Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to La’mar Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi La’Mar, thanks for joining us today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?
My first job in the field was at a residential treatment facility, where I was responsible for ensuring that the clients’ rooms were clean and coming up with activities to keep them engaged. I also helped make sure they took their medications. While I was there, I had the opportunity to get to know the clients on a deeper level—talking with them, listening to their stories, and understanding their experiences. I remember one day, I was sitting with a client, just having a conversation, when my supervisor came by and told me to get back to work, saying, “You’re not their therapist.” In that moment, I asked her, “How do I become a therapist?” and she simply replied, “Get your master’s.” So that’s what I did.
That conversation stuck with me. Hearing the clients’ stories, learning how their lives shifted from what could be considered “normal” circumstances to dealing with severe anxiety, depression, or even schizophrenia due to unexpected breaks, made me realize something profound: anyone can face circumstances that lead to clinical symptoms. These clients didn’t just need someone to tell them what to do—they needed someone to truly listen. And I found that by listening, I could help.
This realization made the job incredibly rewarding for me. It wasn’t just a paycheck anymore; it became a meaningful experience where I felt I could make a difference, even if in small ways. Interestingly, it wasn’t even a job I had been actively searching for. I had been out of work for several months following a severe car accident, and a friend referred me to the job. Looking back, I’m so grateful for that referral because it opened my eyes to the power of simply being present for someone, and it helped set me on the path I’m on today. I didn’t know it at the time, but that first job was the start of a journey toward a career that I feel deeply connected to.
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?
After 18 years of practicing therapy, I made the decision to expand my reach by stepping off the therapy couch and into the community through public speaking and corporate training. This shift allowed me to transition from focusing solely on counseling to helping entrepreneurs and executives maintain balance in both their personal and professional lives. What truly sets me apart is my unique combination of training and experience in both the therapeutic and corporate worlds, which gives me the ability to connect with clients on multiple levels. I’m particularly proud of my upcoming book, and I’m eager to collaborate with other professionals in the coaching, therapy, and training fields.
The shift into public speaking and corporate training felt natural to me because, through counseling, I was already in the role of educator. I also have experience teaching at the graduate level and have previously engaged in public speaking, which made the transition seamless. Over the years, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons, such as the importance of maintaining balance, surrounding yourself with people who support and uplift you, and embracing the power of positivity.
I want people to know that while I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, much of it is rooted in my life experiences. My journey has been one of transformation—from being an underachiever to becoming an overachiever. I’ve faced my own challenges and setbacks, and that personal growth is what fuels my passion to help others. My work is about more than just solving problems; it’s about empowering others to achieve their goals, stay balanced, and live fulfilling lives. What I offer isn’t just theory—it’s practical, real-world advice that comes from both my professional training and personal experiences.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Networking is crucial—your network is your net worth. In the beginning, I went to every practice and school in my area, personally handing out business cards and flyers to let them know I was available for business. Over time, I shifted my focus to networking with other related groups of therapists and coaches, building connections and forming relationships. I made it a point to connect with everyone in those groups. Eventually, I hired a marketing manager and started running various campaigns to boost my promotions. The first year was challenging, but by my second full-time year, my clientele had grown significantly. It all comes down to networking and marketing. The more you put yourself out there, the more your name will be mentioned in places where you aren’t. Calls and referrals now come from people I met years ago, and I always ensure that I’m providing high-quality service. Word of mouth really does make a lasting impact.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
In my first management role, I initially believed that treating everyone the same and avoiding personal connections was the best approach. I thought people were simply there to do a job, and that was it. However, over time, employees began to voice their frustrations to my supervisor. My supervisor then gave me crucial advice: I needed to take the time to understand my team’s individual strengths, weaknesses, and even personal struggles. I was told that I needed to invest in them, offering incentives and rewards to motivate their performance. The phrase that stuck with me was, “They don’t work for the company—they work for you.” It became clear that knowing how my employees felt about me and my leadership was essential to building a successful team. This realization came before I completed my master’s in counseling, but it was a pivotal lesson in learning how to truly lead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindfulworkscounseling.org
- Instagram: mindfulworkscounseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulworkscounseling
