I mentioned I.
Zuryna Livermore: I love it.
Kanika M: wanna make a lasting
impact and I wanna build a legacy.
That's what success looks like to me.
Yeah.
Zuryna Livermore: And if you could sum
it up, what does one operational or
mindset shift that changed everything
for you, whether it be with your work,
with your career, pivot, personal, I.
Kanika M: I think for me, the theme that
we've pretty much come across in this
conversation has been the rest theme.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: learning to rest without
guilt, that took some time to get there.
So that for me was a mind
shift, totally a mind shift.
When you stop quitting, worth
to output I definitely became a
better leader, better wife, better
mom, and a better business woman.
So.
That's what I would say.
That rest element, I
come back to that theme.
We've been talking about it throughout our
conversation, but I really believe in it.
Zuryna Livermore: You are
speaking to my soul right now.
Oh my goodness.
That's why I'm over here crying.
Oh my goodness.
I need you to give me one affirmation
that you use because I'm trying to live in
this soft girl era that you are exuding.
Kanika M: please.
Please.
Do you have to?
Zuryna Livermore: I'm, I'm trying, but
please give me all of the resources.
But like I said, that one
affirmation that puts you in
that good head space, what is it?
Especially for seasons of uncertainty.
'cause I definitely need
some help with that.
Kanika M: No, I hear you.
I have several, but I think the one
that I go to, it's either scripture
or either I'll come to this one that I
repeat in my head sometimes, especially
when things are a little overwhelming.
But, God go before me clear what's not
for me and give me peace for what is.
So that's just kind of like my
way of saying that I don't have
to have it all figured out.
'cause I
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: not all the time.
And my job is really
to just trust and take,
Zuryna Livermore: my goodness.
You are the business
bestie that we all need.
So that's why I'm saying
moral of the story.
Moral of today's episode.
If you are an upcoming emerging
professional executive, you need Kanika m
Watson Consulting as your business bestie.
That's what I'm saying.
Kanika M: I appreciate that.
Zuryna Livermore: But to that
point, how can we keep up with all
things Kanika Watson Consulting?
I wanna see all the content.
You mentioned LinkedIn.
Are you on Instagram?
Give us all the things.
Kanika M: Sure.
So the stay connected, I would
suggest the Kanika watson.com.
That's my website, my digital home.
Zuryna Livermore: Yay.
Kanika M: just made some updates
to it, so let's check it out.
The career branding suite is one of
my signature spaces for professionals,
especially women of color.
Zuryna Livermore: Yay.
Kanika M: rise and move
forward with purpose.
And so that has any and
everything you need there.
From coaching through accelerator
programs to done for you resume and
branding, career branding services
and a bunch of other things.
You know, resources, free
information also there as well.
I am on Instagram.
I am about to, let's see, I'm about
to get onto Substack at some point.
I'm also, I don't know when, but in
the next few months, it's coming,
it's, somebody's convinced me to do
YouTube, but I haven't done that yet.
But right now I'm on Instagram
and LinkedIn is my home.
Also next to my, you know, my website.
So I'm on LinkedIn quite a bit.
That's my, obviously
my main social source.
Zuryna Livermore: Yeah.
Kanika M: I would go into
Instagram as the next one.
Zuryna Livermore: Okay, well we
will keep, I will link all of those
in the episode description because
like I said, everybody needs a
business, bestie, and you are that.
Kanika M: Thank you.
Zuryna Livermore: I hope that
I've empowered the listeners today
with the right people, processes
and tools by giving you kika.
So please utilize her as a resource.
Go check her out on LinkedIn.
And as always, thank
you guys for tuning in.
Kanika M: Thank you so much for having me.
I appreciate it.
I.