A Conversation with Natasha A. Pierre: Belonging Requires EQ and Breaking Stigmas
Posted on Dec. 14, 2022 / Diversity & Inclusion / Subscribe 0
Natasha A. Pierre, founder of The Set Mind Consulting, is an award-winning speaker, author and Emotional Intelligence coach based in Tampa Bay. She also has over 20 years of experience providing coaching, training and development to individuals, small businesses and corporations. Natasha has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duquesne University in Broadcast Journalism and English and has worked as a television journalist, on-air radio talent, print reporter and publicist.
Please tell us a bit about your extensive and impressive career path.
I began working in communications at the age of 14, starting out as a writer for the local newspaper’s teen editorial board and co-hosting a teen talk show. Since then, my career in communications has included television news, television talk shows, print journalism, radio on-air talent and production, as well as crisis communications and public relations. I currently use my communication experience and skills to advance education and awareness of issues like mental health and substance use, which stems from a personal desire to help others.
You are passionate about DEI, but also about "B" for Belonging. Can you please share what DEIB means to you, from your personal and professional perspectives?
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) are professional starting points. DEIB establishes policy and procedure while also ensuring safe spaces for people to work and collaborate. However, policy does little to affect heart change. The next step must be to increase emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence (EI or EQ) is the ability to be smart about our emotions and the emotions of others. When you’re able to recognize emotions and notice cues, you’re able to use that information to guide your interactions. To make true progress and positive change with DEIB, you need empathy, kindness, compassion and respect, which is cultivated with emotional intelligence.
You are committed to breaking stigmas and forging change relative to mental health. How have you been working toward these goals?
My communication (voice and written word) is my most powerful resource to break mental health stigmas and to forge change. It is my ongoing lived experience and passion for courageous communication that allows me to connect with people. Being able to share stories of hope and resilience is very important to me in my work to breaking the stigma and exclusion around people who are experiencing a mental illness.
What do you recommend those in our field keep in mind relative to DEIB? Words matter; how can we do better?
Language matters. We are aware of the generalizations, stereotypes and stigmatizing language that impact areas where we identify. However, we are naturally less knowledgeable on what lies outside our understanding or personal experiences. Maintaining connection to a network like PRSA Tampa Bay, and intentionally cultivating diverse relationships provides insight on cultural, social and experiential nuance often excluded from the more procedural DEIB.
From your perspective, what is one thing you’d challenge public relations professionals to do in their work?
For PR and communications professionals, there are no days off. Our words spark the conversations that can either advance or hinder local, national, and global change. I would challenge PR and communication professionals to embrace 360-degree mindfulness. Review every piece of communication through a lens of DEIB awareness, especially in areas that are unfamiliar. I would also recommend studying emotional intelligence to better understand how individual emotions further or obstruct communication.
Leslie Farrell, founder and President of Farrell Communications, Inc., is a member of PRSA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She conducted this interview.
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