We were lucky to catch up with LaToya Sutton recently and have shared our conversation below.

LaToya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

In 2017, my life took an exciting turn as I embarked on a bold adventure, relocating from Northern Virginia to Georgia after saying “yes” to the love of my life. However, the job market in my new home state couldn’t match my previous salary, prompting me to leverage my professional skills and dive headfirst into entrepreneurship.

One day, while passionately networking, I stumbled upon a local business hungry for growth. I reached out to them, pitching how my consulting services could be the answer to their success. After negotiations, they became my very first client, and securing that initial contract was exhilarating, representing validation, trust, and the opportunity to make a positive impact.

This initial success fueled my confidence, propelling me to pursue larger clients like Goodwill of Greater Washington and Jackson Hewitt. My business evolved, offering comprehensive consulting and training. That first dollar of revenue meant more than just financial gain; it marked the beginning of a journey filled with learning, growth, and the gratification of making a positive difference in the lives of others. It was a pivotal moment that fueled my determination to build a thriving business, and it remains a cherished memory that continues to inspire me today.

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 LaToya Sutton, Founder and CEO of Sutton Elevation & Consulting. I bring extensive experience in talent management, business development, leadership, education, and consulting. My extensive travels have afforded me insights into diverse industries and backgrounds, leading me to discover a vital need: aiding individuals in achieving their professional aspirations while helping leaders excel in attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent for their organizations.

I create positive work environments that foster high-performing teams by improving communication and processes to motivate people, ultimately increasing employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. With my warm personality, knowledge, and experience, working with people was a natural fit, and providing exceptional service is a MUST for me.

I matriculated at Elizabeth City State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. I hold a master’s degree in Business Administration and am actively pursuing a Juris Doctorate and a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resource Management. My commitment to excellence extends my professional affiliations. I am an active member of SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management) and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, further reflecting my dedication to community growth and development.

How I got into HR:

During an enriching teaching experience overseas, I collaborated with my alma mater, Elizabeth City State University, to attract and recruit potential students from the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan military base in South Korea.

As my teaching contract in South Korea concluded, I transitioned into the world of higher education, specifically in Career Services. This marked the beginning of my career in job placement and career guidance.

Soon after, I ventured into roles where I managed talent acquisition for multiple organizations in various industries. My experiences have shaped and refined the skills that define my work today. It’s been a journey marked by growth, learning, and development, and I’m excited about continuing to make a difference in education and employment.

About S.E.C.

Sutton Elevation & Consulting is your go-to experienced HR and Career Coach. With years of experience, We have successfully collaborated with diverse clientele, ranging from thriving startups to Fortune 500 giants.

Our coaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: Everyone can achieve greatness. By delving into your strengths, goals, and values, we can uncover the answers to your success. Whether you’re an individual seeking to advance your career or an organization aiming to optimize your workforce, we are here to guide you. With my extensive expertise in talent management, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness, we provide tailored guidance and unwavering support.

At Sutton Elevation and Consulting, we offer a range of services. We specialize in Small Business Workforce Development, Recruitment and Onboarding training, Leadership Training, Career Coaching, HR Coaching, and Resume Writing.

Our commitment to fostering a dynamic, people-centric approach to business sets us apart. We understand the importance of not only recruiting the right talent but also nurturing their growth and potential. We strive to create lasting positive impacts on individuals and organizations, making us your trusted partner in achieving workforce excellence.

I take immense pride in the transformations we’ve facilitated in businesses and individuals. Our work isn’t just about finding jobs or improving HR processes; it’s about elevating lives and creating success stories.

Any advice for managing a team?

In team management, maintaining high morale is crucial for a productive and harmonious workplace. Achieving this requires a leader to lead by example, communicate effectively, show empathy, and recognize achievements. To boost team motivation, it’s essential to define roles, invest in their growth, and promote work-life balance.

Providing feedback, setting realistic goals, swiftly resolving conflicts, and fostering team bonding through activities also contribute to continuous improvement and ensure a thriving, successful team.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn was rooted in my perception of professionalism and productivity. For years, I had followed the patterns set by larger corporations, assuming that their strategies and practices were the golden standard for success. However, I soon realized that blindly emulating these trends wasn’t the right path for me and my team.

The backstory to this realization is that, after working for several large companies, I felt a misalignment between their methods and my own values and goals. It became evident that I needed to pivot and create a work culture that resonated with my vision and purpose. It was a pivotal moment when I decided to rebrand my business, shaping it into an environment where I would genuinely want to show up every day.

This journey taught me that true success isn’t merely about mimicking what works for others. It’s about understanding your unique purpose, aligning it with your team’s aspirations, and crafting a work culture that reflects these values. It’s about creating a place where passion and purpose drive productivity, ultimately leading to fulfillment and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.suttonelevationandconsulting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sutton_elevation_consulting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suttonelevationandconsulting/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-s-169ba6a0
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sutton_e_c
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SuttonElevationandConsulting?si=Iohn-ku3mB6iV-3F
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sutton-elevation-and-consulting-charlotte

Image Credits
Photographer Andrea Mathis A Mathis Photography in Charlotte, NC