What I'm Learning From My Daughter
Nakia is my daughter, and I am proud of the woman she is becoming. She's graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations, will be pursuing her master’s degree, and is actively looking for an internship. This week, I also learned that she has built a phenomenal portfolio website, nakiamedia.com, where she showcases her work in sports media and public relations.
As someone who writes every week about the importance of soaring with your strengths, investing in others, and encouraging human-first leadership, I must admit this is a full-circle moment for me. It's also helping me to realize how much there is to learn from each generation.
Often, when I offer advice, I'm thinking of co-workers, former colleagues, clients, etc. It doesn't often come into frame that underneath our roof, is a future employee - someone looking to contribute to a future organization. Seeing Nakia's website and portfolio reminds me of what I've been sharing these past few weeks: treating employees like your precious son or daughter is truly the only way to lead. I think about this as I think about my own precious daughter. They are worth the investment.
That investment is not only about giving advice. It means showing up. It means paying attention to what someone is building. It means sharing their work, making an introduction, opening a door, or telling someone else why that person deserves a closer look. Sometimes the investment is simple and one-directional. Send the email. Make the connection. Look at the portfolio. Ask what support would be helpful. Other times, it’s bi-directional. I can encourage Nakia, but she teaches me too. She has helped me see digital communication, creativity, and professional preparation through a different lens. I am learning from the connection as much as I hope she is learning from my experience.
What can someone younger teach me? More than I expected. For example, at the same point in my college education as Nakia is today, I didn't have a website, a resume, or even a LinkedIn profile. Nakia has all of that. Plus, she spent the summer helping me to create an app that hasn't been unveiled yet! She did most of the heavy lifting, too! I am paying attention to what this generation is doing well. They are learning how to show their work. They are building their brands and showing their work ethic in new and different ways. They are creating opportunities instead of waiting for someone else to discover them.
Nakia reminds me that availability is not just making time. It is being willing to notice potential and help it move forward. That's what human-first leadership looks like - investing, cheering on, providing opportunities for, and noticing others. In this case, I'm lucky enough that it's my daughter.
If you work in Communications, Marketing, or Public Relations, please visit Nakia’s portfolio. If you see a possible internship, project, or connection, reach out to her directly.
If these reflections are helpful, subscribe for weekly insights and encouragement. Please feel free to share this with someone who can support Nakia or another emerging professional. Thanks in advance!
Coach Ha-Keem
