Karenthia A. Barber, Founder and CEO, Professional Development Associates, LLC
An engaging, inspiring, and impactful speaker who has positively impacted the lives of over 200,000 individuals and organisations, Karenthia A. Barber is a highly regarded consultant, speaker and coach who operates at the intersection of education, business and politics.
Karenthia A. Barber has over 20 years of experience in organisational development, education/training, human resources, and government relations. She is recognised as an exceptional strategist, world-class speaker, seasoned business consultant, and leadership coach.
She currently serves as an adjunct faculty member, board chair, and president of Professional Development Associates, LLC.
A consulting practice that provides coaching, consulting, organisational and government relations services. Under her leadership, the firm has provided a wide range of organisational development and training programs for organisations of all sizes, including federal, state, corporate and non-profit organisations throughout this country and abroad.
The Graduate School USA has recognised Ms Barber as a distinguished faculty member. In addition, she has served as an adjunct faculty member at the US Office of Personnel Eastern Management Development Center, the George Washington Center For Excellence In Public Leadership, Penn State University, Allegheny Community College and the Community Colleges of Baltimore County.
Ms Barber has served in appointed and elected officials and is a trusted advisor to many corporate executives and elected and public officials. As a result, she is uniquely positioned to connect her clients with her broad network. Ms Barber received her undergraduate education at the University of Pittsburgh and completed her graduate studies at Penn State University.
She is a graduate of Leadership Maryland and Coach University. Her memberships include the Association For Talent Development, Women In Communications, and the National Association of Female Executives. In addition, she served as the first woman Chair of the Board of Trustees of Maryland Automobile Insurance, providing governance and leadership for the $100 million dollar carrier.
The Maryland Daily Record named Ms Barber one of the 2016 Maryland Top 100 Women in Maryland for her leadership accomplishments and community service. In addition, leadership Maryland honoured her as a Top 25 at the 25th Anniversary celebration for her statewide leadership and impact. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and The Baltimore(MD) Links, Inc.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
It was the first and only social media platform I was on for many years.
On LinkedIn, I am able to connect with a wide range of business leaders and former and potential clients.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I am a consultant who operates at the intersection of education, business and politics. I have helped over 200,000 individuals and organizations enhance their effectiveness and efficiency and/or advance their career or business. As a multi-hyphenated leader, I am blessed to serve in a number of roles including consultant, speaker, strategist, coach, and public servant. No matter what hat I am wearing, everything I do is informed by my mission to positively impact the lives of others. Whether that is via a keynote address, training or coaching engagement, my goal is to facilitate an environment that allows individuals to broaden their horizons and expand their possibilities.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
Every day I wake up, I am able to walk passionately in my purpose while positively impacting the lives of others in various ways. In addition, I have the opportunity to meet a broad range of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
From my mother: To always remain humble and put God first in everything I do.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
I believe the true measure of success is assessed by the number of people you help or positively impact. There are so many people and organisations I have yet to impact.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
There are a number of milestones that I am proud of. On that list is the honour of serving as the first woman to chair the board of Maryland Auto. In that role, I provided governance and leadership for the $100 million dollar carrier. Also, I am proud of the fact that my business has transformed the lives of thousands of people and organizations.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
Pre-pandemic, it was in-person social/networking events. For the past 18 months, it has been via LinkedIn, Instagram and Clubhouse.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
My excellent communication skills, leadership acumen and entrepreneurial approach; coupled with my commitment to help others to become the best versions of themselves has positioned me to be effective and successful. I also believe that my ability to meet people where they are to help support them in their journey to where they would like to be has been a factor in my success.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
As you grow... some within your circle of associations/friends may not appreciate or support the level of growth. So, it's ok to move into other friendship spaces.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
Family is extremely important to me. I am the youngest of seven, and we have a close and loving family. Our parents instilled in us a reference for God, a value for education and a sense of civic responsibility. Thus, community service is important to me, and I serve in a number of ways via organizations and initiatives. I enjoy reading and travelling and find that you learn so much about yourself and others and are able to expand your perspective and worldview.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
As with most, I have been impacted by the pandemic. Not only was my business adversely impacted, but my mother, my greatest inspiration and cheerleader, passed away suddenly during the pandemic. This has been the most difficult year of my life. While devastating, I have been able to manage these challenges by my faith in God, and with the love and support of a strong family and friend support system. In addition, I have expanded my social media presence and marketing efforts.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have been uniquely blessed to have many mentors within my family. My older siblings have mentored me both in my educational, business pursuits as has the example and lessons provided by my parents. I have had the honour of mentoring several young professionals, community leaders as well as high school students. A few years ago, I founded a mentoring program for middle school young ladies in an underserved community.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
My advice would be to identify someone who has accomplished what you would like to achieve, study that individual. In addition, develop/perfect your craft; identify a coach and/or mentor; outwork everyone else and develop/enhance your communication skills.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Lack of confidence and belief in themselves. The inability to see beyond their current situation and not surround themselves with a helpful and supportive network.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"To whom much is given, much is required."
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Google puts people first and provides a broad range of services and benefits for their employees. For example, they offer massage services, physicians, physical therapy, fitness centres, and classes in some of their locations. They also encourage their employees to give back by donating to charities of their choice. They then match those donations and add more for whatever hours those employees work as volunteers.
Netflix also puts people first parents and has a one year paid maternity and paternity leave. Parents then have the choice to return part-time or full-time after their year of leave and can take extra time off whenever they need it. They also allow all employees to take time off whenever they wish without tracking it. They only measure the work that gets done rather than the hours put in.
People over profits and community-focused.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Success is individual; it's different for everyone; I believe when a person operates at the intersection of passion and purpose, that is a success. For me, success is measured not by the things you have acquired or accolades of others but is measured by the number of people you have helped.
We each have a finite amount of time on this earth. I encourage everyone to maximize their efforts and be sure to help someone along the way.