Oct 15, 2019
Welcome to She Leads Podcast Season 5, Episode 7! This episode of She Leads Podcast features Achea Redd founder of Real Girls F.A.R.T. Achea Redd is an Author, Mental Health Advocate, and Speaker who leads her life like the Boss she is. To hear Achea Redd’s take on leadership, listen to her interview as she discusses the importance with leading with love as opposed to fear, how finding her voice changed her life, and acquiring a team to increase productivity.
Achea Red Bio
Achea Redd is a mental health advocate, author of Be Free. Be You. and founder of Real Girls F.A.R.T.
In early 2016, Achea Redd was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. After hiding her condition out of fear and shame, Achea quickly realized it was only getting worse, affecting her physically to the point of a nervous breakdown. It wasn’t until she acknowledged the situation with her loved ones, seeking out treatment from her therapist and doctor, that things started to get better.
As a form of self-expression and healing, Achea Redd created her own blog, sharing her feelings about mental health and authenticity. The flow of support she received from the community compelled her to create Real Girls F.A.R.T.—a space to empower and equip women with the necessary tools to use their voices and become their best, most authentic selves.
Achea uses her life experience and mental health disorder to help women find their voice and let it out. Those goals are central to her new book Be Free. Be You. She is the official sponsor of Nationwide Children’s Hospital On Our Sleeves Movement.
Nicole Walker’s Interview Commentary
I really enjoyed this interview with Achea and I hope you did as well.
I agree with Achea’s advice to “be present in the moment”. With all the distractions of today this can be challenging; however, it is essential that we learn to focus on what’s really important at the time. Mindfulness is another word that means being in the moment. Learning to control our minds from wandering is how we can be mindful of what’s happening around us. Living in the moment allows us to live a happy and healthy life. If you want to reduce stress, decrease anger and fear then be mindful of your focus. A quote by Eckhart Tolle reads, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life”.
I admire Achea’s realization that she was doing herself and others a disservice by trying to be everything for everyone. When we overextend ourselves, we limit our ability to show up the way we intend. Achea referenced the directions we receive when on an airplane as our guide to also taking care of ourselves on a daily basis. On a plane we are told to put our oxygen mask on before helping those around us, and this is what we must do in life as well. Trying to be everything for everyone leads to exhaustion, which makes us useless for ourselves and others. As Achea stated, we need to be intentional with what we put on our schedule and conscious of the commitments we make to ensure we are not trying to do too much. A quote by Paulo Coelho reads, “When you say ‘yes’ to others make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.”
I can relate to Achea’s experiences with finding her voice, telling her truth, and valuing her opinion as I experienced the same. For me this was a long and hard journey, with a priceless outcome. It’s a great feeling when you believe in youself! As with Achea, I also enjoy when my thoughts and ideas are valued and appreciated by others. For me it serves as a confirmation that I am on the right path. It also helps to keep my confidence up, which is needed every now and again. A quote by Neil Gaiman reads, “The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.”
Nicole Walker’s Takeaway of the Week
Achea mentioned the importance of asking questions and being curious about ourselves. The more we know about ourselves the more effective we are at leading our lives. According to Achea, we should be curious about our past, our triggers, and the occurrences that take us to certain places. Having this knowledge of ourselves is the foundation to making the best decisions for our lives. Getting to know yourself is not always easy, as you may discover things you are pleased with; however it is necessary to make the changes required to be and do better.
I will make it my business to continue to ask myself questions, as I want to know all about me. I will be curious to understand why I behave certain ways and what leads me to those behaviors. My goal is to be and stay whole, and I know I must continue to get into me for this to happen.
A quote by Michelle Sandlin, “There is no greater journey then the one that you must take to discover all of the mysteries that lie within 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!
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Thanks and until next time “Be Empowered and Empower On”!