Her Story
About Patrice
I've been a speaker for over 20 years, and recently with my subject of working with women over 50, in the last two years. My main area of expertise is allowing people to see themselves in a different light, from a different perspective and to reframe their story in a way that empowers them instead of beating them down or allowing them to stay stuck. We all have a story, and I have a way of rising above the situation and looking down, pulling out the pieces that are empowering, rather than live with the pain and the anger that we carry. It’s an inside job.
Audiences say “Patrice has a rare gift: the ability to see beyond the surface, to recognize the hidden treasures within every woman, and to help them awaken to the boundless power and potential they’ve always had inside.”
After losing my Dad at the age of nine years old, I felt that I so lost a part of myself– my own voice. I activated my unstoppable spirit to move through the pain, issues of abandonment and fear of change to become the powerful voice for women that I am today.
Her “authentic, relatable, and vulnerable” storytelling approach connects deeply with the audience inviting them to see themselves in the stories being told.
My gift is walking alongside women to help them reconnect with their emotional selves, to connect with the little girl, the woman inside, so that she becomes better and healed, and then the world follows. I help them envision a future - you're not done yet, and there are spaces that God is calling you to – to your purpose. My best space is in person where I show up and connect – the energy connects. I meet women where they are to help them open a space inside where they can breathe and understand that what they’ve been through is not who they are.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Patrice
01What do you attribute your success to?
Success for me is becoming my best self in all the ways that are important to me. I am still in progress. However, I attribute my faith in God, my children (who are my cheerleaders), the gifts from my ancestors and the resilience to get back up after every fall to getting me where I am today. I have an unstoppable spirit that has caused me to see a life filled with new beginnings and the desire to keep moving forward. My belief that each of us has a purpose and a choice propels me forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My best career advice came from God, and it was to slow down. The other piece is being told about the impact that I have when I come into a room that I had no idea about. That helped me to recognize the responsibility in acknowledging other people, and to check my own energy so that I can present my best self, in that moment (which ain’t always easy). I’ve learned that when things don’t go as planned that I can pause and give myself compassion and grace. That allowed me to be open to what others see in me, especially from those who love and want the best for me. Many of us are uncomfortable receiving compliments, and positive feedback fearing the expectations others have for us will change. It took me years to accept that I could impact others - that earlier message was a little window into that for me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take time to study yourself – to know who you are from the inside out. Make it a life goal – it won’t happen overnight. Pay attention to what turns you on, what turns you off, your strengths, your weaknesses and your emotional needs. Start by knowing what you value and believe.
Find a mentor – Look at the characteristics of people successfully doing what you want to do. Notice what they are doing that aligns with your purpose and goals and learn from them. When you find someone whom you think would be a good mentor – tell them exactly what you would expect, how much time you need and how it aligns with what you want to do. Be specific.
Find your own voice – Once you find your voice, protect it and keep it safe, so that you’re not constantly being swayed by what others think, say or do. Your voice is unique to you.
Seek wise counsel – Choose elders, professionals and seasoned women of faith who set the standard that you want to follow. It doesn’t mean they have all the answers, however if they open the door for you to gain wisdom – that’s enough.
Be good to yourself – In the end you have to be your own best friend. Treat yourself like you want to be treated so that you will know those who can stay and those who will need to go - in the long run.
PRAY, PRAY AND PRAY – Stay prayed up.
REMEMBER - It's an inside job.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
CHALLENGES:
One of the biggest challenges has always been the abundance of people who believe they know what is best for you. You will have to make and learn from your own mistakes. That’s what will make you better. However, the increase in messages from social media and AI can be so overwhelming that we become frustrated and give up – doubting our own unique value.
OPPORTUNTIIES:
On the positive side, the use of technology has expanded our ability to show up in our most creative ways to share our message on a wider scale. We have more choices than ever to identify, reach and connect to our target audience or group. Online connections make it easier to communicate with one another, find ways to collaborate and showcase your particular niche.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work:
Respect: Having respect for others and being respected for my own point of view.
Collaboration: The ability to work with others who are aligned with my own goals without comparison.
Understanding: Knowing that I can share what I have learned with others w/o fear of losing business.
Integrity: Living by honesty and ethical principles. Bringing my best self to the table.
In my personal life:
Authenticity: Being genuine, true to myself and myself - my core values.
Peace: Live in harmony with what keeps me mentally and emotionally calm, centered and as stress-free as possible.
Faith: Practicing and increasing my faith in God in all things.
Community: Being part of a community of people open to learning, growing and becoming their best.
Giving back: Giving back to do my part in making the world a better place to live.
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