Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakisha Austin

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

During the pandemic, my life underwent a profound transformation. My name is Lakisha R. Austin, LICSW, MBA, MSW, and I proudly call Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood my home. As a phenomenal Black woman and the proud single mother of a 19-year-old son, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my journey from recovering people pleaser to licensed independent clinical worker and life coach, alongside holding a master’s in business administration.

Despite achieving milestones like buying my home at 26, working in various roles from financial services to banking, and being a foster parent and youth mentor, I’ve also faced personal challenges. As a survivor of domestic violence, I’m passionate about advocacy and prevention.

Throughout my career, despite accolades and the support of friends, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and a persistent desire for approval. It took completing my master’s in clinical social work in 2015 to realize I had imposter syndrome and was a chronic people pleaser. It wasn’t until 2020 that I finally took a stand for myself and aligned with my true desires, starting with practicing radical self-care.

I made bold decisions:

Taking a month off from my full-time job.
Resigning to bet on myself and launch my private practice.
It was the best decision I ever made. In January 2021, I founded Resiliency & Optimism Changes Lives LLC, rented an office space, and focused on building my practice.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I achieved significant milestones:

Earned six figures in my first year of self-employment.
Improved my health and lost 25 pounds.
Launched The F.E.M.E. Project in 2021 and prepared for its expansion into 2023.
Saved $10,000 and raised my credit score from 560 to 704.
Established business credit.
Started by own Radio show/Podcast called Conversations with Coach LA
Launched my signature Spoken Word Experience: Poetherapy
This journey taught me to always bet on myself. I honed my networking skills, which led to a remarkable opportunity in 2022: becoming a clinical field supervisor at Boston University, fulfilling my dream of educating at a higher institution.

My next bet on self? Publishing my first book and guiding emerging clinicians in starting their own practices. I’m thrilled to have overcome my people-pleasing tendencies, to live authentically, find my zen, and pursue what I love, all while managing life’s challenges with resilience—controlling my wobble, as #AbrahamHicks would say.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I faced numerous struggles on my journey, from grappling with feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome to constantly seeking approval from others. Despite my achievements—like buying my home at 26, building a diverse career in financial services, banking, and social work, and being an advocate for domestic violence prevention—I often struggled with low confidence. I was a people pleaser, often putting everyone else first and fearing failure.

It took years of self-discovery and courage to finally stand in my truth and align with what I truly wanted. The pandemic was a turning point, forcing me to confront these patterns and take radical steps, including stepping away from my full-time job to start my own private practice. Through self-care, focus, and resilience, I overcame these hurdles, launching a successful business during the pandemic and building a new path that allowed me to pursue my passion and self-worth on my terms.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives (R.O.C.) Therapeutic Coaching Services LLC?

Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives LLC (R.O.C.) is dedicated to supporting the mental wellness and development of professional women and men who are navigating the complexities of life. Whether it’s the pressure of daily living, parenting, work-life balance, or interpersonal relationships, our clients—often high achievers and successful by societal standards—sometimes struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression. At R.O.C., we believe that resilience combined with the right support allows individuals to approach life’s challenges with optimism.

Our practice specializes in therapeutic coaching, providing tailored mental health services that empower clients to embrace their strengths, find balance, and achieve personal growth. What sets us apart is our holistic focus on building resiliency and fostering optimism. We encourage our clients to adopt powerful affirmations, such as: “I am resilient and optimistic about my life. I am human and make mistakes, but I choose to see them as lessons. I trust myself to make good decisions for my mental health.”

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of creating a space where clients feel empowered to take charge of their mental wellness. At R.O.C., our goal is to not only help clients manage their stressors but to thrive and see opportunities in every situation. Through our services, including individual coaching and self-care programs, we offer a comprehensive approach to mental wellness that inspires resilience and optimism in all aspects of life. I want readers to know that at R.O.C., we’re committed to helping you prioritize your mental health, find balance, and become the best version of yourself.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?

For anyone just starting out, my advice is to truly BET on SELF and to approach every step with resilience and optimism. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to meet others’ expectations, but remember that your journey is yours alone. Embrace radical self-care early on and don’t be afraid to take bold steps—like taking time off or even stepping away from a situation that isn’t aligned with your goals.

Looking back, I wish I’d known sooner that it’s okay to make myself a priority and that true growth requires standing in your truth. Also, understand that setbacks are not failures; they’re part of the process. Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about learning to thrive despite them. Invest in building strong relationships, as networking can open unexpected doors, and stay open to growth in every area of life. Most importantly, stay committed to your mental well-being and recognize that being an overachiever doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.IamCoachLA.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapist_coachla?igsh=ejI2cGZvaWw2ejBs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weroclives?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakisha-austin-licsw-mba-msw-b439792/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LakishaAustin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IamCoachLA
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89286050/admin/dashboard/

Image Credits

@IamJay Hunt-SmokeHouse Media
@dbphotoboston
@takeoverphotography