10 Things You Should Know About Me

When I meet someone new, one of my favorite questions to ask is:

“What’s something I should know about you?”

It’s a simple question, but it bypasses small talk and goes straight to the heart of who someone is. It invites honesty. It invites connection. And it often reveals the values and experiences that truly shape a person.

In that same spirit, I want to answer my own question for you. These aren’t just facts—they’re reflections of my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and the mindset I carry into every area of my life.

1. Cleanliness and Order

I thrive in environments that are clean, organized, and intentional. When my space is in order, my mind is, too. Structure isn’t just about neatness—it’s about creating room for efficiency, creativity, and calm. This preference extends beyond my physical space; I often prefer a “cleaned out” social media feed as well—but that’s a conversation for another time.

2. I’m Mixed Race—White and Black

My mixed heritage—White and Black—deeply informs who I am. Whether seen or unseen, it influences the way I create, the dialogue I have with myself, the resilience I’ve built both on and off the mat, and the way I engage with people whose experiences are vastly different from my own.

3. Carrying Lessons From the Highest Level

In 2014, I became a back-to-back World Champion and a Grand World Champion, living my childhood dream as a featured athlete and training alongside the best. Today, I use that same standard as a reference point in my work as a coach and mentor, while keeping those experiences in perspective—valuing them without clinging to them, knowing they are not the everyday reality for most.

4. I Love the Unapologetic and Unconventional

I’m drawn to the things that challenge the system and rewrite the rules. I appreciate the unconventional—not for shock value, but for its ability to inspire fresh thinking. For me, being different must be intentional, with thought, taste, and purpose behind it.

5. I’ve Dealt with Performance Anxiety

Pressure has, at times, made me overthink or stumble—not because I doubted myself, but because I cared deeply about doing a good job. Over the years, experience became my cure. Repetition in high-pressure situations built my confidence, and it’s the same advice I give to anyone struggling with performance anxiety: do the reps. Confidence comes from showing up, again and again.

6. I Moved Out at 16

Leaving home as a teenager taught me independence early. It gave me the ability to adapt to new places, build relationships in unfamiliar spaces, and navigate life away from the safety net of family.

7. Empathetic

I can often read someone’s energy within a few interactions. While that ability has been a strength, I’m learning not to make judgments too quickly. People often present a version of themselves that isn’t the full reality, and I’ve learned to remain open until I’ve seen more than just the surface.

8. Confidence Over Expectation

I no longer expect respect from everyone; leading with that expectation can invite the opposite. Instead, I carry myself with confidence, grace, and composure. I welcome collaboration when approached as an equal and stand firm in my values when I’m not.

9. I Lead with Kindness

My ambition is anchored in kindness. At my core, I’m guided by a genuine desire to help others succeed and feel valued. While my intentions are always rooted in care, I understand that my delivery can be refined, and I actively work on improving it. Each interaction is an opportunity to grow, ensuring that the way I communicate reflects both my message and the heart behind it.

10. I’ve Grown Up Online

I’ve had a cell phone since an early age and have been public on the internet since my pre-teen years. Much of my life has been documented, but I’ve grown into someone very different from who I was back then. My aesthetic, values, and outlook have evolved, and I’m committed to using my voice and platform to inspire, guide, and encourage others.

Closing Thought

If nothing else, I hope this gives you a fuller picture of who I am—both personally and professionally. These ten points are only snapshots, but together they form the foundation of how I approach life, work, and every connection I make.