The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “Kate Kerner is inspiring her followers how to live an attainable & healthy lifestyle”
I try to show my followers how to live an attainable & healthy lifestyle by sharing with them a glimpse into my daily life. As a young woman who recently left her corporate job, I still manage to wake up at the same time- 5:00am everyday to go to the gym before heading to my two jobs. My followers often have asked how I manage to get up so early to go to the gym, work two jobs and then workout again. I explain to them that I am so motivated and energetic when I wake up so early to start my day. As a woman who is constantly on the go, I also try to impart to my followers that sometimes it’s necessary and perfectly okay to take a break and not follow your routine. Especially as New Yorkers, we often feel rushed so taking a break is necessary to reconnect to yourself, your thoughts, your body, and your intention.
As a part of my series about social media stars who are using their platform to make a significant social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kate Kerner. She is a graduate of Penn State with a major in Telecommunications. With a love for people and dance she spent several summers at French Woods Performing Arts Camp in upstate New York as a camper, counselor and dance instructor. Upon graduation, she moved to NYC to work for Bloomberg Media in Advertising Sales and went on to become a Senior Sales Associate for a FinTech startup dedicating her creative and business skills to aid the founders. Kate prides herself on her dedication to fitness and wellness, as she is an influencer (@kateandkale), trainer at Box & Flow, and all-around health conscious. She recently joined the Panda PR & Marketing team in Spring 2019.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
About two years ago I was sitting with my boyfriend who is in Finance and asked him what he thought about the idea of me starting a fitness & wellness blog. He said GO FOR IT! I’ve always loved sharing my workouts & foodie finds with my friends and family so why not share it with the rest of the world J The name Kate & Kale came about because 1. I love kale & 2. It sounds catchy!
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?
Amanda Whitcroft, Founder of Panda PR & Marketing, sent me an email in regard to a campaign. We hopped on a phone call and the next thing you know, I joined her team at Panda PR & Marketing J It’s so interesting how one conversation can open so many doors.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I was a perfectionist…until I started teaching at Box & Flow. I learned early on that not every class is the same. Even though I may do the same routine, the participants bring their own spin to it. During one class I assumed that two students were a “couple” and I referred to them as boyfriend and girlfriend. It turns out this was only their second date. Here’s the lesson, don’t assume too much.
Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?
I try to show my followers how to live an attainable & healthy lifestyle by sharing with them a glimpse into my daily life. As a young woman who recently left her corporate job, I still manage to wake up at the same time- 5:00am everyday to go to the gym before heading to my two jobs. My followers often have asked how I manage to get up so early to go to the gym, work two jobs and then workout again. I explain to them that I am so motivated and energetic when I wake up so early to start my day. As a woman who is constantly on the go, I also try to impart to my followers that sometimes it’s necessary and perfectly okay to take a break and not follow your routine. Especially as New Yorkers, we often feel rushed so taking a break is necessary to reconnect to yourself, your thoughts, your body, and your intention.
Wow! Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?
One of my followers acknowledged me in the gym. I was in shock; a situation like this has never happened before. She admired how authentic I am and how it is very noticeable through my captions and photos. It’s really important to recognize that what I post on social media truly does influence others. Therefore, it is important for influencers to post honestly. Influencers often live a seemingly “unattainable” lifestyle that leave many scrolling through their feeds feeling discouraged that they don’t have the same life. With that being said, I am aware that people look to me for motivation which is why generally I show all aspects of my life and don’t always post “perfect” photos…sometimes I look extremely very messy and I feel like a bag lady carrying my gym bag, computer and grocery bags.
Was there a tipping point the made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?
When I became a fitness enthusiast, I traveled throughout the city taking classes at different types of studios. I got the urge to blog about my journey. During my visits to different classes I met various teachers and students who are devoted to fitness in a very healthy, positive way.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
1) Fitness should become more affordable so that classes are not viewed as “elitist”, but rather accessible to everyone.
2) Healthy foods also need to be affordable and advertised in communities in which people struggle with health issues.
3) I would love to help create health and wellness fairs for youth, millennials, and seniors alike.
What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?
Be authentic, be you, be bold and be an advocate.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
Don’t trust everyone.
You will not be liked by everyone.
Don’t worry about the “likes” you receive on your post.
Be careful of fake accounts.
Be mindful of your core values and stick to them.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Entrepreneurship Movement in universities nationwide. As a college student, we are often told to find a REAL job after college: a corporate job from 9–5. I would like to express especially to young women and men that a corporate job isn’t for everyone. No one should feel forced to do something they don’t enjoy. Instead, students should follow their own inner voices and surround themselves with others who have positive voices too. Nobody will ever succeed at something without trying!
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My dad always tells me to “be a leader”. If I never took this advice, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Michelle Obama — she is fierce! What a confident, strong & intelligent woman. As First Lady she started the “Let’s Move” campaign that continues to inspire children to be physically active, eat healthy, stay positive and stay focused.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
@kateandkale
This was very meaningful, thank you so much!
The Social Impact Heroes of Social Media: “Kate Kerner is inspiring her followers how to live an… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.