Big star Keke Palmer has been getting much attention lately, and rightfully so. The actress just turned 21 in August, but her portfolio is thicker than superstars double her age and she exudes a wisdom that’ll make you wonder if she’s been here before. Ten years ago, Palmer landed her first film role in Barbershop 2: Back to Business, and it was then that we knew she was a special talent. While her natural skill was evident, I don’t think any of us could have predicted what she’d go on to achieve, snagging the lead role in hit movie Akeelah and the Bee and starring in her own Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson VP. Now, Keke Palmer is writing history as the first ever black Cinderella on Broadway. Her kind of success is a rarity and requires strategy and extraordinary self-awareness. No matter age or profession, we can all take a thing or two… or seven away from Keke. Note these 7 power moves of the young star and incorporate them into your own career.
1. Know Your Worth
You don’t tackle barriers and make history like Keke by running low on confidence. It takes a lot of self-assurance to go after what you really want. In her 2010 Black Girls Rock acceptance speech for “Who Got Next?”, the lively and charismatic star said, “Whenever I get to talk to young girls like me, the one thing I always say [is], ‘The only difference between you and I is I know that I’m special and you just don’t know that you are yet.'” Most recently she Tweeted, “I looooove it when guys try to make me jealous. Makes it so easy for me to cut them off. [heart eyes emoji]” Just like Keke, know that you’re special and be mindful of what you bring to the table. When you know your worth, you know what it is you deserve in both your professional and personal lives.
2. Maximize Your Skills
Keke is the epitome of potential realized. The multi-talented celebrity exercises all of her skills to the best of her ability. After she mastered acting, Keke went on to sing and dance, proving to Hollywood’s behind the scene power players, and to her fans, that she is capable of more. Give it all you got at work. Utilize all of your knowledge and skill to increase your work value and make you difficult to replace.
3. Lead the Pack
A true trailblazer, Keke has set the bar for those following behind. In April of this year, Keke announced that she’d be taking on another feat as host of her own BET talk show, Just Keke. This made her the youngest person in television history to host a talk show. Shortly after, she took on another historic feat as the first African-American Cinderella on Broadway. The takeaway here is, in being the first you stand out to employers, and you get to pave the way for others like you.
4. Maintain a Clean Image
One of the reasons Keke has been a favorite among fans and entertainment executives is because she’s maintained a clean image. With paparazzi and critics watching celebrities’ every microscopic move, Palmer has done considerably well steering clear of big scandals. Casting directors can rest assure that Keke’s image won’t bring any negative press to productions. No one is perfect, but striving to present ourselves in the best light allows employers to trust us in representing their brand.
5. Define Your Own Success
We’re conditioned before we even start talking which roles we should pursue in life. But like Keke, we eventually have to grow up and define our own purpose and terms of success. In her famous inspirational social media messages, the Broadway star Tweeted, “Success for you, is not what is success for someone else. We’re not meant to lead the same lives.” Keke proves her age old wisdom once again with this simple but often forgotten realization. If you don’t know what makes you happy and fulfills you, quiet the noise from outsiders and take time to do a little soul searching. Figure out what success means to you and create a plan to go after it so that you can lead your best life.
6. Reinvent Yourself
Ms. Palmer knows how to hold our attention. Whether she’s delving into new realms, like Broadway, or trading in her look for a fierce new pixie cut, she reinvents herself and in turn, her brand is a constant on our radar. In the entertainment industry you’re only as good as your last hit and your look must
have an x-factor to intrigue fans. Keke is constantly serving new projects or looks, or both, to occupy her space in her profession. Whatever your career is, discover ways to show new and exciting dimension. Think of innovative ideas to enhance your company. In dress, make sure your image is appropriate but memorable so that you’re always on your higher-ups’ radar.7. Have Fun
If one thing is clear about Keke Palmer, it’s that she thoroughly enjoys what she does. She’s always smiling and full of laughs during interviews, and her Instagram pics confirm that she’s a fun girl who lives for a good time. Don’t lose the excitement in your job. Whether it’s taking a vacation or enjoying a hot coffee in peace and quiet, make time to escape it all so that you can rest and reenergize for the work ahead. Find humor and reasons to be thankful in the simple things while on the job.
Now that you’ve completed your crash course in Keke 101, apply these teachings to your life and career. Check out our exclusive interview with the young and wise starlet here.