Dec 24, 2019
Welcome to She Leads Podcast Season 5, Episode 17! This episode of She Leads Podcast features Kearn Cherry founder of PRN Home Care. Kearn Cherry is an Author, Coach, and Speaker who leads her life like the Boss she is. To hear Kearn’s take on leadership, listen to her interview as she discusses the importance of taking care of yourself first, the necessity of going after what you desire, and helping others along the way.
Kearn Cherry Bio
Kearn Cherry is a speaker, coach, entrepreneur, author and collaborator. Some of her topics are "How to Put Butts in the Seats", How to Raise Funds for Your Event/Conference", "Turning Connections into Major Collaborations", "How to Get the Most Out of Your Conference Booth", and many more. She is the owner of PRN Home Care which is 22 years old. She’s vested over 30 years in the healthcare field and holds a degree in Occupational Therapy. She is co-founder and director of Success Women's Conference which produced over 1100 participants in 2019. She is host/executive producer of "Unwrinkled Heart Caregivers' Journeys". She is a co-author in two anthologies: Women Inspiring Nations Volume 2 - "Success Must Be Taken" and "Unboxed". Mrs. Cherry will be starting her new podcast K Konnections in this year.
Mrs. Cherry is a community activist who engages in developing community activities such as Blessed Gyrls Rock! and the creator of the R.I.P.E. Conference (Resources, Information, and Planning for the Elderly). She sits on numerous boards: Girls Scout State Board, Rebekah's House, Mental Health Association, Lighthouse Business & Professional Women and other organizations. She encourages women to network to increases their "Net" while building relationships that can lead to major collaborations. She often says "When one door is close go to the next one, if that would is close go around to the back, if that one is close, Create Your OWN, but never give up."
Mrs. Cherry has been featured twice in Essence Magazine. Once as the "Comeback Queen". She received numerous awards and recognition. She recently was recognized as one of the Top 50 Leading Business Women in Mississippi and the Governor's GIVE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Empowerment Initiatives. (see attached Awards list). Mrs. Cherry and her husband/business partner, Dennis are proud parents of three successful children. Their son, Dannan Cherry, who is the owner of Handy Dandy Moving Services; Dr. Jasmine Padgett, MD; Dr. Denise Cherry, DMD and their grandson Dannan Jr.
HONORS – AWARDS – RECOGNITION
2001 - ESSENCE MAGAZINE (INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE) - FEATURED BUSINESS OWNER - “COMEBACK QUEENS”
2005 ESSENCE HARDBACK BOOK (INTERNATIONAL) – SELECTED AS A FEATURED BUSINESS OWNER IN MAKING IT HAPPEN – CREATING SUCCESS AND ABUNDANCE
2003- 2004 – BILOXI BAY CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP DRIVE & AMBASSADOR AWARD
2007 -2010– MEMBERSHIP DRIVE TEAM CAPTAIN & AMBASSADOR AWARD
2010 - MHA'S ANNETTE O’KEEFE HUMANITARIAN AWARD
2010 - SOUTH MS OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERS - CLASS OF 2010
2010 - CITY OF BILOXI COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
2010 – 2011 - HEART ASSOCIATION'S GO RED FOR WOMEN – 2011 HARRISON COUNTY GO RED WOMAN REP.
2012 - LIGHTHOUSE BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN MEDICAL PERSON OF THE YEAR
2015 - ENTERPRISING WOMEN HONORABLE MENTIONED
2018 - GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
2018-2019 - TOP 50 LEADING BUSINESS WOMEN OF MISSISSIPPI
2019 - COVEY AWARDS TOM TANDLER - LIFETIME AWARD FOR SUCCESS
2019 - MS GULF COAST BLACK NURSES ROCK - EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD
2019 - GOVERNOR'S INITIATIVE FOR VOLUNTEER EXCELLENCE (GIVE) AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN EMPOWRMENT INITIATIVES
2019 - - COAST TOP 10 COMMUNITY LEADERS AWARD
2019 - GULF COAST GOSPEL MUSIC AWARD'S TELEVISION HOST OF THE YEAR
2019 - ACHI MAGAZINE ENTREPRENEUR AND WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT NOMINEE
Nicole Walker’s Interview Commentary
I really enjoyed this interview with Kearn and I hope you did as well.
I agree with Kearn’s viewpoint on the necessity to step up and seek opportunities. As Kearn stated, we cannot wait for someone to give us something, we must go out and get what we desire ourselves. To effectively do this, we can’t be afraid to lead and take the challenges that come our way. We have to be tenacious and understand that our first, second, third, or whichever attempt may not work; however, we must push and press on if we want to achieve our goals. A quote by an unknown author reads, “Step up to the challenge, believe in yourself, and do what it takes. Right now is a great time to start.”
I admire Kearn’s longevity as an entrepreneur, ability to pivot and expand, as well as her awareness of the lessons that each endeavor has taught her. Being crowned the “Come Back Queen” by Essence Magazine definitely solidifies her tenacity and persistence. When we refuse to quit, we continue to excel; it’s so simple, yet can be so hard. Kearn has given us a great example of how to play the long game with her entrepreneurial efforts thus far. A quote by Josh Shipp reads, “Perseverance is stubbornness with a purpose.”
I can relate to Kearn’s passion to ensure women are recognized, as I have the same. I totally agree with Kearn, that women do not get the same exposure and respect as men; so, I also make it my business to fill this gap. Hence, She Leads Podcast. Women, and especially Women of Color, are doing some great things that go unnoticed. This is why Kearn and I do the work we do to elevate women and give us the pat on the back that we deserve and need. A quote by Stephanie Sparkles reads, “I love when people that have been through hell walk out of the flames carrying buckets of water for those still consumed by the fire.”
Nicole Walker’s Takeaway of the Week
Kearn mentioned the importance of taking care of ourselves before we give ourselves to others. According to Kearn, it is extremely important for us to get our life straight and take care of ourselves first. When we choose to take care of ourselves, we allow ourselves to become filled and show up as a whole person. This in turn allows us to fully show up for those around us.
I will make it my business to take care of me first, which can be hard because I am a mother, employee, podcaster, business owner, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, homeowner, etc., etc. However, I now know that I can’t fulfill these other roles properly if I am not good, so I will focus on me so I can focus on everything else.
A quote by Katie Reed reads, “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.”
Nicole Walker’s Leadership Challenge
My leadership challenge for you would be to think about the one thing you can take away from this episode and adopt into your life. I know it’s hard to absorb too much information at one time and it’s even harder to try and implement too many changes at once. When I attend a training or listen to podcasts I aim to walk away with a least one thing that stuck out to me and one way that I can change as a result. I challenge you to do the same!
Don’t forget to subscribe to She Leads Podcast for first access to future episodes. And also, like and share this episode of She Leads Podcast entitled “Success Must Be Taken with Kearn Cherry”.
Thanks and until next time “Be Empowered and Empower On”!