Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elaine M. Gatewood. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Elaine M. , thanks for joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

My hero is my grandmother, who lived to be 103 years old. She was born in Jamaica and carried the strength, wisdom, and resilience of her heritage with grace. Her life was a testament to endurance, faith, and love, and she instilled those values in everyone around her.

One of the greatest lessons she taught me was the power of perseverance and faith. She had seen and endured so much throughout her long life—historical shifts, personal trials, and cultural changes—but she remained steadfast, always trusting in God and the power of community. She would often say, “Tek yuh time, nuh rush life,” reminding me that patience and trust in the journey are key.

A story that stands out is how, no matter the situation, she always made people feel welcomed and valued. Whether it was sharing a meal, telling stories of the past, or offering words of wisdom, she carried a quiet strength that made an impact. She taught me that true influence isn’t about titles or wealth—it’s about how you make people feel and the legacy of kindness you leave behind.

Her influence on my journey has been profound. She showed me what it means to move through life with dignity, to uplift others, and to never lose sight of my purpose. Because of her, I walk with confidence, knowing that my roots are strong and my path is guided by love and resilience.

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 a Clinical Social Worker, Professor, and Speaker with 20 years of experience in trauma-informed care, social justice, and education. My journey into social work was deeply personal—I’ve always been passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges and advocating for equity in systems that impact marginalized communities.

Through my work, I provide therapy, consulting, and workshops focused on violence prevention, healthy relationships, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). I specialize in bridging research and practice, helping individuals and organizations embed equity into their clinical and organizational frameworks to create lasting, meaningful change.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend academia, advocacy, and real-world experience. I don’t just teach or consult—I equip people with actionable tools that empower them to make sustainable improvements in their lives, workplaces, and communities. My work is rooted in a deep understanding of history, policy, and human behavior, which allows me to approach challenges holistically.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had in training the next generation of social workers and leaders. Seeing my students and workshop participants go on to make meaningful contributions to their communities is incredibly rewarding.

For those looking to collaborate, learn, or grow, I want them to know that my work is all about transformation. Whether through therapy, training, or strategic consulting, I help individuals and organizations rise to their fullest potential. My brand, Rise Up Life Coaching and Consulting, reflects this mission—helping people and systems elevate, heal, and create lasting change.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that truly illustrates my resilience happened early in my career when I was balancing the demands of my academic work, a growing caseload of clients, and personal life. There was a moment when everything seemed to hit at once—a particularly challenging case with a client, a tight deadline for an important project, and family responsibilities that I couldn’t ignore.

I remember feeling completely overwhelmed, questioning if I was capable of managing it all. But instead of giving in to the stress, I took a step back and focused on what I could control. I broke everything down into manageable tasks, leaned on my support network, and made time for self-care. What I realized in that moment was that resilience isn’t about doing everything perfectly or without struggle—it’s about staying grounded, trusting the process, and continuing to show up even when things feel difficult.

That experience taught me the importance of pacing myself and knowing that resilience is built through consistency, patience, and a willingness to lean into discomfort. It was a pivotal moment in my career because it helped me develop not just professional skills, but personal strength as well. Over time, I learned that challenges are opportunities for growth, and that even when things feel impossible, resilience means finding a way forward, step by step.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, there are several resources that have profoundly shaped my management and entrepreneurial thinking, as well as my overall approach to leadership and community-building.

One of the key books that influenced me is “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. Sinek’s concept of leadership—where leaders prioritize the well-being of their teams and foster an environment of trust—resonates deeply with my approach. It has reinforced the idea that a leader’s role isn’t about being at the top, but about creating a supportive environment that allows others to thrive.

Another influential book is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. This resource changed my perspective on the importance of adaptability and constant learning in business. It emphasized how to test ideas early and often, which has helped me refine my own business practices by embracing feedback and staying flexible in an ever-changing landscape.

In terms of essays, “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz had a major impact on my understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. His honest approach to the trials and tribulations of building a business has kept me grounded and focused during tough times. It reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about success; it’s about navigating failures and setbacks with resilience and courage.

I’ve also recently encountered the “Let Them” theory, which has become a major philosophical influence on my approach to leadership and management. This theory stresses the importance of allowing people the space to grow and make their own decisions, rather than micromanaging them. It emphasizes trust, autonomy, and the power of stepping back to let others thrive. This perspective has reshaped how I mentor and manage, as I’ve learned to foster independence in others while providing guidance when necessary.

Together, these resources have shaped my entrepreneurial philosophy around leadership with empathy, staying adaptable, and creating environments where others can grow and succeed on their own terms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.riseupwithgatewood.com
• Instagram: Rise Up With Gatewood
• Linkedin: Elaine M. Gatewood

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