We had the good fortune of connecting with Rakiem Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rakiem, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There were two trains of thought that was a true revelation to me.
1. Realizing that I didn’t want to work for anyone for 20 years.
2. We spend all of our lives having faith in all of these companies SO why don’t give I give myself a shot. I can’t believe that the only value that I have in life is to bring someone else all of the value and think that all of my validation and affirmations must come from them.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
-What sets me apart from others is my passion to always deliver authenticity on a high standard. -I arrived at where I am today by studying how to listen effectively and efficiently.
-It was not easy to adopt listening effectively and efficiently as a discipline. Growing and evolving is never easy.
-I overcame a lot of challenges by learning the “art of mastering my own magic.” We must learn how to have a deep intimacy with our own magic. It’s very important. It’s actually vital in my line of work.
-I’ve learned to not be quick to react.
-I would want the world to know that I love the work and that I’m responsible to bring the highest quality of frequency that I can.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
-I would take them to Coffee & Spice in Greenville, NC to eat their wonderful cuisine.
-I would take them to Christie’s for a Tuesday night open mic jam session if they came during the week of the 1st Tuesday of the month.
-I would take them to Raleigh, NC to see the the town.
-Take them to NYC real quick to get them to see Rockefeller Center and go to 2 hot clubs.
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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?
I want to shoutout all of the musicians & music producers that I’ve collaborated with. They have put their lives in my hands. They’ve allowed me to be a life handler concerning their wellbeing and sorts. To all of my friends and extended family across different industries. Shoutout to Marcus Samuelsson (Celebrity Chef), Jennifer Insogna (AE NETWORKS), Melba Wilson (Celebrity Chef), Lyor Cohen (Global Head of YouTube Music), Susan Rockefeller, Donald Byrd (Donald Byrd & The Blackbirds), Max Roach, Norman Connors (Music Producer), LDV Hospitality, CHANEL, ASSOULINE PUBLISHING, JP MORGAN CHASE, Farraz Faulk Family, Caro Llewelyn, Badtaste Empire (Scandanavian Mgmt Company), Bjorn Barnekow, Jason “Timbuktu” Diakite, Sameer Quireshi, etc.
Website: www.rakiemwalker.com
Instagram: @therakiemwalkerproject
Linkedin: Rakiem Walker
Twitter: @RWpjt
Facebook: Rakiem Walker
Youtube: @RStreetsax