Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Chidi Kalu.
Hi Dr. Kalu, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a young 15 year old African girl, I relocated to the United States to begin my College Education at a tiny private Norwegian College in Northfield, MN. I was the youngest student with dreams way bigger than my age. My dad always instilled in me that I was born for greatness and that I would be great one day. At such a tender age, I did not know the journey I would have to embark on to get there. It was no easy path, but I was determined that I would not fail but that I will surely make a difference no matter how long it took. I have always had the heart to help others and would stop to speak to someone hurting or a friend who needed some encouragement. Quickly, I began to realize that I had a gift to encourage and motivate others. In a class or whatever event I attended, I felt a need to speak and deposit something lasting in the memories of others. I would even stay up late helping others with their homework assignments, which carried over to my adulthood, where I would find myself helping my co-workers at work solve a problem. I was supposed to study Biology and later head to Medical school, but I failed miserably in that area. I knew then I was not called to the sciences but liberal arts.
I decided to switch majors and studied Political Science, then went on to get a Master’s in Public Administration and eventually a Doctorate. Despite this educational path, I still felt something was missing, and not until later in life did many begin to share with me how my speaking and coaching them changed their lives. Finally, the light bulb came on, and I went back to get my certification as a Professional Life Coach. My confirmation came after receiving positive feedback on how I encouraged numerous friends, neighbors, church members with solution-based strategies on the issues and trials they were facing.
My vision and dream became more apparent as they got redefined through the years. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that my primary calling was to help those I come in contact with to live their dreams and fulfill their destinies. I spent countless hours coaching and motivating others, and they will see great results and experience positive outcomes. This was particularly evident in my successful mission to relocate several family members and friends from my country to the United States within five years. That vision expanded to being able to use my gifts in multi-faceted ways.
As an Entrepreneur, Transformational Coach, Author, Corporate Trainer, and Motivational Speaker, I knew that I could use my gifts and talents to empower and equip others to a new and powerful beginning after a significant life event.
My heart went out to the women, especially those who have gone through difficult situations and felt hopeless. I would embrace, encourage, and empower them to get through their situation and bring them to a place of hope, love, and faith.
Shortly after this, I relocated to Orlando, Florida, where I founded an organization called Women of Distinction with a vision to reach out to help one woman at a time with the tools they need to get back up when life has beaten them down. After 20 years in Orlando, I decided to relocate to Atlanta, Ga, where I believe dreams come true.
Moving to Atlanta expanded my world because I was closer to my children and grandchildren and able to do more of what I enjoy doing. I found ways to connect and reach more women to help by writing and publishing my books carried on Amazon and wherever books are sold. My inspirational writing has given me the ability to reach a wider audience, thereby touching more lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Whenever you decide to step out in faith to do what you were purposed to do on earth, it comes with a price, and I sure can attest to having faced many obstacles and challenges along the way. Having lost the closest person to me who happened to be my greatest cheerleader – my dad, early in the game left me feeling like I had no one in my corner. But I always heard my dad’s voice cheering me on whenever I would feel that way. I had several doors shut on me, especially as a young woman; many saw me as inexperienced and wondered what possibly I could contribute that would make a difference. I would often pray that I could prove that I carry something worthwhile if someone gave me a chance. The opportunities to speak, coach, or train did not come as easy as I initially thought they would.
I got sometimes looked over, and no matter how good or prepared I thought I was, someone else got picked for the job. I remember going through 8 years straight without a job; no one would hire me even with my stellar qualifications and many years of experience. I had gone through several hundreds of reject letters and emails, so much so that my email account crashed. There was always another reason why I was not chosen for the position, it was either I was overqualified, or they felt I was going to leave or something else.
It was disheartening and somewhat discouraging, but I always told myself if this is a fight of faith, I am willing to keep fighting. I was not going to give up easily, having relocated to this country from over 7000 miles away. I had siblings I brought over to the United States looking up to me, and I was not about to let them down.
I also had children looking up to me, especially after I had gone through a divorce where our fine world suddenly crashed after 20 years of being married. I lost everything I ever worked for to the divorce, including our home, businesses, properties, and income. I found myself suddenly needing to raise my young children by myself. I had to start with no answers and not knowing what to do. There was no choice for me but to stay strong for my children and my extended family. I picked up whatever jobs I could lay my hands on including delivery for Uber eats. My dream was always in front of me, and my faith in God was big enough to hold me up when I should have been down.
Little did I know that I would now have to walk out similar paths of those women that I once mentored. It dawned on me how difficult it can be when you are living it, and I now had to live my quote, “Trust the process and take steps to be the best you.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a Transformational and Empowerment Coach, I have a consultancy company @ www.chidikalu.com, where we offer three main service categories: Coaching, Training and Empowerment/Motivational speaking. Our vision is to see those we come in contact with living their dreams and fulfilling their destiny. We are here to help! Let us know what services you need, we can always custom design a package that fits any budget. Whether it’s an individual or a group, we are here to serve you. Prices vary depending on what services you need. We are dedicated to bringing you workable solutions. Come join us soon in an empowerment conference that is suitable for you or for speaking engagements please find information on my website, my books and merch can also be found at same website.
I have found ways to get my message out, whether it is through my merch business called God’s VIP, a venture I began a couple of years ago. This is my way to reach those who have felt insignificant, rejected, and hopeless. God’s VIP initiatives are inspirational apparels I designed that speaks to your significance, purpose, and destiny. I say it’s a celebrity status with a heavenly perspective because everyone is fearfully and wonderfully made.
I also sit as a board member and leader with Women World Leaders Inc @ www.womenworldleaders.com. Our mission is to globally invest in women’s lives, discovering their lifework and purpose within God’s design. In this capacity with WWL, I am a writer in the voice of truth magazine that reaches over 20 countries and a contributing author with our latest books on Amazon’s best-selling status. I am very involved with my church -the Dream Center Church of Atlanta under Bishop William Murphy III. Our goal this year is to have 1 million hours of community outreach to the Metro Atlanta community through feeding families with our Groceries on US program and many other community activities.
My favorite part of the ministry is to pray over our partners, my stories published in the magazines and my books with hopes that it enriches the lives of those who read it.
In everything I do, my prayer is to help develop the faith of others, encourage their souls, and engage their imaginations to dream big. God is using every story published to weave a tapestry of love and unity across multi-cultures worldwide.
How do you define success?
When I was a lot younger, I used to think success was when you had a lot of money. As I grew older and became wiser, I quickly found out that success was beyond just acquiring wealth. I believe success is having the ability to function and live life to the fullest in whatever purpose you have been called to fulfill on earth. Success comprises of so many factors, health, mental wellbeing, physical agility, social balance and relational capability. For me, it has become significantly important through the years to live my dream and God’s purpose for my life. I find fulfillment in helping others to navigate their paths to their destiny. It does not always involve financial help but rather when I am able to use my gifts, talents and whatever resources I have to make someone else’s life better than it was, that is success to me. Lastly, success is the joy, peace and satisfaction I get when I can spend quality time with those I love such as my grandchildren, children, friends and create positive memories that will last for a lifetime.
Pricing:
- $100 for 45 mins 1 on 1 coaching
- $85 pp for Vision board party (Virtual)
- Speaking engagements from $500 an hr
- $99 pp for Flourish workshops (Virtual)
- God’s VIP Merch from $20 (dep on size)
Contact Info:
- Email: chidi64@gmail.com
- Website: www.chidikalu.com
- Instagram: chidijkalu
- Facebook: ChidiJewelKalu
- Twitter: Womenofdistinct
- Youtube: DrChidiJewelKalu
- Other: www.godsvipshop.com
Image Credits:
Hair and Makeup by Nina Agbegha – Nkechi beauty Cosmetics Nkechi Beauty Bar & Salon Photography – Francis Aihe @IEKNOWS
