We recently connected with Dr. Pamela Larde and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Pamela, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

I can confidently say that joy is my differentiator. It’s not just a fleeting emotion for me; it’s a core strategy that permeates every facet of my life. I firmly believe that joy should be integral to personal well-being, family life, business endeavors, and the workplace. What sets me apart is my commitment to infusing joy into everything I do. I’m unapologetically selective about the workplaces and endeavors I engage with, favoring those that align with this philosophy. This approach not only fosters long-term sustainability and success but also enriches my roles as a professor and coach, where I emphasize the significance of emotional well-being and values alignment in personal and professional growth. In a world often preoccupied with metrics and profits, my focus on joy stands as a distinctive and holistic approach that prioritizes happiness and well-being above all else, ensuring a positive impact on all aspects of life and work.

Dr. Pamela, 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 have a profound commitment to the coaching profession and a passion for infusing joy into all aspects of life. My journey into coaching began when I recognized the need for core coaching skills in my work with doctoral students. This realization led me to establish the Academy of Creative Coaching in 2013. At that time, I saw crucial components missing in other coaching schools: a robust integration of diversity and equity concepts, a focus on personal development and growth, and a curriculum grounded in evidence-based coaching practices that includes the work of scholars and practitioners of color.

My career trajectory also reflects my dedication to education and research. I’m proud to have served as a professor of research at Mercer University for twelve years and currently, as Associate Professor of Leadership for Anderson University’s PhD Leadership Program. My research has transitioned from exploring determination to examining joy, particularly its role in resilience and post-traumatic growth, with a focus on race and gender dynamics.

I am committed to advancing the coaching profession by integrating values of belonging, human dignity, justice, and holistic care into my work. As the founder of the Academy of Creative Coaching, I am among the first black female-owned ICF accredited coaching schools globally.

I’m most proud of my contributions to the coaching community and my work’s transformative impact. My books, including the award-winning “Letters to the Brokenhearted,” and my podcast, “The Joy Whisperer,” allow me to amplify voices often unheard, and my course, “The Practice of Joy,” empowers individuals to integrate joy into their lives.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2019, in response to my daughter’s school district undergoing a rezoning that would put her in a struggling school district, I made the life-changing decision to sell our current home, which had accumulated some equity, and bought a more spacious and expensive home within our preferred school zone. Little did I know, this new house would become a symbol of resilience and empowerment for us. As a single women, this experience reinforced a vital lesson – you don’t need to wait for a significant other to pursue your dreams. Property is a wealth-builder and a good investment regardless of the number of family members occupying it.

However, this journey was not without its challenges. The process of buying this house tested my resilience and taught me how to navigate a world that isn’t always friendly to single black women. It pushed me to operationalize my determination and the ability to navigate complex challenges. During this seven-month ordeal of having the home built, I faced numerous obstacles and microaggressions, such as being told that my new house was “too much” for just my daughter and me. These biases were relentless, but I stood and advocated for myself.

Despite having the required credit rating and income to purchase the home, I encountered repeated loan denials, even after signing a contract to begin construction. I was given vague explanations of being a “high-risk applicant.” Refusing to accept these verbal denials over the phone, I insisted on written explanations and cited the Fair Housing Act when it appeared obvious that the true motive was grounded in racism and sexism. This back and forth between being approved and then not approved dragged on for seven months until the very last hour, with my loan still unapproved on the day of closing. Determined not to give up, it wasn’t until I was en route to the closing office, just twenty minutes before the meeting, that I received the call that my loan had been approved.

One of the loan processors, who observed the entire ordeal later commended my determination, stating that she had never seen a homebuyer reject loan denials with such resolve. She acknowledged that most people would sacrifice losing their deposit and seek a new lender or abandon the home purchase altogether. I stood my ground, knowing my rights and the importance of amplifying my voice. This experience revealed a strength I didn’t know I possessed and emphasized that I everything I need within me to fulfill my dreams. Obtaining the keys to that home marked one of the most profound milestones of my life, reaffirming my belief in my strength and determination.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Before the pandemic hit, our business primarily conducted in-person training sessions in various cities across the U.S., with plans to expand to places like Dubai and South Africa. However, when the world came to a standstill, we had to swiftly adapt to the new reality.

Our remarkable team rose to the occasion, and we transitioned to virtual training much faster than many other training schools. This agile response allowed us not only to survive but to thrive during that challenging year. We managed to maintain our commitment to coach training while also launching a vital community initiative called “Coaching Through Covid.” This initiative provided free support to individuals worldwide who were grappling with the unique challenges of quarantine, such as loneliness and unemployment, as well as those directly affected by COVID-19, dealing with illness and losing loved ones.

What set us apart during this period was our ability to think quickly and creatively, our unwavering dedication to well-being, and our adaptability. We didn’t just continue to offer our services; we expanded our reach to support people globally through Coaching Through Covid. Our coach instructors and graduates generously stepped up to provide this service pro-bono, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive impact during a challenging time. This pivot showcased our organization’s resilience and flexibility, ultimately allowing us to not only weather the storm but also thrive and serve communities worldwide.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.drpamelalarde.com
• Instagram: @joyresearcher
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drpamela.antoinette/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empoweredwriter/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC73CYBFxPfNeSxrhgKGe4NQ
• Other: https://thejoyresiliencecommunity.mn.co/

Image Credits
Jabari Cain and Brandpreneur