Leverage Storytelling to Create Social Change with Kenia Mattis

Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Dear BLK CEO Podcast.

 In today’s episode, we are very blessed to be joined by an inspirational CEO that is on a mission to inspire social change through immersive storytelling, her name is Kenia Mattis. She is the CEO AND founder of ListenMi Caribbean, an award-winning Animation & Digital Design Studio that focuses on storytelling for social change.

Her productions of note include a Sesame Street short film called ‘D is for Dress Up;’ the award-winning animation concept The Adventures of Kam Kam, League of Maroons, and Fimimoji.com.

Let’s tune in and dig more about Kenia’s inspiring story in creating social change through storytelling.

[00:01 – 06:00] Opening Segment

• Before we get into the episode today, I want you to know that you can gain the security, ownership, and time Freedom You Want by building a business around a solution that only you can provide. 
• • Head over to karlsona.com/giftassessment to download the free quiz that will help you figure out what you’re uniquely qualified to do.
• I introduce the guest, Kenia Mattis.
• Kenia talks about how animation creates a profound way for us to identify ourselves in the real world.
• The power of animation 
• • Animation allows you to stretch your mind, expand your horizon, and leaves you a vivid image that lives beyond the end of the story.

[06:01 – 15:19] The Spiritual Confirmation 

• Kenia shares about her journey from the beginning of her study.
• The process of taking the leap and act of faith to her dream.
• Kenia talks about avoiding the golden handcuff of the corporate.
• • Placing her values in the future and setting the direction of her next step.
• The spiritual confirmation to start the journey.
• Finding the confidence and passion.
• Qualify yourself by doing and learning.
• Perseverance and continuity.
• Building, measuring, and learning.

[15:20 – 23:59] The Sacrifice and The North Star

• The personal sacrifice in starting her business 
• • Taking the bet on herself 
  • Bootstrapping 
• Kenia talks about how she invested herself emotionally, physically, and financially.
• Sacrificing her old self, wellness, and health to drive forward.
• If you are a black business owner looking to grow your revenue, listen up. There is a major revenue-generating opportunity for you, and The Kas company is here to help you secure the bag. The Kas Company is a black-owned alliance agency specializing in finding and brokering partnerships between black-owned companies and big brands looking to diversify their supply chains.
• • See the link below to book your free consultation today.
• Kenia talks about her north star to strive and grow
• • The value of Jamaican storytelling.

[24:00 – 31:39] Leverage Storytelling to Create Social Change

• Why it is important that the content is being created by the members of the community.
• Two sides of her storytelling business. 
• • Helping people to build their business by becoming their thinking partners.
  • Develop original products and projects
• Helps Jamaican companies to be digitally fluent and connect with their audience.
• The values of Jamaican stories and products 
• Kenia breaks down the main obstacles for Jamaican cooperation in digital communication.
• Connect with people where they are.
• The caring aspect in corporate communication.
• Building trust and relationships in business transactions.

[31:40 – 41:00] Fund and Revenue Side

• Kenia talks about several ways of funding the capital in the business
• Gaining early customers.
• Grant funding.
• Initial funders.
• Revenue model side.
• • Services and products.
• Kenia talks about self-doubt amongst creatives and entrepreneurs.
• • The quickest way to get rid of self-doubt is action.
• Digital workshops for kids
• • Greater cakes
  • The Adventures of Kam Kam – Space Explorer
• Who is one black CEO in your network that you think would be influential and a good fit for the Dear Black CEO Podcast?
• • Monique Powell

[41:01 – 43:13] Random Round

• What is your favorite cultural dish that I have got to check out when I come to Jamaica?
• • Ackee and saltfish with roasted breadfruit and fresh green plantain
• What’s one negative stereotype associated with Jamaican or Black Culture that you feel just to do away with?
• • That we always know some famous people.
  • Not a business-friendly environment
• What is your favorite character in the league of maroons?
• • Melissa 
• Final words from me.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Animation allows you to stretch your mind, expand your horizon, and leaves you a vivid image that lives beyond the end of the story.” –  Kenia Mattis.

“The big part of communication is so that people would care about what it is that you are saying.” –   Kenia Mattis.

“At the end of the day business transactions are founded on relationships, therefore building that connection through appealing stories is very important.” – Kenia Mattis.

“The quickest way to get rid of self-doubt is action.” – Kenia Mattis.

Find out more and connect with Kenia on Instagram, and LinkedIn.You can also visit her business page at https://www.listenmi.com/. 

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Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!