T.M. Kayode

Today, we will peel back the layers outlined in the last post. I’ll share my responses and thought process for each layer.

The layers are:

Layer 1: Map out all that I am

Layer 2: Map out all my abilities

Layer 3: Think of my vision and mission

Layer 4: What are my brands

Layer 5: Short-term plans for social media use

Layer 6: Long-term plans for social media use

Let’s go into the detail of each layer. This blog post would focus on Layer 1 to 3.

Layer 1: Map Out All That I Am

So, what are my identity, values, passions and interests

As part of my rebranding process, I’ve taken a deep dive into understanding myself better. Here’s what I’ve discovered:

Identity:

• Personal Background:
  • I am a Child of God, Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, and Friend.
  • I am an individual who values personal growth, learning, and meaningful connections. My background, experiences, and the journey I’ve undertaken shape who I am today.
• Professional Persona:
  • I have a PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and with my PhD, I am proficient in breaking down any system into mathematical models.
  • Currently, I am working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Notre Dame.
  • My love for learning got me interested in designing effective learning systems for organizations and individuals—and I think I may finally stick to this (fingers crossed).
  • And, I blog too.

Values:

I created my values system in my third year of university and have adhered to it ever since. My value system acronym was inspired by Einstein’s theory of relativity: E = MC².

• Excellence (E): Striving for excellence in everything I do is fundamental. Whether in my professional work, personal life, or blogging, I aim to achieve the highest standards. Excellence is about continuous improvement, setting high expectations, and always pushing the boundaries of what I can accomplish.
• Mastery (M): I believe in the importance of mastery—developing a deep, comprehensive understanding of my fields of interest. This involves dedicated practice, lifelong learning, and a commitment to becoming an expert in my domains. Mastery allows me to provide valuable insights and make meaningful contributions.
• Creativity (C): Creativity is at the heart of my approach to problem-solving and content creation. It’s about thinking outside the box, exploring new ideas, and finding innovative solutions. Creativity fuels my passion for writing, designing learning systems, and engaging with my audience in unique and impactful ways.
• Commitment (C): Commitment is crucial for achieving long-term goals. It means being dedicated, persistent, and resilient, even when faced with challenges. My commitment to my values, my work, and my community ensures that I remain focused and driven, continually working towards my vision and mission.

Passions:

• Faith: Recently, my husband and I experienced a strong leading to embark on a deeper study of the Bible, delving into its teachings with a level of depth and commitment we had never explored before. This journey has ignited a passion within us to uncover new insights, deepen our understanding of Scripture, and strengthen our faith. We are excited to share some of our findings and revelations with our audience, as we believe they have the potential to inspire and encourage others on their own spiritual journeys.
• Writing: Writing has been a significant passion of mine. Let me give you small gist: I had a profound experience in December of 2015 when I was studying Psalm 45:1 The latter part of the verse jumped out at me, it says: “… my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.” This scripture resonated deeply with me, indicating that my path would involve writing. (I wasn’t too excited about that honestly – because writing is not that easy).  Also – I didn’t get the “Tongue” part – Perhaps it means Speaking too!!. Hmmm, we’ll see, we’ll see (Twirls imaginary beard). However, over time, I’ve embraced this calling and found joy in crafting words that inspire, inform, and evoke emotion. Writing allows me to express myself creatively, share my thoughts and beliefs, and hopefully connect with readers on a meaningful level.
• Learning and Developing Effective Learning Systems: Learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about understanding how to effectively teach and share that knowledge with others. I am passionate about exploring innovative methods of learning and developing effective learning systems that empower individuals and organizations to achieve their goals. This passion drives me to delve into research, experiment with different teaching techniques, and create engaging learning experiences.
• Helping Others: Helping others achieve their goals and improve their lives is a core passion of mine. Whether it’s through sharing valuable information and insights on my blog, offering support and encouragement to those in need, or actively participating in community initiatives, I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others. This passion drives me to seek out opportunities to lend a helping hand, offer guidance and support, and be a source of inspiration and encouragement to those around me.

Interests:

• Blogging: Exploring different aspects of blogging
• Bible Study: Deepening my understanding of the Bible and sharing insights from my and my husband’s study sessions through “Our Bible Notes.”
• Social Media: Learning to embrace what social media has to offer.
• Personal Development: Engaging in activities and reading materials that contribute to my personal growth and development.
• Networking: Building connections with like-minded individuals to share ideas and collaborate on projects.

These elements form the foundation of my personal brand and guide the direction of my content and interactions. By understanding and embracing my identity, values, passions, and interests, I can create a brand that is authentic, impactful, and true to who I am.

Extra Information: While I was working on this. It dawned on me that making an editable pdf template with some of the approaches I am making would probably be to the benefit of some individual. So I pivoted a bit, to figure out how to make this and it WORKED. The idea is for you to have a document that is for you to think with in this journey. It is available to download for free. I have also made this available in the previous blog post.

Layer  2: Map Out All My Abilities

Next, I mapped out all my abilities. What you need to do here is identify the skills and talents you  bring to the table. You can break it into professional skills, hobbies, and soft skills. 

Professional Skills:

1. Research: Skilled in conducting thorough research, analyzing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in my field.
2. Teaching and Training: Experienced in teaching and training individuals at various levels, from undergraduate students to industry professionals, in topics related to electrical engineering and mathematics.
3. Project Management: Capable of effectively managing projects from conception to completion, ensuring timelines are met, resources are utilized efficiently, and objectives are achieved.
4. Data Analysis: Proficient in analyzing data using statistical techniques and software tools to extract insights and inform decision-making processes.

Hobbies:

1. Bible Study: Engaging in in-depth Bible study sessions with my husband has become both a hobby and a spiritual practice that enriches our faith journey.
2. Writing: As mentioned earlier, writing is not just a professional skill but also a hobby that I am deeply passionate about.
3. Reading: I enjoy immersing myself in a wide range of literature, from fiction and non-fiction to academic journals and research papers, to broaden my knowledge and perspective.
4. Learning: Constantly seeking opportunities to learn and acquire new skills is not just a professional endeavor but also a hobby that I enjoy pursuing in my personal time.

Soft Skills:

1. Communication: Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, allow me to articulate ideas clearly, engage with diverse audiences, and build strong relationships.
2. Adaptability: A flexible and adaptable mindset enables me to navigate through challenging situations, embrace change, and thrive in dynamic environments.
3. Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills enable me to identify issues, develop creative solutions, and overcome obstacles to achieve desired outcomes.
4. Collaboration: A team player at heart, I excel in collaborating with others, leveraging collective strengths, and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
5. Time Management: Excellent time management skills help me prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a balanced workload, ensuring productivity and efficiency in all endeavors.
6. Empathy: Empathetic listening and understanding allow me to connect with others on a deeper level, demonstrate compassion, and provide support when needed.

Layer  3: Think of My Vision and Mission

With a clear understanding of who I am and what I can do, I moved on to defining my vision and mission. The vision is a long-term goal that I aspire to achieve with my brand, while the mission outlines the purpose and core objectives of my brand. This step is all about thinking big and being intentional about the impact I want to make. My vision and mission will guide every decision I make and keep me aligned with my goals.

Vision: My vision is to create a vibrant and inclusive community that serves as a beacon of inspiration, knowledge, and support for individuals seeking spiritual, personal, and professional growth. 

It encompasses a long-term goal of fostering an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn, share, and grow in their faith, personal development, and career pursuits. As time progresses, I will continuously refine and expand this vision to better meet the evolving needs and aspirations of our community members.

Mission: My mission is to empower and uplift others through insightful content, meaningful connections, and valuable resources. With a focus on excellence, creativity, and empathy, I aim to inspire individuals to unlock their full potential, pursue their passions, and make a difference in the world.

Through my writing, teaching, and creative endeavors, I strive to cultivate a supportive community where  faith flourishes, learning thrives, and lives are transformed. I understand that my mission may evolve over time as I gain new insights and experiences, and I remain committed to staying agile and responsive to the needs of my audience.

Let’s stop here for today. We will continue with the remaining layers in the next post.

The workbook is available for download, if you wish to follow along.

Have a great rest of your week!