We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaPora Lindsey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi LaPora , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Throughout the majority of my career, I found myself in lateral positions, which led me to believe that I didn’t have much to offer through my work. However, over time and after exploring different avenues, I came to the realization that the value I bring to the table is not solely determined by my position in the company. Instead, it’s all about how I position myself and the unique skill set I possess.

This perspective is my driving force, as I know that my experience is not an isolated event. It’s important for individuals to recognize that their worth is not defined by their job title or position in the company. Rather, it’s a culmination of their skills, experiences, and how they choose to showcase them.

LaPora , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I consider myself, a Career Confidence Whisperer and a leader in the field of workforce development, having navigated many career challenges. After facing a period of unemployment in 2009, I turned to volunteering, eventually leveraging this experience to secure a career in workforce development. I have a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Communication, both from the University of West Florida. Along the way, I have earned several certifications, including becoming a Certified Workforce Development Professional and a Certified Emotional Intelligence Trainer.

My entrance into the training and coaching industry for organizations stems from my employment history. As a military spouse for almost 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various organizations and companies, which has provided me with valuable insights into the key components of successful organizations. While many factors contribute to an organization’s success, one that has gained more prominence in recent years is the development of relationships and the recognition of individual value. Through my experiences, I’ve learned the importance of fostering meaningful connections and understanding the unique contributions of each team member to achieve optimal outcomes. When I am requested to do professional development training this is one of the primary takeaways because the organization can benefit from it in more ways than one.

In September 2022, I published my first self-help and career based book titled, “Bottom of the Food Chain: A Fresh Perspective on How Your Career Impact goes Beyond Your Career.” This work that sheds new light on power dynamics within organizations and demonstrates the importance of individual contribution regardless of the title or position that anyone holds.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Early on in my business journey, I learned a crucial lesson that not all advice is created equal, and sometimes it’s necessary to think outside the box. In particular, when it came to lead generation strategies, I kept hearing the same advice: “never speak for free.” For a while, I followed this advice strictly, but I soon realized that I wasn’t making any significant progress in terms of revenue.

After several months, two significant things happened that made me reconsider my approach. Firstly, I started receiving paid opportunities and leads from the free speaking gigs I had initially been hesitant to pursue. Secondly, I realized that speaking came naturally to me, and it was a more effective way for me to attract clients compared to creating written documents. As a result, scheduling speaking events became a low-cost strategy that consistently delivers positive results.

I said all of that to say, explore everything what works for you and what works for others if someone recommends something see what their results are versus yours. Their advice, while well intended may not have same results.

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

In my experience, having a mentorship and a trusted circle of advisors is crucial for success in any field. With so many competing opinions and strategies to consider, it can be challenging to determine the right path forward. Some of my biggest decisions were based on advice and conversations from my mentors and advisors, and it ultimately proved to be a valuable move for my business.

Staying in regular contact with my advisors and mentors allows me to tap into their wisdom and expertise when I need to make important decisions. While I do occasionally explore outside perspectives, having a trusted group of individuals who I know, like, and trust has been a stabilizing force in my business journey. When you have people in your corner who genuinely have your best interests at heart, it can minimize confusion and help you stay on track towards your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laporalindsey.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laporalindsey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelaporalindsey/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lapora-lindsey/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf2lIswVgIvTbHyVlNayN9Q