We’re looking forward to introducing you to Robin R. Haynes MBA, ASBC®, RFC®. Check out our conversation below.
Robin R. , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Right now the one thing that is bringing me joy is understanding GOD”S timing. For the last 13 years, I’ve been in control and moved at my own speed which was extremley fast & exhausting.
I’m currently in a space where I’m learning slow down, and.trust GOD & HIS TIMING. That being said – understanding this new space is bringing me joy, simply because I’m continously learning and evolving as I slowed down.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Robin R. Haynes. I am a business advisor and financial strategiest. I’ve been in the financial industry for 26 years (and still at it). As a subject matter expert in the financial industry, I have the ability to connect with my audiences simply because I UNDERSTAND the financial hardships that individuals face.
There was a period in my life where I faced financial challenges, especially during my seperation/divorce. During this time, I had to apply for public assistance (food stamps), just so that my son and I could have food. I was blessed to have my parents, my siblings and family members help me through this challenging time. However, I knew that I couldn’t keep relying on them so I honestly had to do what needed to be done at the time.
Fast forward to now, I am able to share my story to encourage others – where you are right now in life IS NOT YOUR FINAL CHAPTER.
What am I currently working on now? Currently I am working on my fourth written project, which will assist readers how to navigate through their financial picture.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Honestly the relationship that has most shaped how I saw and see myself is my relationship I have with myself. Honestly I always felt I had to compete with others. My younger sister who is a doctor, and my older brother who is a licensed social worker and then there was me, I was just an average banker. I had no fancy title or college degree (at the time). I had my son at 20, (which was NOT THE NORM in my immediate family.) and I always felt inadequate, I felt like a complete failure especially during & after my divorce.
Fast forward to my son’s second year in college. I received a call to become a business advisor for one of the worlds largest financial institutions. That phone call changed my life simply because I went from food stamps to now being in position to pay my son’s college tuition.
I remember when I went to refinance my property, to buy my ex-husband out to remove him from the title and deed. I finalized the refinance (with no co-signer), on top of paying my son’s tuition. TALK ABOUT SERVIING A BIG GOD!!!
It was at this point that it didn’t matter how the world viewed me simply because, by the grace of GOD I was able to overcome the major challenges that were set in front of me. I went back to school completed both my undergraduate and graduate degree. I completed my graduate degree with status of Magna Cum Laude which meant I graduated at top of my class. I worked, put myself through grad school while making sure my son didn’t graduate in student loan debt.
At this pivital point in my life that I saw and still see myself as someone who although did not take the traditional route in life (graduate from high school, go to college, graduate, jump start your career etc), I turned out PRETTY AMAZING. I’m super proud of myself for defying the odds. Being blessed of having defied the odds, I am now in position of sharing wth others, YOU CAN DO IT – YOU CAN MAKE IT. Where you are currently IS NOT your final chapter. No matter how hard it may seem, TRUST THAT GOD HAS THE FINAL SAY!
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me that YOU can not skip steps. Success is “cute” however you will never appreciate success if you’ve never experienced challenges. Honestly I don’t get lost in the hype of being “successful” (if that’s what you call it).
Often times I’m told “Ms. Robin, I want to be like you when I get older”, my response “PUT THE WORK IN and be better than me!”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Oh how I love this question!!!! (Laughing as I respond). Yes the public version of me the real me simply because I love myself internally. And because I love myself internally = there is no need to put on a facade or pretend just to feel excepted in certain spaces. I’ve learned that I am not everyone’s cup of tea, and you know what – THAT’S OK. Just like I’m not for everyone, everyone isn’t for me. I often tell folks what you see is what you get, whether its yoga pants and hoodie or a skirt and blazer – Imma be unapologetically and authentically me!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
Feeling at peace is a continuum for me. No matter how hectic my schedule is or what’s going on, I have to operate in complete peace.
I start my day off with prayer, scripture, and journaling. This sets the tone for the day.
Outside of my career, with the exception of spending time with family and a FEW close friends, I chose to be alone. Going back to loving myself, because I love myself my internal and external spaces are both PEACEFUL. I refuse to allow anyone disrupt my peace. ESPECIALLY since it took me minute to get to this space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.robinrhaynes.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinrhaynes
- Youtube: Robin R. Haynes
Image Credits
Professional Photograher – Jermaine Gibbs
