We had the good fortune of connecting with Rahkal Shelton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rahkal, how do you think about risk?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” This is a famous Wayne Gretzky quote that I live by. But in my opinion, taking a risk is equivalent to stepping out on faith. Faith is described as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. When we operate in faith, i.e., risk-taking, we are moving towards what we hope for even though we may not see it. I can honestly say there isn’t a single thing that I’ve accomplished that didn’t’ require some sort of risk. I’ve moved to four different states with nothing lined up, no money or job (this was right for me…please use discretion) and things worked out. What I did have each time was a little faith that stimulated my ability to take the risk. I was also willing to work hard. And each move provided an upgrade in my career, social, personal, and professional life. Things worked out better than before taking the risk eventually. I’m not saying it was super easy. I do know, there is no way that I would have achieved a fraction of my success without taking a risk. I believe taking a risk is vital to success. Success does not come knocking on the front door of your comfort zone. As a matter of fact, everything that you’re dreaming and hoping for lies in the probability of the risk you take. You can’t achieve or accomplish anything if you don’t go for it. Take the risk, bro and sis. You are sure to miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, I’m a creative at heart. My creativity is packaged in a variety of mediums. At my core, I’m a producer, activist, and storyteller. My degrees are in Radio, TV and Film, and Media Communications and training. I am the founder of Be The Inspired You, a motivational lifestyle brand created to challenge individuals to be the best version of themselves. I am passionate about serving and inspiring others. I do this through different creative expressions. I’m a 3x published author, speaker, inspiration enthusiast, and workplace peace advocate. I am most proud of my ability to merge my passion with my talents (creativity). Sharing experiences transparently and authentically has provided the power to inspire and set others free personally and professionally. I help individuals find harmony and strategy for thriving in challenging environments and circumstances in life and the workplace. My latest book is Woosah: A Survival Guide for Women of Color Working in Corporate. Woosah speaks to resetting in short. This book is guaranteed to help you better navigate the workplace while keeping your confidence, cool, and peace of mind. I offer personal and professional development material, workshops, keynote and panel speaking. I think with anything worth having and working for comes adversity and obstacles. There is never a smooth road, and the sooner we anticipate and embrace the reality of this, the better off we will be. If we’re flexible and agile it’s harder to be bent out of shape. Nope, my strive hasn’t been easy, but certainly worth it. I’ve overcome challenges by keeping a healthy and conscious mindset and through positive affirmations. I’m a firm believer that if you can change your mind, you can change your life. Many of the lessons that I learned were all seamlessly tied into taking a risk, believing, and being a voice/server for others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In true artist fashion, I’m a big fan of midtown and the art district. We would swing by the library in midtown followed by visiting the High museum before having a bite at Cafe Intermezzo. We would then head over to rent bikes and explore the beltline followed by enjoying the smoothies at Ponce City Market.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m a firm believer in it taking a village to raise, pour into, inspire, and aid in the development of others. I don’t believe in islands, and no one got to where they are solo. Being “self-made” is mythical. That said, I must attribute much of my success to the adversity that I’ve experienced first, and foremost. However, I’ve had many professors, and my first college job in radio (KTSU 90.9 FM) provided many mentors and personalities who believed in me. I have an amazing tribe that challenges and holds me accountable too. Certainly, my relationship with God deserves recognition. Hmmm, there is this one book that changed my life that deserves a shout-out… The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Website: www.rahkalshelton.com
Instagram: @rcarladanielle
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahkalshelton
Twitter: @rcarladanielle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcarladanielle
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rahkalshelton