We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamilah Hud-Kirk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamilah, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
No one ever said that multi-tasking being a mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend would be easy. When you are responsible for just yourself, it is a little easier to sacrifice the things you may want to do or experience. However, when managing all of these roles, you are responsible for creating experiences that serve others outside of yourself. Early on in my career as a school leader, I sacrificed a lot of time that should have been spent with my own children. I used to feel so guilty about not being able to attend all of my children’s school events. Prior to being a mother, I always imagined attending the field trips, volunteering at the school and making every practice. When I began leading my own school, this became increasingly more difficult. I found myself competing between my family time and my work time. Not only was I challenged with giving everyone else time, I was not giving time to myself. Add on the internal comparisons that play in your head. You know, the ones where you are comparing your motherhood to others. Wondering how they manage to do it all. I often wonder if there is such a thing as “balance.” Realistically, there will be times where some things will take priority, What I have learned along the way, is to give myself as much grace as I give others. I must define what balance means to me as opposed to adopting someone else’s definition. Along the way, I have learned to fill my cup, so that I may fill the cup of others. Now, I utilize morning practices that set my day and I have learned to give myself permission to stay in the presence.

What should our readers know about your business?
After serving 23 years in education with 12 of those as a school principal, I am excited to add an accomplishment that will allow me to serve others outside of myself. When the pandemic hit last spring, it was evident that all school leaders were now leading from the same playing field because no one had ever led an organization through a pandemic. However, what also became abundantly clear, was that not all leaders have mentors, coaches or a tribe to turn to that provides a safe and nurturing environment that allows them to grow in their leadership along their journey. Therefore, I decided to create such a community and support system that will assist with closing that gap and meet that need by launching a consulting group, this summer.

As CEO and Founder of PCK Consulting LLC, an educational leadership consulting group which was created to serve women of diverse backgrounds who aspire to serve and are currently serving in school leadership roles, I am committed to helping other leaders elevate their leadership “goals,” and increase their impact in schools. Realizing that there is much to learn from my own experiences and those of other dynamic female leaders who have come across my path, I created a blog and other social media platforms that are reflective of those golden nuggets. It is the desire and hope that other leaders who share a similar desire to create work/life balance will have a safe, honest platform in which to learn from and express their own personal journeys on how they manage to find harmony between their professional and personal lives. My desire is to incorporate and infuse a passion for authentic leadership by empowering others to create balance that is critical to good leadership and essential for a healthy organization.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It is so funny that this question is asked. I am such a simple person who just enjoys having family time and occasionally hanging out with friends. However, I guess my agenda would look like…le are…
Monday- Visit the Ga Aquarium or Coca Cola Center followed by lunch in Centennial Park while eating Varsity meal

Tuesday-Start off with breakfast at The Flying Biscuit followed by a visit to the MLK National Historic Park and Museum. Ending our day at the Slutty Vegan
Wednesday- A late start to visit Ponce City Market and walk/ ride the beltline. Following this adventurous day, it may call for a dip in the pool and relaxation at the hotel.

Thursday-Visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights followed by shopping and dinner in Atlantic Station

Friday-Begin our day with breakfast at the Highland Bakery and Kitchen, followed by a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to capture the beautiful nature and pictures for the social media. Can’t end the night without grabbing a warm cocoa and dessert from Café Intermezzo

Saturday-Catch an Atlanta Braves Game at Truist Park followed by a late night snack at Sublime Donuts

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have been very fortunate to have such a supportive village around me. This village has allowed me to be my authentic self while holding me accountable to my dreams and aspirations. In addition to my always supportive family, I have been blessed with some amazing individuals who have come into my life during this pandemic year. During this time I have been able to sit still, reflect and find what Oprah Winfrey calls, my “gallon size” people. Some who I have been reconnected to and some who came in a time of my life when I needed that extra push and like-minded support. There are 3 people/organizations who have poured into me and allowed me to reconnect with my dreams and aspirations. They have reminded me to invest in myself. They have empowered me to use my God-given superpower of voice.

I would like to shout out Bishop Samuel McGill III of Stellar Awards All Nations Radio and dear childhood friend, who has allowed me and encouraged me to share my story with others. He has consistently reminded me that there can be no life transformation without a mind transformation first.

Brianna Greenspan, co-author of The Miracle Morning Art of Affirmations, a positive coloring book for both kids and adults, and the family-friendly The Upcycled Toys Club has supported and reminded me to use my voice to ask for the things that I want manifested and has encouraged me to do the things that serve me at the highest level of my life. As the connector, she has been instrumental in holding me accountable for my morning practices and supported my efforts to bring those practices to my school community via resources and connections.

Last, but certainly not least, I am grateful for Dennis McKesey and my OSG (Off School Grounds) family. I am grateful for the support, mentorship and the love that has reminded me to dream the possible and to be bigger than my excuses. I have grown so much in my leadership and personal goals as a result of collaboration and being held accountable for my personal and professional aspirations. Because of these new friendships and mentorship, I live my life with the expectation that great things are coming my way and all things are possible in my leadership journey.

Website: principalcaptainkirk.com

Instagram: @principalcaptainkirk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilah-hud-kirk-ab31a2b8

Twitter: @principalcaptainkirk

Facebook: @principalcaptainkirk

Youtube: Principal Captain Kirk

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