We recently connected with Lacie Yancey and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lacie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

In April 2024, I accepted a Director of Finance and Operations role, excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to the company. During the interview process, I was transparent about not having experience in one specific duty the role required. I was assured that proper training would be provided to help me succeed in that area. However, once I started, the company lacked the resources to deliver on this promise.

Without the necessary training, I struggled to fulfill this particular responsibility, which was entirely new to me. Despite my efforts to learn and adapt, the lack of support made it impossible to meet the expectations. By June 2024, just two months after starting, I was unexpectedly let go.

This abrupt job loss was a significant blow, especially since my family and I were in the middle of a life-changing event that had to be put on hold. I felt panic and uncertainty about what would come next. However, after the initial shock, I reflected on the situation. It was a turning point for me, reinforcing the importance of advocating for proper resources, pursuing roles where I could fully thrive, and ensuring I had the support needed to succeed. This challenging experience ultimately strengthened my resilience and commitment to personal and professional growth.

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 am Lacie Yancey, a dedicated wife of six years to Demetric Yancey and a proud mother of two wonderful children, Xavier and Reign Yancey. I live in Olive Branch, MS, just a stone’s throw away from Memphis, TN. My academic journey has been diverse and fulfilling, starting with an Associate’s degree in General Education from Northwest MS Community College in 2014, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from the University of Memphis in 2016, and two Master’s degrees in Education and Business Administration from the University of Phoenix (2020) and Freed Hardeman University (2021). Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix, with a goal of earning the title Dr. Lacie Yancey in 2026.

Outside of academics, I am an active member of Reformation Memphis Church, serving under the leadership of Pastors Brandon and Cristabel Clack. In the coming months, I will be co-leading the College Ministry, a role that allows me to pour into and guide young adults in their faith and personal growth. I’m also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity (Theta Psi Chapter) and serve as a mentor and advisor for Modern Distinctive Ladies, a high school organization in Memphis founded by Dr. Tavis Wade. Community service is a cornerstone of my life, and I am passionate about helping others and creating meaningful change, no matter the circumstances.

For the past two and a half years, I have been immersed in the operations field, a career path that began at FedEx Ground, where I progressed from Operations Admin to Senior Admin, and eventually to Operations Manager. In this role, I led the administrative team, developed my leadership skills, and discovered my passion for operations. This passion inspired me to start planning my own business consulting firm, which I aim to launch in the next few years, ideally when I am officially Dr. Yancey.

My firm will focus on helping small to medium-sized companies refine their operations, implement meaningful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and create better experiences for both employees and customers. My goal is to assist organizations in fostering a culture of inclusivity, efficiency, and satisfaction, ensuring their teams feel valued and their clients receive exceptional service. I want my firm to stand out as a beacon for operational excellence and innovative solutions.

One of the things I am most proud of is my resilience. This year alone, I’ve made significant strides academically, including being inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, and I’ve continued to press forward despite personal and professional challenges. I know that none of this would have been possible without God’s guidance and strength. His grace has carried me through the toughest seasons of my life and allowed me to overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable.

As I move forward, I want potential clients and followers to know that I bring a blend of academic excellence, real-world experience, faith, and an unshakable determination to my work. I aim to inspire others through my story and to lead with integrity, compassion, and innovation. My ultimate goal is not only to build a successful business but to empower others to do the same, creating lasting impact in their industries and communities.

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

My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and a genuine investment in each team member’s growth and well-being. I believe it’s important to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. This means actively listening to their concerns, recognizing their contributions, and providing consistent feedback and encouragement.

I also focus on setting clear expectations and goals while allowing space for creativity and autonomy. People thrive when they know what’s expected of them but also feel empowered to take ownership of their work. Celebrating small wins and milestones is another key factor in keeping morale high—it shows the team that their hard work is appreciated and meaningful.

Lastly, I think it’s crucial to lead by example. Maintaining a positive attitude, being approachable, and showing resilience during challenging times can inspire your team to stay motivated and committed. When you show them that you care not just about the work but about them as individuals, it fosters trust and loyalty, which are the foundation of a strong, high-morale team.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that I need to have everything figured out before taking the next step. For a long time, I believed that I needed to have all the answers, complete mastery, or a perfect plan in place before pursuing new opportunities or tackling challenges. This mindset often left me feeling stuck, hesitant, and overly critical of myself when things didn’t go as planned.

The backstory to this lesson stems from my experience as the Director of Finance and Operations. When I started the position, I was upfront about not having experience in one particular duty. I was promised proper training to help me succeed in that area. Unfortunately, the training never came, and I struggled to meet expectations. Despite my efforts to learn on my own, I ended up losing my job.

At first, I saw this as a personal failure and blamed myself for not being fully prepared. However, upon reflection, I realized that the real issue wasn’t my lack of knowledge but the unrealistic expectation that I needed to know everything from the start. I learned that growth happens through action, trial, and error, and it’s okay to lean on others for support or admit when you need help.

This experience taught me to embrace imperfection, focus on progress instead of perfection, and trust the process. Now, I approach new challenges with curiosity and resilience, knowing that I don’t need all the answers upfront to succeed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_laciedyancey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacie.d.cook
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacie-yancey-m-ed-mba-37935ba2/

Image Credits

Jordan Bronson Studios and OfficialShotbyJordan