Orlana Darkins Drewery President
The Darkins Group, LLC
Over 20 Years in Communications and Event Planning Industry
OW: Name one person who you consider to be a great role model and tell us why.
ODD: My mother Lucille Darkins was a great role model in my life. She gave me the best advice when I was in the second grade. She said, “Everyone may not like you, and everyone may not want to be your friend.” This advice spared me from experiencing peer pressure and a need to be a people-
OW: What was the best thing that you have ever done, which got you where you are today?
ODD: The day I realized I could raise money and plan my own events. For years, I promoted myself as an event planner for others, because it was easier to hide behind an individual or company’s name. The day I decided to step out on my own and create my own events that were designed to promote the positive accomplishments of others was very freeing in my professional journey.
OW: What is the biggest career mistake you have ever made?
ODD: It happened very early in my professional development. I was under the impression that I needed to partner with people with bigger names than mine rather than focusing on creating and developing my own reputation and professional style. Once I realized that people actually wanted to work with “me,” it allowed me to walk confidently in my purpose.
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It’s so refreshing to read Orlando article. Her insight to total self confidence gracefully open the door to what I have been teetering on the edge of recognition. I really came do it, but I have always aligned myself with other whom I thought were in business lon get than I originally knew more people in order for my business to grow. Well I’m going to “Do Me” promote myself and see where the chips land. Thank you for the great insight!