I had the pleasure of being on the podcast, Sound Leadership with DJ. Demetrius Kirk, DNPc, MBA,MSN, RN, LNHA, LSSGB, PAC-NE, QCP is the Founder of SMK Medical, a good friend of mine, guest star of Becoming: Doctor of Nursing Practice on The Melanin Initiative Podcast, an active member of DNPs of Color, and a nurse entrepreneur who started as a CNA and is now a candidate for his DNP degree.
In this interview, I share my journey as a healthcare influencer, nurse entrepreneur, and founder of Mahogany Dermatology. From my early days in biomedical engineering at Tufts to earning my DNP and creating a platform to mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners, it’s been a rewarding road filled with lessons in leadership, resilience, and community-building. Raised in a Marine Corps household and inspired by my mom’s work as a minister, I learned early on the importance of integrity and service. Those values have guided me as I co-chaired hospital councils, represented my units, and eventually pursued entrepreneurship. Along the way, I’ve leaned into financial literacy and mentorship to empower others in healthcare.
In this episode, I talk about the difference between managing and leading, the power of mentorship, and turning challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your leadership skills, I hope my story inspires you to lead boldly and intentionally.
Check out the episode and let me know what leadership means to you! Watch here.
Kimberly Madison, DNP, AGPCNP-BC
I am a nurse practitioner entrepreneur who specializes in dermatology nursing education and research with an emphasis on skin of color. I created this blog to share my journey as a source of motivation and as a blueprint, as you embark on your journey. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to increasing access to dermatology education and clinical training for aspiring and practicing nurse practitioners. I invite you to view the mission and vision statement on the homepage to see how we can best partner to make our dreams align.