We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaKesa McGraw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaKesa below.

LaKesa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

One significant risk I took was launching my life coaching and training business, Inside of Y.O.U., LLC. After over a decade in HR, coaching, and leadership, I knew I had a passion for empowering others. However, stepping away from the stability of my traditional career path to build something from the ground up was daunting.

The idea for Inside of Y.O.U. stemmed from my personal experiences in overcoming challenges and my desire to help others unlock their full potential. I realized that people often have the tools they need for growth — they just need guidance to access them. The concept resonated deeply with me, but transitioning from a secure paycheck to entrepreneurship required courage.

I started by balancing my corporate role with building my business. I invested time in refining my services, developing workshops, and networking with individuals who could benefit from my expertise. There were moments of doubt, wondering if clients would connect with my message or if my investment would pay off, but I believed in my vision and stayed committed.

Taking that risk has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. It reinforced my belief that stepping out of your comfort zone — even when it feels uncertain — is often the key to unlocking your greatest potential.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m LaKesa McGraw, an HR professional with over 11 years of experience, a certified life and leadership coach, an inspirational speaker, and the founder of Inside of Y.O.U., LLC. My journey has been deeply rooted in empowering people to unlock their full potential — whether in their careers, personal growth, or leadership development.

How I Got Started

I knew at an early age that I was different, but I didn’t know what to do with my gift; I was afraid. It was so much responsibility, and I did not want to misguide anyone. My path eventually led me into the HR industry, where I specialized in talent development, training, and coaching. Over time, I realized that while employees often sought career advice or skills development, what they truly needed was deeper guidance — someone to help them recognize their strengths, overcome self-doubt, and confidently pursue their goals. That’s when I knew coaching was my calling.

Combining my HR expertise with my passion for personal growth, I launched Inside of Y.O.U., LLC — a life coaching and training business designed to help individuals and organizations thrive.

What I Offer

Through Inside of Y.O.U., LLC, I provide a range of services designed to meet clients where they are and empower them to grow:

Life Coaching: Helping individuals identify their goals, overcome mental roadblocks, and build actionable plans for success.

Leadership Coaching & Development: Guiding emerging and experienced leaders to enhance their skills, improve communication, and lead with confidence.

Workshops & Training: Interactive sessions that cover personal growth, professional development, and mindset shifts to foster positive change.

Inspirational Speaking: Sharing powerful messages about resilience, self-belief, and pursuing purpose — designed to inspire and motivate.

The Problems I Solve

I work with individuals who feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed — whether in their careers or personal lives. My approach focuses on empowering them to recognize their inner strengths and capabilities. I help clients break through limiting beliefs, identify their unique value, and create actionable steps toward achieving their goals.

For organizations, I deliver tailored training and leadership development solutions to improve team dynamics, enhance communication, and boost employee engagement.

What Sets Me Apart

What makes Inside of Y.O.U., LLC unique is my blend of professional HR expertise and personal coaching insight. I understand workplace challenges, career struggles, and leadership hurdles firsthand — and I combine practical strategies with mindset coaching to help my clients thrive. My approach is compassionate, direct, and focused on unlocking each person’s potential.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m incredibly proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed in my clients. Seeing individuals step into their confidence, achieve career breakthroughs, or realize personal growth is incredibly rewarding. Each success story fuels my passion to continue this work.

What I Want People to Know

At Inside of Y.O.U., LLC, I believe that everything you need to succeed — your strength, your purpose, your potential — is already inside of you. My mission is to help you uncover it, embrace it, and use it to create a life you’re proud of.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career, unsure of your next steps, or ready to lead with impact, I’m here to guide and support you on your journey. Together, we’ll unlock the power that’s already inside of you.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Losing someone I loved so tragically in 2022 changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. The pain was overwhelming, and for a time, I felt like life as I knew it was over. Grief made the world feel unfamiliar as if nothing would ever be the same again.

However, through that pain, I found a strength I didn’t know I had. I learned that resilience isn’t about pretending to be okay—it’s about allowing yourself to grieve while still choosing to move forward. That loss taught me to cherish every moment, pursue my dreams with urgency, and use my experiences to uplift and inspire others. It fuels my passion for helping people, whether through my career in HR, my work as a coach, or my role as an author and speaker.

Instead of letting grief define me, I allowed it to shape me into someone who values purpose, connection, and growth. Every challenge I face, I carry the love and memories with me, knowing that even in loss, there is the power to rise again.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media was a journey of authenticity, consistency, and purpose. When I started Inside of Y.O.U., LLC, I knew I wanted to create a space that inspired and empowered people. Rather than just focusing on numbers, I focused on impact—sharing messages that resonated with my audience, whether through personal stories, leadership insights, or motivational content.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was the power of showing up as my true self. People connect with realness, not perfection. I shared my experiences, both the victories and the struggles, to remind others that growth is a journey. Engaging with my audience—responding to comments, asking questions, and creating conversations—helped build a genuine community rather than just a following.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is:

Know your “why” – Be clear on the purpose behind your platform and let that guide your content.
Stay consistent – Success doesn’t happen overnight, but showing up consistently builds trust and credibility.
Engage and add value – social media is about connection. Speak to your audience, listen to them, and offer insights or encouragement that truly help them.
Be patient and persistent – Growth takes time. Focus on impact over numbers, and the right people will find you.
Inside of Y.O.U., LLC is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. By staying true to that vision, I’ve been able to build a community that aligns with my mission of inspiring and empowering others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.insideofyoullc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koachkey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkintoyourgreatness