We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. La Shawn Denise below.
Dr. La Shawn Denise , appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
It all began with a vision. I vividly remember sitting in my home office, reflecting on the many roles I had successfully balanced—educator, consultant, entrepreneur, transformational coach—and thinking, How do I turn all of this into something bigger than me? I knew I wanted to create something impactful, something that would ignite transformational change for others. That was the moment The Global Strategist™ was born—not just as a name, but as a purpose-driven identity.
The very next day, I got to work. I started with strategy because, after all, that’s what I do best. I mapped out my vision on a massive whiteboard, breaking it into actionable goals. I asked myself key questions: What’s my mission? Who am I here to serve? What problem am I solving? By the end of the day, I had a clear blueprint—my North Star.
The following weeks were filled with research and refinement. I immersed myself in learning everything I could about building a brand that reflects excellence, integrity, and impact. I studied the industries I wanted to disrupt, from education and leadership consulting to event and travel planning. I attended workshops, met with mentors, and soaked up insights from every possible source. My mantra during this phase was, Be strategic, not reactive.
The moment I named my business—Witt & Associates, LLC—everything shifted. Suddenly, it was no longer an abstract idea; it was a brand with a mission. I secured the domain name, built a sleek website, and designed branding that reflected the sophistication and boldness of The Global Strategist™. From there, I developed my flagship offerings, tailored to empower women, transform organizations, and deliver unforgettable experiences.
But launching wasn’t just about the logistics—it was about relationships. I leaned into my network, reaching out to past clients, colleagues, and collaborators who believed in my vision. I crafted a bold pitch and positioned myself as the solution to the challenges they faced. My first project as The Global Strategist™ was a leadership training program for a school district—it was a major success that validated everything I’d been working toward.
The first year was a whirlwind of learning, pivoting, and scaling. I had to figure out how to balance multiple businesses while maintaining the standard of excellence my clients expect. There were tough decisions, moments of doubt, and long hours, but I never wavered in my commitment to the vision. I developed systems, built a team, and leaned into my faith to keep moving forward.
Today, as The Global Strategist™, I’m living out the mission I set for myself during those early days. My businesses—whether in education, event planning, or transformational coaching—are thriving because I approached this journey the same way I approach every challenge: with strategy, vision, and unwavering tenacity. From idea to execution, it’s been a story of faith, focus, and the power of thinking globally while acting boldly.
Dr. La Shawn Denise , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt, known to many as The Global Strategist™. My journey into my industries—education, leadership development, event planning, travel consulting, and transformational coaching—has been nothing short of extraordinary, rooted in a passion for creating meaningful, transformational experiences for others.
I began my professional journey as an educator, teaching science and eventually coaching teachers and district leaders. This experience ignited my passion for leadership development and inclusivity, and over the years, I honed my ability to connect with diverse teams, foster growth, and create strategies for success. These skills became the foundation of my consulting business, Witt & Associates, LLC, where we specialize in leadership training and organizational development for K-12 and higher education institutions. Our focus is on empowering leaders to drive change, create inclusive environments, and achieve measurable results.
Alongside my educational consulting work, I’ve always had a creative streak. I fell in love with event planning during my time in alumni relations at Loyola Marymount University, and that passion blossomed into Divine Diva Events, my wedding and event planning company. For over 30 years, I’ve produced over 800 events worldwide, from luxury weddings to corporate retreats, blending personalized touches with my signature DIVA style. I also run Fabulous Divas + Gents, a division focused on group travel experiences that turn dream vacations into unforgettable realities.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to weave strategy, creativity, and transformation into everything I do. Whether I’m designing leadership training programs, coaching women to step into their power, or planning a once-in-a-lifetime destination wedding, I approach every project with a holistic mindset. My clients know me for being bold, visionary, and results-driven, and I pride myself on delivering excellence in every interaction.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve been able to make through my work. As an educator, I’ve shaped policies and provided professional development aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. As a coach, I’ve empowered countless women to break barriers and excel in leadership roles. And as a planner, I’ve brought my clients’ most cherished dreams to life, from perfect wedding days to seamless corporate events.
At the core of everything I do is a desire to solve problems and create solutions. For my educational consulting clients, I help them navigate challenges like fostering equity, improving leadership capacity, and aligning curriculum to standards. For my event planning and travel clients, I simplify what can be overwhelming processes, ensuring every detail is handled with precision and care. And for the women I coach, I provide actionable strategies and encouragement to help them overcome personal and professional obstacles.
What I want my potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that my work is rooted in purpose. My businesses are not just about providing services—they’re about igniting transformation, elevating experiences, and empowering others to thrive. Whether you’re seeking a consultant to guide your team, a planner to make your event unforgettable, or a coach to help you unleash your potential, you can count on me to deliver with excellence, integrity, and vision.
The Global Strategist™ isn’t just a title—it’s a promise. It’s my commitment to helping individuals and organizations think big, act boldly, and create impactful change. I invite you to join me on this journey, whether it’s through my consulting, planning, coaching, or creative works. Together, we can strategize, execute, and achieve greatness.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience has been a constant theme throughout my journey, but one moment in particular stands out. A few years ago, I was in the midst of organizing one of the largest events of my career—a high-profile destination wedding for a client with incredibly detailed expectations. At the same time, I was juggling a leadership training program for a major school district and coaching a cohort of women leaders. To say my plate was full would be an understatement.
Three weeks before the wedding, I received a devastating call: the venue we had secured months in advance had suffered significant damage due to an unexpected storm. Not only was the venue unusable, but most of the accommodations for the wedding guests were also impacted. The client was understandably panicked, and I could feel the weight of their trust resting squarely on my shoulders.
I took a deep breath, leaned into my faith, and reminded myself of my mantra: There’s always a strategy. Instead of succumbing to the chaos, I immediately went into problem-solving mode. I tapped into my extensive network of vendors and venues, many of whom I had built strong relationships with over the years. Within 48 hours, I had secured a new venue, coordinated alternative accommodations for the guests, and restructured the entire event timeline.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. Because the new venue was located in a different area, we faced logistical hurdles with transportation, permits, and even guest accessibility. I worked tirelessly with my team to ensure every detail was accounted for, from transportation schedules to re-creating the couple’s dream décor in the new space. I made it a priority to communicate regularly with my clients, reassuring them every step of the way.
On the wedding day, as I stood in the back of the room watching the couple exchange vows, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and pride. Despite the obstacles, the event was flawless, and the clients and their guests were overjoyed. They had no idea about the challenges behind the scenes, and that’s exactly how I wanted it to be.
This experience reinforced an important lesson: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about adapting, innovating, and delivering, even when the odds seem stacked against you. It’s about staying calm in the storm and trusting your ability to navigate through it.
That moment wasn’t just a testament to my event planning skills; it was a reflection of my approach to life and business. Whether I’m solving a logistical crisis, guiding a client through leadership challenges, or coaching someone through a career pivot, my resilience comes from knowing that challenges are opportunities in disguise—and there’s always a way forward.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of relationship-building, strategic branding, and delivering excellence at every touchpoint. Let me break it down for you:
1. Building Authentic Relationships
I firmly believe that business is built on relationships. From the very beginning, I’ve prioritized creating genuine connections with people in my network—former colleagues, mentors, clients, and even competitors. I reach out consistently, stay top of mind, and offer support wherever I can. Word-of-mouth referrals have been one of the most powerful drivers of growth for my businesses. When people feel that you genuinely care about them and their success, they naturally become ambassadors for your brand.
For example, I once helped a client plan a small-scale corporate retreat on a tight budget. I went above and beyond to make it an unforgettable experience. That one event led to five additional referrals within their industry because the client couldn’t stop raving about my work.
2. Leveraging My Personal Brand as The Global Strategist™
Establishing myself as The Global Strategist™ has been a game-changer. This isn’t just a title—it’s a promise that I bring bold, visionary strategies to every project I touch. By positioning myself as a thought leader across my industries—education, leadership consulting, event planning, and transformational coaching—I’ve been able to attract clients who see me as the go-to expert. I intentionally align my brand with excellence, empowerment, and transformation, which resonates deeply with my target audiences.
3. Sharing My Expertise
I’ve always been generous with my knowledge, whether through speaking engagements, workshops, webinars, or social media. Sharing value without immediately expecting something in return has been incredibly effective in building trust and attracting the right clients. For example, hosting my 3 C’s Masterclass for EAs and educational workshops has introduced me to new audiences while showcasing the value I bring to the table.
4. Consistency and Quality
This may seem simple, but consistency and quality are non-negotiables for me. I’ve grown my clientele by making sure every client interaction—whether it’s a consultation call, a wedding, or a leadership coaching session—feels personalized, professional, and exceptional. I’m a firm believer that when you do exceptional work, people will talk about it. And when people talk about your work, opportunities find you.
5. Diversified Marketing
While word-of-mouth is powerful, I’ve also invested in strategic marketing. This includes creating engaging social media content, maintaining an email newsletter (soon to be unified under The Global Strategist™), and optimizing my website to clearly communicate the services I provide. I’ve also experimented with video testimonials from satisfied clients, which has added credibility and made my brand more relatable.
6. Staying Attuned to Client Needs
Another critical part of my strategy is listening to my clients. By understanding their pain points and anticipating their needs, I’ve been able to position my services as solutions to their challenges. Whether it’s creating transformational leadership programs or planning seamless destination weddings, I make it clear that I’m here to solve problems and deliver results.
What Sets This Strategy Apart?
The magic lies in combining personal connection with strategic vision. Clients don’t just want a service—they want to feel valued and know that they’re working with someone who truly understands their goals and can exceed their expectations. By blending authenticity, expertise, and strategic execution, I’ve been able to not only attract clients but retain them for the long term.
In short, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been this: focus on relationships, deliver exceptional value, and consistently show up as The Global Strategist™, someone they can trust to turn visions into reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.globalstrategist.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_global_strategist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godzdivinediva
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlashawndeniswitt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theglobalstrat
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_global_strategist
- Other:
TikTok@the_global_strategist Linktree http://linktr.ee/theglobalstrategist
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