Bobbie James shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Bobbie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Oftentimes in interviews, you are asked about your strengths and weaknesses. I find the question of would you hire you to be similar to these types of questions.
I would hire me because I consider myself to be different in my approach. I look at work as a partnership of how I can contribute to helping things get better. My interest in the organization doing well only serves and helps me and all of the people that are part of the organization.
Success goes beyond the skills that one has. I believe that one’s mindset about the opportunity is very important and key.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bobbie James, and I am the founder of Jamsz Konnections, a nonprofit organization with the mission to bridge the gap between for-profit and nonprofit organizations, build community awareness for both organizations, connect them to resources as well as manage events for philanthropic efforts.
I am passionate about service and collaboration. Having a mindset of service and collaboration is about how to build connections for a stronger community.
We offer education and consulting services related to the nonprofit sector. The nonprofit sector is a crucial part of the community. It is important for its survival for the greater good. Nonprofits are a business that requires funding, resources and the capacity to grow like any other business. We are part of the conversation to help generate this understanding.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
One of the things that I believed about myself as a child is that my voice didn’t matter. I completely understand that each voice matters and can make a difference. If we see a need to help make the world a better place, all we need to do is start with self and build from there.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There are too many days to count where I’ve thought about giving up. So far, each time someone comes along or something happens that sparks the fire again to keep pushing forward. When we remember the why, we can keep going. Find new ways to tell the story or connect with someone new to share the story just may be the spark you need to keep going a little longer.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I spent too many years trying to live a life that was approved by others. As I’ve gotten older, I believe the best gift that I can give to myself and the world is being authentic. My personality is one that is about being of service, being kind and contributing to making things better or easier where I can. Striving for this isn’t always greeted with open arms and understanding; however, I know that this is the core of who I am and there is no reason that I need to hide that.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I do believe that I am doing what I am called to do. Not everyone gets it or understands it; however, based on my research and conversations that I have had with others in the industry, there is a need for what we do and others see the value in the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamszkonnections.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamszkonnections/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamszkonnections/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamszKonnections2/
