Conversation Recap of “A Creative Exchange” Hosted by FIT + 3:PM

Last night, I had the privilege of catching a webinar, featuring some of NYC's Heavy Hitter's right now. The talk featured Ah-Niyah Neal Gold, Tulie, Josef Adamu, Irene Ojo-Felix, and Host Raya Khaled. Honey! I’m so glad they made this a virtual conversation so those of us outside NYC could experience the gems in this chat.

They explored topics like AI’s impact on consumerism, the importance of critical thinking in a world driven by instant gratification, and the power of defining your own sense of community. Discussions also touched on imposter syndrome, maintaining value in the spaces you occupy, the role of collaboration, and the significance of leaving behind meaningful work. Ultimately, the focus was on investing in yourself to foster growth in others.

Irene - "Be an ASSET."
🍽️ Beyond the classroom, how are you self-educating and exploring your curiosities? What sets you apart that's something others might see as unconventional?
- "Being culturally open is a necessity." Understand the world you live in. Know the references, the history, and most importantly, what you love. Then, dive in.
- Is what you're putting out making an impact? Does your content communicate the challenges we’re facing while still protecting your community? Stay mindful. Do right by your global audience.
- Never downplay what you like. Be a nerd. Knowledge is your currency.

Josef - "Seek Mentorship."
🍽️ What is your story to tell? Define trust in a way that allows you to navigate yourself and others.
- Be resourceful with your community, THEN act with intention and foster growth within it.
- Stay a student. Embrace collaboration. You can’t do everything alone. That’s the fastest way to burn out.

Aniyah - "First you need to make it exist, THEN worry about making it good."
🍽️ When creating anything, you have to do the foundational work and find the inner YOU. Don't chase the Joneses ... make the Joneses.
- Today, there's heavy reliance on AI, often without real research or credibility. But the most credible moments? Those took years, years of education, development, and refinement. Don't skip that process.
- Leverage your personal experiences to contribute more and become more valuable. Pivoting is okay, go where the opportunity is, where you can be yourself the most.
- The goal is to serve and change lives. It's not about you. Knowledge will only make you more well-rounded.
- If it's what you want ... go for it.

Tulie - "Gain Knowledge, it will set you apart from everyone else."
🍽️ Think Big and BE BIG. With Adidas, she asked for what she wanted and received it. The answer is either yes or no.
- Be original and innovative. Don't play by the rules.
- Patience is a virtue. Continue to the work. Social Media can be your friend.
- Capitalize on your strength. Thinking of something and DO IT.

RAYA - "We evolve as people"
🍽️ The faster you can fail at something, the faster you can overcome it.

<3 ENJOY