We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Wanita Mercer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Wanita, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my business’ origin story. It all began during my pursuit of a master’s degree in administration, where my intrigue for leadership took root. However, it was during my doctoral studies in organizational leadership that this intrigue blossomed into a fervent passion. As I delved into the exploration of workplace spirituality, a compelling realization emerged — infusing spirituality into the workplace had the potential to reshape organizational development in ways that conventional approaches had failed to achieve.

While existing research often examined workplace spirituality from a theoretical perspective, there was a notable gap in terms of practical implementation. This realization resonated deeply with my core values and my belief in integrating spirituality into the intricate fabric of work and leadership. This alignment between my personal convictions and the call for transformative change in organizations set the foundation for an idea that would later define my business venture.

You see, traditional change management strategies frequently overlooked the human element, a critical oversight that often led to organizational stagnation. My fascination with spiritualizing leadership strategies found its roots in a desire to address this fundamental human dimension. The notion of leading not only the mind but also the heart, with its dreams, fears, strengths, and vulnerabilities, became my driving force.

Following my tenure of teaching doctoral students in China, I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating my next steps. Despite the allure of alternative paths, a sense of restlessness persisted. I didn’t have any peace in my heart. Amid this uncertainty, I began conducting leadership workshops on the side, and it was in these sessions that I discovered a sense of peace and purpose. My prayers for guidance yielded a surprising direction — I was led to embark on the risky, yet exhilarating, journey of entrepreneurship.

So in June 2022, Dr. Wanita Mercer LLC was born, marking the formal inception of my executive coaching business. As I commenced my coaching journey, the profound impact of my interactions with fellow leaders became increasingly evident. Witnessing my friends and colleagues derive renewed motivation and courage to pursue their dreams after just a few conversations with me fueled my conviction that I was on the right path.

Throughout my various roles in my career, I had consistently been regarded as a confidant and a source of wisdom in matters of vision and leadership strategy. This recognition crystallized the realization that a simple, intentional conversation could be an instrumental catalyst for individuals seeking to unearth their purpose, passion, and power as leaders. This insight prompted a distinct shift in my coaching philosophy — an emphasis on addressing matters of the heart and nurturing authentic, spiritual leadership.

My coaching approach is uniquely infused with faith, ensuring that my clients align their work with purpose to achieve true fulfillment. By guiding them to integrate their spiritual values and beliefs into their leadership journey, I empower them to find deeper meaning in their professional pursuits.

One difference in my business is my unique approach of corporate executive coaching that bridges the gap between individual hearts and organizational goals. Unlike traditional corporate training that often centers on strategies without connecting with individuals on a personal level, my approach brings the best of life coaching to the corporate theater. At the end of each session, I guide everyone in crafting a customized action plan that fosters meaningful change.

It was an unexpected source of inspiration that provided the perfect moniker for my business — my niece Khori, just eight years old at the time. Through her keen understanding of my mission and the essence of my leadership and coaching philosophy, she named my business (DBA) “Lead My Heart.” This name encapsulated the crux of my approach: guiding leaders to lead the whole person, fostering genuine transformation that stems from a deep alignment of personal values, beliefs, and aspirations.

In essence, my journey from academia to entrepreneurship was propelled by a powerful convergence of academic inquiry, personal values, and an unwavering belief in the potential of human-centered, faith-infused leadership coaching. Lead My Heart is my heart for leadership.

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 delighted to introduce myself to your readers. I’m Dr. Wanita Mercer, and my journey has been a tapestry of diverse experiences that have created the unique brand of leadership coaching I offer through Lead My Heart (LMH).

I was born in Jackson, Tennessee. Even in my elementary years, I was known for my creative spirit, natural leadership tendencies, an affinity for the arts, and causing disruptions for justice. My family lived in Auburn, Alabama for a bit. And then at age 15, my family moved to San Antonio, Texas and for the last 22 years, I’ve called this beautiful city home.

I am a three-time alumnus of University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio. You can say that I loved the university! I have a Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in organizational leadership, an M.A.A. in communication arts, and a B.A. in fashion management. My diversity of educational training has truly shaped me into the person I am today. As such, I ensure my clients experience the culmination of all three disciplines in every interaction with me. Whether it’s my sense of style and poise, my direct yet eloquent discourse, or my inclination to observe and understand, they reap the benefits of my multi-disciplined background.

Also, I come from a family of educators. So it’s not a surprise that I’d find myself becoming an educator as well, although that was not the plan. My initial goal was to be a fashion designer, but I quickly realized that the fashion industry was not my intended path. Whereas my experience in fashion management earned me accolades and incredible opportunities, I desired to make an impact in other ways. So that yearning eventually led me to the path that God had intended for me all along. Over my 16-year education career, I immersed myself in various educational roles, ranging from teaching to counseling and even professorship. My well-rounded background made me the versatile and creative woman I am today.

In addition to being an educator, I am also an ordained minister and servant leader. I currently serve as a minister and the teaching pastor at Vertical Church, of which I am also a founding board member. I have also served on other advisory boards, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Texas and UIW’s Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability.

It’s also important to know that I am a woman of great faith in God. Beyond my calling to serve the Church, practicing my faith is a major part of my life. In fact, I can’t remember a time, even in my youth, that I didn’t love God or feel connected to Him. That is also why I am committed to providing my clients with a coaching program that is data-supported and experience-driven, but also faith-aligned. With LMH, no leader must compromise best practices for great faith. I will teach you how to live and lead with both.

No, my background is not that of a typical executive coach. And, no, I don’t boast a resume with a running list of chief executive titles. I am an educator, a faith leader, a builder, an inspirator, and an intentional conversationalist with a calling to coach leaders. If you’re looking for a typical executive coach to yield typical results, I am not your coach. I’m an atypical coach who gets atypical results. If you’re ready for different, let’s connect.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Lead My Heart is more than a coaching service; it’s a transformative journey that combines artistry, leadership, faith, and inspiration. My coaching is designed to help individuals and organizations embrace their authenticity, lead the heart, and achieve remarkable results that defy convention. I’m not just an executive coach. I’m a catalyst for elevating your leadership and maximizing your impact, and I’m committed to empowering you to live and lead with purpose, passion, and power.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Yes, of course! Start by asking yourself this fundamental question: “Do I want to manage the team or lead it?” You see, there’s a significant difference between the two. We manage what we want to keep; we lead who we want to transform. To lead effectively, remember to LEAD: Love, Educate, Affirm, and Deliver. Love your team by showing care and empathy. Educate them by investing in their growth. Affirm their contributions regularly, and deliver by hold yourself accountable to moving them forward.

To maintain high morale, it’s essential to lead each team members’ HEART, such as their hobbies, expectations, aspirations, roles, and traumas. Understand their interests beyond work, their expectations and past experiences, their dreams and role models, their job roles, and any past traumas or fears that might affect their performance. By respecting and embracing these aspects, you create an environment where your team feels understood, supported, and valued. This, in turn, leads to high morale, and you’ll have a motivated team working together towards shared goals.

In reality, many managers (not leaders) opt not to take the transformational leadership approach because it’s undeniably more challenging than simply maintaining the status quo. The status quo represents a comfort zone, where established routines and conventional methods can be easier to manage. Transforming a team, on the other hand, requires a commitment to understanding individual team members, adapting to their needs, and continuously evolving the team’s dynamics.

The resistance to this approach often stems from a fear of the unknown or a reluctance to disrupt established norms. It’s easier to stick with what’s familiar, even if it doesn’t yield the best results. However, leaders who embrace the challenge of transformational leadership and prioritize inclusion and belonging are more likely to foster high morale, resulting in a more engaged, motivated, and innovative team. While it may be difficult, the rewards of such an approach can be both profound and enduring.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I relocated to China back in 2018, I was stepping into the unknown. Facing the prospect of adapting to a radically different culture and environment from America was indeed daunting. Keep in mind that I had never lived more than a mile away from my family…ever. However, it was my open-mindedness and bold faith that allowed me not only to endure but to truly flourish in this new setting. This thriving experience can be attributed to what I’ve come to call the “Four A’s,” which I consider the cornerstone of resilience: Adapt, Adopt, Appreciate, and Avoid.

First and foremost, I learned to Adapt. Adapting to your surroundings is crucial; it involves asking the right questions and being flexible in your approach to newness. Next, I embraced the concept of Adopting. I was unafraid to incorporate new practices and habits that worked for me, even if they were foreign at first. The third “A” is Appreciate, which entails acknowledging and seeking to understand differences, even if you don’t necessarily agree with or like them. Finally, I made a conscious effort to Avoid negative thoughts, consistently complaining, and self-doubt.

I firmly recommend these principles to anyone grappling with change in any facet of their life, whether it be in business, work, relationships, or elsewhere. They made a profound impact on my journey, and I am confident they can do the same for others. In fact, I vividly recall my very first morning in China when a young woman from Africa approached me at the hospital while I awaited my health check. She asked, “How long have you been in China?” I replied, “I just arrived this morning.” To my surprise, she remarked, “I find that hard to believe. I’ve been watching you from across the room, admiring how comfortable and confident you appear here. I can’t wait until I feel as at ease and content as you do here.” This revelation was particularly moving, as she had been in China for several months herself.

Then, in January 2020, I returned home to visit my family, completely unaware that it would mark the end of my time in China. To say I was devastated would be an understatement. While I cherished the moments spent with my family during such precarious times, I also mourned the life I had left behind in China. For nearly a year, I lived week to week, uncertain about when or how I would return to my apartment and continue my career in Beijing. I experienced a depressing time, however, I refused to stay there.

It was during this challenging period that the lessons of the Four A’s truly shone through. I recalled those principles and found the faith to begin anew. I focused on rediscovering my sense of purpose here. With audacious faith and determination, I ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship, seeking to disrupt leadership and mindsets. Despite the ongoing battles and uncertainties, I refused to be held back by fear of the unknown. I still do!

So, when asked if I am resilient, my answer is “Absolutely!” My journey has been a testament to the power of resilience, and I continue to embrace the challenges and uncertainties of life with unwavering determination. My experiences taught me that no matter what challenges life, business, or my clients throw my way, I can draw strength from my time in China. I remind myself that I thrived there, far away from family, friends, my church, and everything familiar. So, whenever faced with adversity, I simply say to myself, “Girl, you thrived in China; this is nothing.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leadmyheart.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/leadmyheart2022
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/leadmyheart2022
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@leadmyheart2022
• Other: www.smart.bio/leadmyheart2022