Meet Aaron Harris | Non-Profit Executive, TEDx Speaker, Education Consultant

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

Hi Aaron, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Risk Taking:

I’ve always viewed risk-taking as “the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.” However, as I’ve matured and after taking a few risks, I’ll change my approach to say “the bigger the risk, the more preparation and courage you need.”

Risk-Taking is at its simplest form is one’s ability to bet on and believe in themselves. No one will believe in you, advocate for you, or create more opportunities for you than you can create for yourself. Throughout the course of my life, risk-taking thought has always constant. Whether it’s been trying new things or activities, business ventures, career opportunities, meeting new people, traveling new places, or doing things that others feared, betting on yourself or taking a risk is always something I’ve believed. Risk are also full of unknowns, therefore when approaching an unknown, you feel anxious and often uncertain, but I’ve gotten more comfortable with the more risk I’ve taken. Somethings work out, others times they don’t! I’ve started to approach risk-taking from the mind frame of “what if this goes right?” And as such I’ve become more confident, and in the process empowered myself to continuously try new things without the fear of failure or hesitation.

Risk-taking has propelled me at times in my life. Though, at times risk-taking has also placed me in tough situations, however without the risk and experience, I’d have no story to share. I’d like to think risk-taking allows us as people to gain experiences; opportunities; more importantly learn about yourself.

In regards to risk-taking, I’ll leave you with this … “If you don’t try, you’ve got nothing to lose!” Meaning if we don’t try something, we’ll never know. We’ll be in the same position, living contently and for some individuals that’s great, but not for me. Life is to be lived and lived to its fullest! #BetOnYourself

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Whether it’s my role as a Professional Mentor and Life Coaching venturing I’m working on; TEDx Speaker; Higher Education Employee, Education Consultant; Branding/Social Media Specialist; The ConneQt Podcast, a life-skills and educational resource; Non-Profit Executive (Keeping My Promise), my business is to inspire and create change for those around me. What you see is what you get with me, a guy who is always willing to lend a hand or share advice!

The years of risk-taking, trying new things, not settling, has allowed me to develop a lifetime of skill sets transferrable to many fields. Though my authenticity and vulnerability have allowed me to build a career and create a life of lasting impact no matter which capacity I’m working within. However, the road to this point was paved with challenges ranging from self-doubt, lack of resources, or me at times being my own worst enemy. Although daily, I have moved forward and pushed through each obstacle no matter how tough the situation.

Life, via its challenges, has shown me and others that we’re a lot stronger than we think! I’ve learned to embrace the struggles, beauty lives there; ask for help and let go of your pride; it’s okay to say “no” at times; GET ORGANIZED; & more importantly be that person you needed for someone else when you’re able.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

It’s funny you ask this question, my father and nephew just left from a week vacation in the DFW area. Here’s a few places we visited: Jamaican Gates, Arlington; Krab Kingz Seafood, Ft. Worth; Smoke-o-Holics, Fort Worth; The Cake Bar, Trinity Grove; Pecan Lodge, Deep Ellum; The Star, Frisco; The Catch, Burleson; The Daq Shoppe, Grand Prairie just to name a few.

Since moving to the area in August of 2019, I’ve enjoyed the vast scenery DFW has offer whether it’s days spent at many of the lakes in the area such as Rockwall, Lewisville, or Benbrook, parks like Eagle Mountain or the Trinity Trails, outside has brought me a lot of peace in recent years.

Aside from my chill escapades, from time to time I frequent The Board Room Cigar Bar, Ft. Worth; Zatar Hookah Bar, Deep Ellum; Dominoes weekly at 4th Quarter South Dallas or occasional skates sessions at Forum Rink. Deep Ellum reminds me a lot of an area back home in Louisville, KY called “The Highlands” very diverse crowd at times, with a few options given the day. Big shout out as well to my run club family Zone Fitness Training as well!

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?

First and foremost, I have to give thanks to GOD! Lord knows I’ve done a lot of things that could’ve prevented me from reaching this point of my life and career. Secondly, I want to thank my family and friends for the resources whether time or money, sacrifices made, and more importantly not allowing me to quit when times were tough!

Outside of God and Family, there are a few people/organizations I want to name in particular, beginning with my fraternity Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Now as of member since April 2014, it was program I was involved with in high school called Men of Quality, which provided early leadership opportunities, while challenging me during a rough period of my life. Men of Quality sparked an early change and also providing me with ability to see black men in leadership positions outside of sports. Additionally, while in high school, I doubled with the LEEP Program (Louisville Educational Employment Partnership), where Mr. Robb Jarrell (Rest in Power), served as a mentor and guided me towards the possibilities of college. Eventually attending his alma mater Murray State University graduating in 2012 and 2014. I heavily recall being a participant with the Louisville Urban League in my middle school years, where I learned about globalization connecting with peers in London through the SHINE Program with Ms. Sashu Tucker (REST IN POWER QUEEN). I think about my childhood days spent at Park Duvall Boys & Girls Club in Louisville, KY. It’s those experiences and these people who have shaped me into the person I’ve become over the years.

I’d also like to thank Ms. Roslyn White, Tara McWhorter (formerly Tara Hawthorne), Marcus Smith, Coach Steve Prohm, Robert Daniels, and Dior Curtis, who were influential figures during my tenure attending Murray State University. Each of these individuals provided ACCESS to resources and opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to gain without them.

Professional thanks go out to THE VILLAGE I established while working at Eastern Kentucky University; #BickinBackBeinBool my guys fellow recruiters; Ms. Darlene Young & Jason Meriwether formerly of IU Southeast; Jaz, Ariel, & Ash my colleagues at Purdue University. It’s these individuals and so many more who have played a major part in my success to which I owe a HUGE thank you!

A message to anyone reading this … Find Your Purpose and Find Your Tribe. When those things are in order, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish with the right team around you and the right mindset!

#NEVERGIVEUP #LOVEYOURZ

Website: kmpthemission.org

Instagram: gotnothin2lose

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-p-harris

Twitter: cmonhot