Empowering Women, Building Peace: THETRAILBLAZINGWORKOFKELLYMARKEY

Interview by Hazel Herrington

HH: What inspired you to become a champion for peace and equality, and how has your life experiences shaped your work in this field?

I was born and raised in South Africa, where apartheid reigned. I relocated to developed countries on the quest for a better life. I got a rude awakening to discover more discrimination and racism in the developed landscape than South Africa. It saddened me to note the plight of Nelson Mandela did not create contrite hearts internationally.

I made the arduous milestone to leave all my family and friends and immigrate only to discover that I had swapped my ton of bricks with a ton of stones It shocked me to live under these tragic circumstances, so I championed peace and equality into the remit.

HH: What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing women today when it comes to promoting peace and equality, and how can we overcome these challenges?

I broke numerous glass ceilings, woefully the greatest challenge is still having to scuffle to obtain a seat at any table. Notably in society both women and men have a path paved when they tick a certain demographic box. Humanity will not overcome these challenges when we offer the platforms by string

HH: What do you think sets your work apart from others in the field, and how do you see your work contributing to the larger conversation about peace and equality?

I have ample life experience, I elaborated with my expressive pen in my book “Don’t Just Fly, SOAR.” The world has soaked up both my experience and journey glean like a perpetual sponge. People from around the world have related, connected and started organic conversations with me. I had the privilege to live

I speak five languages and have a diverse network that resonates with my motto –helping humanity to transcend by improving critical thinking and enhancing changes in attitude. HH: How do you see the role of AI and technology in promoting peace and equality, and what steps do you believe we need to take to ensure that these tools are used for good and not harm?

AI is a step in the correct direction in many faculties.

Any system that is designed should be designed to be fair. Humanity will triumph when we design systems that do not think and act like humans – with prejudice period.

HH: As a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, what message would you like to send to women around the world, and what do you believe is the most important thing that women can do to create a more peaceful and just world? Peace begins in your heart,

Instead of using all your resources to create more, stop and help someone build something that is out of their reach. I know what it feels like to be looked at like I am the only speck of pepper in the salt shaker, are you a woman that made me feel that way, why? Unconditional tolerance and vision are the start. My book “Making Sage Decisions' equips humanity to make strategic decisions while instilling reflective awareness. This is the steroid that the world needs to overdose on.

HH: What inspired you to become a best-selling author?

Many people see my life as a mother of inspiration and motivation and they naturally gravitate to me for help, wisdom, advice and enthusiasm. During the lockdown people from all over the world were reaching out for inspiration and just to have a chat when the pandemic unleashed itself. I wrote my memoir to bring hope to others. My book is entitled: Don’t Just Fly, SOAR.

HH: What inspired you to start it?

I had no desire to write a book, but I felt compelled to write this book to help humanity in a time of despair.

Then the BLM movement unraveled and yet again I felt compelled to share my story about being born in a country where apartheid reigned, moving overseas and what that looked like.

HH: Why THIS style?

It’s raw – full of first-hand experience and it speaks straight to the heart It hooks people into reading. Most of my readers are reading my book for the second and third time as it is packed with so many tools and pearls of wisdom to help in every facet of life.

HH: Biggest regret of your writing career if any?

Trusting people, you know to help you champion your cause. Not everyone will turn every stone to help Accept that this is your goal and mission to accomplish. Any additional help is just a bonus.

HH: What were your biggest mistakes getting to where you are?

Expecting people to be open and even minded. People are biased and not everyone can deal with having a mirror held up to them. Talking about racism, discrimination and apartheid are complex matters I don’t regret addressing these subjects. However, I am saddened that people live in a bubble and say to me that this is not an issue in Australia

HH: What was the hardest part about writing your latest book? What is the biggest challenge in writing?

Launching a book in the peak of a global pandemic – wow, I am still recovering from that, but taking every setback in my stride and using every challenge for a comeback.

I did not have to invite the think tank into the flow.

I sent a copy of my manuscript to an author inducted in the hall of fame to write me a book acclaim before I printed He responded very negatively, and I felt derailed.

What would you never do if you could go back?

Trust editors, some are so underwhelming with skills, need to find one that can match my writing skills, tone and humour.

HH: Was there a time you wanted to quit? And how did you deal with that situation or overcome it?

Yes, I wrote my manuscript in a sheer 10 days. Its inspiration lived out loud

Kelly Markey's book that is nominated for two Nobel prize will be launched later 2023 "Making Sage Decisions"

I felt derailed and questioned if I should even publish this book! It did not last long though. The very same day I received an email from a magazine editor, confirming that she read my manuscript. She could not stop reading the page turner.

She was honored to write the foreword for my book. She also asked me to be the brand ambassador for her magazine and write monthly articles. I also had a request to be a resident blogger for a Jay Shetty certified coach.