Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Dear BLK CEO Podcast.
In today’s episode, we are very blessed to be joined by an inspirational CEO that is on a mission to inspire social change through immersive storytelling, her name is Kenia Mattis. She is the CEO AND founder of ListenMi Caribbean, an award-winning Animation & Digital Design Studio that focuses on storytelling for social change.
Her productions of note include a Sesame Street short film called ‘D is for Dress Up;’ the award-winning animation concept The Adventures of Kam Kam, League of Maroons, and Fimimoji.com.
Let’s tune in and dig more about Kenia’s inspiring story in creating social change through storytelling.
[00:01 – 06:00] Opening Segment
- Before we get into the episode today, I want you to know that you can gain the security, ownership, and time Freedom You Want by building a business around a solution that only you can provide.
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- I introduce the guest, Kenia Mattis.
- Kenia talks about how animation creates a profound way for us to identify ourselves in the real world.
- The power of animation
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- Animation allows you to stretch your mind, expand your horizon, and leaves you a vivid image that lives beyond the end of the story.
[06:01 – 15:19] The Spiritual Confirmation
- Kenia shares about her journey from the beginning of her study.
- The process of taking the leap and act of faith to her dream.
- Kenia talks about avoiding the golden handcuff of the corporate.
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- Placing her values in the future and setting the direction of her next step.
- The spiritual confirmation to start the journey.
- Finding the confidence and passion.
- Qualify yourself by doing and learning.
- Perseverance and continuity.
- Building, measuring, and learning.
[15:20 – 23:59] The Sacrifice and The North Star
- The personal sacrifice in starting her business
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- Taking the bet on herself
- Bootstrapping
- Kenia talks about how she invested herself emotionally, physically, and financially.
- Sacrificing her old self, wellness, and health to drive forward.
- If you are a black business owner looking to grow your revenue, listen up. There is a major revenue-generating opportunity for you, and The Kas company is here to help you secure the bag. The Kas Company is a black-owned alliance agency specializing in finding and brokering partnerships between black-owned companies and big brands looking to diversify their supply chains.
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- See the link below to book your free consultation today.
- Kenia talks about her north star to strive and grow
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- The value of Jamaican storytelling.
[24:00 – 31:39] Leverage Storytelling to Create Social Change
- Why it is important that the content is being created by the members of the community.
- Two sides of her storytelling business.
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- Helping people to build their business by becoming their thinking partners.
- Develop original products and projects
- Helps Jamaican companies to be digitally fluent and connect with their audience.
- The values of Jamaican stories and products
- Kenia breaks down the main obstacles for Jamaican cooperation in digital communication.
- Connect with people where they are.
- The caring aspect in corporate communication.
- Building trust and relationships in business transactions.
[31:40 – 41:00] Fund and Revenue Side
- Kenia talks about several ways of funding the capital in the business
- Gaining early customers.
- Grant funding.
- Initial funders.
- Revenue model side.
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- Kenia talks about self-doubt amongst creatives and entrepreneurs.
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- The quickest way to get rid of self-doubt is action.
- Digital workshops for kids
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- Who is one black CEO in your network that you think would be influential and a good fit for the Dear Black CEO Podcast?
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[41:01 – 43:13] Random Round
- What is your favorite cultural dish that I have got to check out when I come to Jamaica?
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- Ackee and saltfish with roasted breadfruit and fresh green plantain
- What's one negative stereotype associated with Jamaican or Black Culture that you feel just to do away with?
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- That we always know some famous people.
- Not a business-friendly environment
- What is your favorite character in the league of maroons?
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- Final words from me.
Tweetable Quotes:
“Animation allows you to stretch your mind, expand your horizon, and leaves you a vivid image that lives beyond the end of the story.” – Kenia Mattis.
“The big part of communication is so that people would care about what it is that you are saying.” – Kenia Mattis.
“At the end of the day business transactions are founded on relationships, therefore building that connection through appealing stories is very important.” – Kenia Mattis.
“The quickest way to get rid of self-doubt is action.” – Kenia Mattis.
Find out more and connect with Kenia on Instagram, and LinkedIn.You can also visit her business page at https://www.listenmi.com/.
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Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.
You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!