Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kesinger.
Mary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a country girl from central Illinois, but I moved to the city to attend Loyola University Chicago. I accelerated through the 5-year MBA program studying marketing and dance and I studied abroad in Rome and Southeast Asia.
I’ve always been a hustler. I’ve been a dance instructor for 10 years, and I began teaching fitness classes in college. I worked in Residence Life so that I could receive free housing in the dorms. I’ve been a freelance writer since I was 16, and I started my blog when I first studied abroad. I applied 3 times before being chosen as a CHAARG blogger, then I became blog manager as my grad school internship. I still do some freelance work with startups, but there are only so many hours in a day!
Today, I’m a fitness trainer by morning, tech marketing professional by day, and a writer by night. Well, sometimes in that order. I recently published my first book, Run My World: How I Empowered Myself Through Fitness in February, and I’m always striving to empower others, whether through tech, fitness or however else they’re trying to live their best life. I’m still learning to find my breath amidst all the exciting chaos. At the end of the day, feeling confident and independent is really about feeling calm.
Has it been a smooth road?
Haha, nope. As a recovering perfectionist, I’ve always been really good at making things appear effortless. People don’t see the extreme discipline, the anxiety, the tears, the loneliness or the soul searching behind every accomplishment. Overcoming my eating disorder was one of my biggest challenges, and writing about my journey was a huge moment for me. It’s absolutely terrifying to share the ugly truths that I had tried so hard to block out from my memory. Still, I’m proud of my struggle because it’s made me stronger.
No matter what point you’re at in your journey, you’re not alone. We easily convince ourselves that we’re so different from everyone else and no one will understand, but that’s almost never the case. Whether you’re struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, academically, or professionally, there is always someone else you can lean on who is going through a similar situation, and there’s almost certainly someone who has overcome that same obstacle that’s been challenging you. Build your network, and use it to find hope.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Generally, I’m a “creative.” If you’re not a fan of noun-ing your adjectives, I create content. Whether it’s website development, storytelling or programming a killer workout, I’m imagining how we can all view the world in a little different and a little better way, each day.
My full-time job is managing marketing and communications for an innovation studio at Accenture. I love working in tech and making it more accessible and less elitist, especially to those who aren’t typically included in the conversation. I taught myself how to code on MySpace when I was 12, but I found myself always thinking I wasn’t smart enough for STEM. I still struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling like I’m not good enough for a really cool team in an even cooler company, but I’m lucky to have mentors encouraging me to grow my skill set and prove my worth. The tech industry has so many opportunities, and I want more people to think, “Wait, I want to do that too and YES, I can do it!”
Outside of my 9-5, I’m a writer and a fitness trainer. I self-published my first book on my 24th birthday in February, exceeding my goal of publishing a book before I was 30. Run My World is all about my fitness journey and how my challenges helped strengthen me into the woman I am today. I struggled with disordered eating throughout college, which harmed me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was always the “fit girl” as a dancer and group fitness instructor, so my self-harming behaviors went unnoticed (or at least untouched) by my closest family and friends. It was through the community, especially with CHAARG, that I improved my confidence and figured out ways to be in charge (#inCHAARG!) of my health and my life. I realized that I was not alone in and of my issues and that I was so much more than my body. I rediscovered my most authentic self, and I used fitness as a catalyst for my own happiness and empowerment.
I still teach fitness classes in the mornings and evenings, but it’s really because I’m so passionate about changing the stigma around fitness. Confidence does not come from your shell of a body — it comes from within! If you can do one more rep than you thought possible or one more mile than you ever dreamed, then you can do anything. By constantly stretching your comfort zone, you improve your resilience and are able to be so much stronger than you imagined — physically and mentally.
People know me for being real and authentic. In the crazy world where social media reigns supreme, I pride myself on never being fake and for (mostly) posting valuable content. I strive to inspire the same boldness in others, and I hope that others become confident in their individual passions. It’s hard to be positive and realistic simultaneously, but I try to initiate those uncomfortable conversations, while still being thoughtful and kind-hearted. Typically, this includes humor and trying to not take ourselves so seriously!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I think people glamorize mentorship and think of it as a committed relationship. If you meet someone that you admire and would like to learn more from, reach out and ask for help. Be respectful of their time, but most people will happily oblige. People love being told they’re wise and appreciated! You can have multiple mentors and role models, and they can be of all ages and levels of expertise.
Unfortunately, social media has really complicated networking. I’ve asked myself many times: Are they asking me on a romantic date or a networking date? Should I charge them to “pick my brain?” Is it weird to connect two colleagues via Instagram message?
Rule of thumb: don’t be a creep. Don’t assume you’re BFFs because you have mutual friends. Be direct with your intentions because social media can skew tones. Oh, and don’t be a freaking creep.
Networking shouldn’t be so forced or hyped up. Be a good person, and you’ll attract good people. Surround yourself with people who want to do good things, and you’ll be inspired to do good things. If your network is full of badass, high-achievers, you’ll be one, too!
Pricing:
- Run My World: How I Empowered Myself Through Fitness — Paperback $15
- Run My World: How I Empowered Myself Through Fitness — Ebook $10
Contact Info:
- Website: itsmaryk.com
- Email: contact@itsmaryk.com
- Instagram: itsmaryk
- Twitter: itsmaryk
Image Credit:
Cass Gunderson. Madi Ellis
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
