This week’s Tuesday Blogversation is with Kate-Madonna Hindes. I first saw Kate speak at the November 2009 Minneapolis/St. Paul – Social Media Breakfast. I had a short email conversation with her shortly after and she helped me to realize that my “brand” (IamDez) was actually an extremely valuable introduction and recognition tool. Â I’ve been using the introduction “Hi, I am Dez” ever since. In short, she’s awesome, but I’ll let her introduce herself.
Kate-Madonna Hindes ( blog | twitter ) is the girl in GirlmeetsGeek. GirlmeetsGeek is a social media consulting firm that believes that the human passion behind today’s technology is the most important tool of all. Kate-Madonna Hindes is an industry leader and national speaker on emotional integrity and the incredible power of authenticity in today’s market. Her recent credits include bookings at the Masters Forum 2010 Series, 2010 ReBarCamp, MCAD, Social Media Breakfast in Imation Headquarters, 2009 and 2010 National Cancer Conference in Chicago and recent on-air appearances with WCCO and International Radio.
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When did you start blogging?
About 8 years ago I was talking to my high-school boyfriend who at the time was dating a good friend from highschool. I wondered, how quickly everything had happened, and started trying to understand the why’s and how’s of everyday relationships. I didn’t stop writing through break-ups, pregnancy, cancer and everything in between. The blog was selfish. I wrote free-style to help myself. When something bothered me, or I found passion about a subject, or words- I would just freewrite and fire out the emotion behind the words. It wasn’t until Twitter that I realized, I had said my peace and wanted to start bringing out the passion in others. Now I feature guest bloggers, and international fire-starters. I love it.
You’ve gone from blogging about pregnancy to beating cancer and now helping people, how do you use the three topics to help people?
The blog used to be all about my reactions to things. It went from reactionary to pro-active, simply by realizing when sifting through emails and mentions that everyone has words that resonate. I really feel that if someone is given a platform and the belief they matter, only good will come of it. By being proactive and asking others to join with me, I’ve heightened my view of the world and solidified my connections.
When helping people what is the most common personal pitfall that you encounter?
The most common pitfall happens when I find the ‘black hole.’ I call it that for a reason. Some of us are universes- and some are black holes. Universes give, create and sustain and black holes take in themselves and never give out any light to what is truly going on. I’ve met a few black holes in my day and I’ve realized: they feel a need to fill a void far greater than hear what I’m saying. I’m trying to teach myself that black holes just aren’t ready, and that I need to move on. (Moving on, is the hardest.)
What’s the toughest post you’ve ever published?
I have a few posts that still make me bawl. I spent entirely too long in a very dishonest, hurtful relationship. I was the queen of, “I’m a square hole and I’ll wear down your edges until you fit.” We ended up scarring each other. I don’t think I’ll ever write with my heart laid completely next to my fingertips like this again. This is the goodbye post:
It’s strange to me how through cancer and pregnancy- it’s a few individuals who have left such an important mark on my life. Situations have shaped me, but people have truly mattered.
You post about sometimes very personal subjects, how do you get your readers past emotion and turn it into a learning/self-improvement opportunity?
My posts are personal, to the extent that I think when we share the secrets of who we are, it gives those around us permission to do the same. If I died today, my life would be laid out before my daughter and she could see clearly who I was and wasn’t. It’s important to me to be utterly personal and give the details others are afraid to. I’d like to think that the most inspirational people went out on a tightrope when the rest of the world wanted their feet firmly on the ground. I like air, and I like height- so I’m not afraid of displaying everything. I am afraid it might be misunderstood, or taken as arrogance instead of self-insight.
What won’t you post about?
There’s really NOTHING I won’t post about. I have a rule: If, when I proofread a post, and have to second-guess a phrase, or idea? It’s out. We have to listen to the tiny voice inside us that says, “Not Yet,” or, “Wait.” Especially given the fact that employers and others are scouting us online to see if we are great candidates. If someone doesn’t understand me, I’m alright with that. I don’t have a notion that everyone will get the blog, or my ideas or prose. I do want to matter. If I post something I think matters, I don’t second-guess that.
When it comes to speaking, who do you get the most inspiration from?
Inspiration comes in many forms when I speak. So many people have shaped me to who I am. I always have a outline of what I want to pinpoint when I’m talking, but I watch the audience; I adapt. The best speakers come with no pretenses, only the availability to connect with those who are listening. I’m learning and striving to be one of them.
Who is on your “must read” list?
You. For business, social media strategy and LIFE.
Seth Godin – because his blogs are short, to the point and incredibly good.
Dooce -She’s made me laugh since I was pregnant- (which was hard to do at that time.) She is a favorite.
ZeFrank – Because I normally need breaks, and he offers the perfect 2 minute giggle.
Post Secret – because I often wonder who they’re about.
Where else can we find examples of your writing/work?
I have a few guest blog posts and press imprints out there:
WCCO: Cervical Cancer Survivor: Communication Key
[Audio/MP3]Greg and Marlo International Radio Show on CJOB68: February 21st Podcast: Radio Guest
Guest Blog: January, 2010: K@tie.In.Minneapolis
Guest Blog: February, 2010: MN Headhunter
Shareology Press: SMBMSP #21: More Pics and Less Bacon
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Tuesday Blogversation is a weekly series on iamdez.com featuring bloggers of all kinds from the Twin Cities (Minneapolis / Saint Paul) area. If you’d like to be considered for an interview please send mail to dez [at] iamdez [dot] com or get ahold of me on twitter.
