We recently connected with La Kia A. Gooch and have shared our conversation below.

La Kia A., appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents did a spectacular job of allowing and encouraging me to be authentically me. They genuinely nurtured and supported my academic, as well as artistic interests. One example is when My Mother remodeled my room by covering my entire bedroom from floor to ceiling in whiteboard; back in the 80’s.

The innovative spirit and creative freedom I was afforded as a child have been instrumental in shaping my professional trajectory. The whiteboard walls of my youth did more than just foster my artistic talents; they cultivated a mindset of endless possibility that has permeated my career. In an environment where ideas could be visualized and then wiped clean for a fresh start, I learned the value of iteration and the power of adaptability—skills that are paramount in today’s dynamic professional landscape.

Moreover, the entrepreneurial ethos modeled by my family provided me with a blueprint for success. Witnessing firsthand the dedication required to run a business, I absorbed lessons in resilience, strategic thinking, and customer engagement. These principles have been the bedrock upon which I’ve built my career, guiding me through challenges and inspiring me to innovate within the health and wellness space.

In essence, the confluence of artistic expression and entrepreneurial acumen in my upbringing has not only shaped my professional identity but also driven me to pursue excellence with the same fervor and passion that my family exemplified.

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?

My personal healthcare experience is not just a series of challenges; it’s a testament to resilience and a drive to make a difference. Born with Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that was not diagnosed until I was 28 years old; I embody the very gap in healthcare that STAND4Something Media Group, Ltd aims to bridge. This lived experience fuels my commitment to enhancing patient care and healthcare equity.

What fills me with immense pride is our dedicated Squad of professionals. Our Medical & Executive Board of Directors is a collective of seasoned experts, each bringing decades of knowledge from various disciplines. Together, we are forging a path to a more inclusive and efficient healthcare process.

At the heart of our endeavor is The Medical Militia Patient Portal App, currently in invite-only alpha testing. This innovative platform promises to streamline patient management and empower individuals with their health data. Alongside this technological leap, my book “Concoctions; Oxymels, Shrubs & Switchels” offers a glimpse into the healing potential of ancient elixirs, aligning with our holistic approach to well-being.

I am La Kia A. Gooch, founder of STAND4Something Media Group, Ltd, and an advocate for health & wellness access. Our mission is clear: to close the healthcare equity gap and enhance the well-being of our clients through education, advocacy, empowerment and cutting-edge health solutions. We stand apart through our unwavering dedication to this cause and the passionate professionals who drive our vision forward.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Embracing the pivot is a philosophy I hold dear, one that has been pivotal in the evolution of STAND4Something Media Group, Ltd.

Known among my Squad as the ‘Queen of the Pivot,’ I champion the mindset of staying agile and open to all possibilities, allowing the path forward to unfold naturally.
A quintessential moment of pivot came during the inception of our company.

Initially, our vision was to establish a media platform dedicated to enhancing patient access to education and information. However, our research and development phase uncovered a critical disconnect between patients and providers—a gap that was going unnoticed and unaddressed.

This revelation was the catalyst for a significant strategic pivot. We shifted our focus to developing The Medical Militia Patient Portal App, an innovative solution designed to bridge this very gap. By facilitating a virtual connection between patients and providers, we aimed to streamline communication and improve the healthcare experience for all involved.

This pivot wasn’t just a change in direction; it was a step towards fulfilling a deeper mission. It exemplified our adaptability and commitment to addressing the real needs of patients and providers, reinforcing our core belief that staying flexible is key to innovation and progress.

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

In managing a team and fostering high morale, my approach is rooted in the wealth of experiences I’ve gathered from a lifetime in the healthcare system and the vast network of relationships I’ve cultivated. In my humble opinion, based on lived experiences:

Embrace a Fearless Spirit: Maintain the fearless spirit of childhood that emboldens you to face daily challenges and find comfort in growth and adaptation. This mindset will inspire your team to embrace change and innovation.

Active Listening and Inclusivity: Be an active listener, genuinely considering your team’s thoughts and feelings about the workplace. Implement their suggestions and requests to sincerely embody the corporate culture, making each member feel valued and heard.

Empowerment and Support: Meet your team members where they are in life. Understand their vision and provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed, just as you would have needed at their stage in the entrepreneurial journey.

Building Relationships: Regularly invest time in connecting with your team members. Building strong relationships fosters trust and confidence within the team, which are essential for high morale.

Cultivating an Inspired Environment: Create a work environment where the team can grow together with shared inspiration. When the team is united by collective enthusiasm, the work becomes a fulfilling pursuit rather than a mere job.

Leading by Example: Finally, lead by example. Your actions set the tone for the team’s behavior and attitude. By demonstrating humility, commitment, resilience, respect and integrity, you’ll inspire your team to mirror these qualities.

This leadership philosophy has not only been a guiding principle for me but also a catalyst for the success of STAND4Something Media Group, Ltd.

It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute to our collective mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stand4somethingmedia.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamillz/

Image Credits
Tanya Dankin STAND4Something Media Group, Ltd.