Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle McKinney Hammond.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Born in London, raised in Barbados and the US. and now living a transcontinental life between Ghana and the US. I feel I am a citizen of the world and it gives me a unique perspective on life.
It’s been said that one thing leads to another and no experience is wasted and I am a living witness! My journey has taken me from being an award-winning art director, and copywriter/producer at the largest African American ad agency in America serving clients such as Mcdonald’s, Coca Cola and Ford Motor Company among others, to a best-selling author of 43 books, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
I have graced some of the largest speaking platforms from The Crystal Cathedral, T.D. Jake’s “Woman Thou Art Loosed” conference to Walmart and UBA Bank and other international venues. From songwriting, singing, acting, writing screenplays, creating a fashion line, and my involvement in several business ventures I welcome each new arena as an opportunity to use all the gifts I’ve been given not just for my personal satisfaction but to bless and benefit others!
It’s been an organic evolution for me from one thing to the other. Each experience feeds and qualifies you for the next if you can see the benefit of each season of life and see the shifts and changes as great opportunities to level up.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Definitely! I have dealt with the death of the man I thought I would be spending the rest of my life with (this happened on the day I landed my dream job, by the way). Being fired and rehired from the same job, not once, but twice! Getting hit by a car and being bedridden for a year and a half, learning to walk again, making a lot of money, losing it all, and rebuilding.
I’ve lived on 3 continents, an island, and 3 states in my lifetime. Needless to say, I have endured my share of upheaval, culture shock, disappointment, and setbacks but also miraculous recovery. When I wrote my latest book “When Shift Happens, Say Yes to Your Next” it came from my gut.
From all the experiences I’ve had that proves, it’s never over unless you say so. Life has thrown me many curveballs but I’ve caught them all and thrown them back! I’ve encountered many “almost” moments in my life that I could have counted as missed opportunities but I’ve discovered they were merely detours to get me to where I ultimately wanted to be.
The path is not always what you imagined but if you dare to follow it. you’ll be amazed at where it leads to.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I’m known as a relationship expert and lifestyle architect. Through my writing and speaking, I always give those who encounter my work hope aligned with practical skills to accomplish their desires. I focus on empowering the audiences I speak to and the clients I coach to realize the options they have at any given moment in life and show them how to take advantage of their own power of choice to realize their dreams.
I offer solutions that are practical and based on spiritual principles that work. I have a reputation for being effective and transformative. I have a unique skill set that facilitates a vast array of needs- relational and professional, personal branding, and communication skills.
I am a visionary who sees the big picture of what others want to accomplish. I bring clarity and direction to the table. I deliver sound strategies that help others navigate successfully through the issues they wrestle with to gain tangible results.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Know who you are and what you want. Also, know and be clear about your “why.” No success comes easily. Your “why” will be the fuel that keeps you going when you run out of steam because of delays or perhaps even self-doubt.
Build strong relationships! No one succeeds alone. Be authentic in your relationships. Champion others and they will champion you. Be vulnerable and don’t be afraid to ask for help. People love feeling significant, give them the gift of feeling needed.
If you’ve ever said, “Someone needs to do something about that!” That someone is you. If it’s never been done before then it is waiting for you to do it. Be the first. Be the best at what you do in your own unique way. Remember no one can do you like you.
Do your homework. Know everything you need to know to complete your mission. Don’t just have passion, have knowledge. Know your brand. Know your audience and what they need. Know what you have to offer. Every need is an opportunity for you to make a significant difference in someone’s life. Solutions lead to success professionally, financially, and yes even emotionally.
Secure your natural life by having a spiritual life. Feed your spirit. Nurture your relationship with God. This is your lifeline and your path to the supernatural wisdom you will need to succeed as well as eternal security.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
It is interesting that the Bible refers to wealth and riches separately. One (riches) can be temporary- here today, gone tomorrow, fleeting at best. But wealth is more than the acquisition of achievements and things. Wealth is the intangible. A life well-lived. Rich in experiences, relationships, and positive lasting legacy. That is success to me.
We know there are many miserable rich people which proves all the things we pile up and amass aren’t always what they are cracked up to be or worse still, they create greater problems. But when we master the mundane instead of seeking the rush of the magnificent we find a peace and a joy that can’t be disrupted or taken away.
This too is success– getting to a place where you are at peace with yourself, peace with others, and peace with God. This is when you have life but life doesn’t have you. Nothing rules you apart from God. Nothing can threaten or intimidate you. That is true freedom. That is success.
What’s next for you?
Whew! I have a full plate. The release of my book, “When Shift Happens” in September. The release of a new music project with my band “Relevance”. I have just been made the new host of “Sunday School Made Simple” with UMI. I am co-hosting 3D Woman on TCT.
I am relaunching my D.I.V.A. Principle Conference (Divine Inspiration for Victorious Attitude) in Chicago this October. Raising capital for a resort in Ghana (don’t tell anyone) and of course acting in a new television series in Ghana as well as an Indie film in the U.S. Never a dull moment!
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
They can visit my website at www.michellehammond.com or follow me on social media- IG, TW, Threads @mckinneyhammond
Facebook and Youtube Michelle McKinney Hammond
email admin@michellehammond.com
