We recently connected with LaSandra Collins and have shared our conversation below.

Hi LaSandra, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

The most invaluable lesson my past work experiences have taught me is recognizing and upholding my self-worth.

In life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, yearning for something more meaningful and fulfilling. Years ago, I stood at such a juncture, working diligently for a company that left me feeling unfulfilled. Little did I know that a pivotal moment would soon arrive, propelling me toward a path of self-discovery and empowerment.

**Lessons Learned:**
– Recognizing the need for change
– The importance of seizing unexpected opportunities

One fateful afternoon, a phone call from a recruiter altered the course of my life. I eagerly accepted her invitation, believing she would introduce me to a promising career opportunity. However, upon reaching her office, I found it deserted; her staff had already departed for the day. She welcomed me inside and, as we settled in, she began by acknowledging my impressive skill set and experience.

Then, she uttered words that would echo in my mind forever: “LaSandra, you are grossly underpaid for your education, skill set, and experience. We need to find a company that truly values what you bring to the table.” My jaw dropped, and my head spun with disbelief.

**Lessons Learned:**
– The significance of recognizing one’s value
– The power of a supportive mentor or advisor

Looking back on that pivotal moment, I pondered why I had remained at my previous company for so long. The answer was clear: I didn’t fully understand my own worth. I suffered from an identity crisis, unable to define my unique contributions to the organization. Consequently, my employer undervalued me, even though I held a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in HR Management and a Professional in Human Resources certification.

Regrettably, I stayed at that company for another two years, my mindset acting as a self-imposed shackle. It became evident that no matter where I worked, until I recognized my true worth, no organization would value me properly. So, I embarked on a transformative journey to reinvent myself, focusing on altering my mindset and redefining my self-perception.

**Lessons Learned:**
– Overcoming self-doubt and embracing self-worth
– The power of personal growth and self-improvement

With newfound determination, I walked into interviews with a newfound sense of self-assuredness, radiating confidence in my abilities. It was a stark contrast to the hesitant and insecure person I once was.

You see, until you acknowledge your own worth and value, others won’t either. My lack of self-confidence had held me back, as I feared that others would see through my façade. Looking back, I can only describe my former self as a mess, a stark contrast to the confident and empowered individual I’ve become.

**Lessons Learned:**
– The transformative power of self-confidence
– The impact of self-perception on career growth

In the end, my mindset had been the primary obstacle preventing me from breaking free from a stagnant job and a cycle of poor decision-making. Today, I stand as a testament to the incredible journey of self-discovery and self-worth. Remember, your journey begins when you realize your value; from there, the possibilities are endless.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

By nature, I am a natural encourager and educator with over 15 years of experience as a Human Resources Consultant in the corporate world. In 2020, I took a significant step by publishing my book, “Uniquely You: Pulling Off the Mask,” and subsequently launching my own coaching business. My primary mission is to assist women in breaking free from self-sabotaging behaviors rooted in negative mindsets that lead to repetitive cycles of setbacks and poor decision-making. I achieve this transformation by intensifying the HEAT: Healing, Empowerment, Awareness, and Transformation.

In my coaching practice, I work diligently to help my clients achieve the following:

1. Healing from Emotional Baggage: I guide them through the process of healing from emotional burdens that may have weighed them down for years.
2. Empowerment to Embrace Uniqueness: My coaching empowers them to fully embrace their unique identities, encouraging them to be their authentic selves.
3. Awareness of Thought Patterns: I assist them in developing a heightened awareness of their thinking patterns, enabling them to recognize and address negative thought processes.
4. Transformation of Mindset: Through our work together, they undergo a profound transformation of their mindset, fostering positive and lasting change.

I offer one-on-one and group coaching, along with training programs. Here are the problems I solve for my clients:

1. Overcoming Self-Sabotage: Many people struggle with self-sabotaging behaviors that hinder their personal and professional growth. I assist women in identifying and addressing these behaviors, which can lead to repetitive cycles of setbacks and poor decision-making.
2. Negative Mindset: Negative mindsets can be deeply ingrained and difficult to change. I provide guidance and strategies to shift these negative thought patterns into more positive and empowering ones.
3. Emotional Healing: Emotional baggage can weigh individuals down and impact their well-being. My coaching helps my clients heal from past emotional wounds and traumas, enabling them to move forward with greater emotional resilience.
4. Empowerment: Empowering individuals to embrace their uniqueness is a significant challenge for many. I empower my clients to be their authentic selves, fostering self-confidence and self-expression.
5. Awareness of Thinking Patterns: Many people are unaware of their thinking patterns and how they influence their actions. I help my clients become more self-aware, allowing them to recognize and change thought patterns that no longer serve them.
6. Transformation of Mindset: Transformation is a powerful process, but it requires guidance and support. I guide my clients through a transformational journey, helping them make lasting positive changes in their lives.

My coaching business specializes in helping women heal, empower themselves, become aware of their thinking patterns, and transform their mindsets. By addressing these issues, I enable my clients to break free from self-sabotaging behaviors and make more positive life choices. This holistic approach contributes to their personal and professional growth and well-being.

What distinguishes me from other coaches is twofold: First, I am a transformational coach who believes in complete transparency about my own life experiences. Second, I once occupied the very shoes of my clients. You see, I’ve worn numerous masks in an attempt to conform and struggled with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. I didn’t recognize my own value, and all of these challenges were rooted in a negative mindset that gave rise to self-destructive inner dialogue and poor decision-making.

At a certain juncture in my life, I found myself in a profound and dark place. It was then that I resolved to embark on a journey of self-improvement. I understood that I could no longer attribute the course of my life solely to external factors; I needed to take charge and transform myself. In essence, what truly sets me apart is my relatability and the relevance of my personal story to the pressing societal issues that disproportionately impact women.

I take immense pride in my journey, embracing every facet of it – the highs, the lows, and even the less glamorous moments. These diverse experiences have collectively shaped the woman I am today. They’ve equipped me with invaluable life lessons that I am eager to share with others, so they realize they are never alone in their own journeys. It’s a common misconception for people to believe they are the sole individuals facing their particular struggles, but the truth is that someone else has either gone through something similar or has triumphed over it.

What I want others to understand is that my genuine care for their well-being drives my work. I am genuinely invested in witnessing my clients undergo healing, empowerment, heightened self-awareness, and the transformation of their mindsets. Their success is a deeply personal concern for me, as I wholeheartedly desire to see them become the best versions of themselves.

One of the most fulfilling moments for me is when a client experiences that “Ah-ha” moment, pinpointing the source of their pain and making a resolute commitment to putting in the necessary work to heal from the emotional trauma that has held them back. I want women to recognize that I’m not someone extraordinary; rather, I am driven by a heartfelt desire to assist them in healing and embracing their true selves as seen through the eyes of Christ. My goal is for them to walk in their purpose, embrace the reflection they see in the mirror, and face the world each day with unwavering confidence.

Any advice for managing a team?

I advocate for a team management approach based on my five C’s philosophy: Clarity, Communication, Collaboration, Cohesiveness, and Conflict Management. These principles are fundamental to maintaining high team morale and overall success. If any one of these elements is absent, it can negatively impact the team and even the company’s revenue. Here’s a concise explanation of how these key elements operate within a team:

1. Clarity: Clarity ensures that team members possess a clear understanding of their roles, goals, and objectives. It mitigates confusion and misalignment, ensuring that everyone comprehends their responsibilities.
2. Communication: Effective communication is vital for sharing information, ideas, and feedback among team members. It fosters transparency, prevents misunderstandings, and cultivates a sense of unity.
3. Collaboration: Collaboration encourages team members to work harmoniously toward a common objective. It harnesses the diverse skills and perspectives of team members, resulting in superior outcomes compared to individual efforts.
4. Cohesiveness: Cohesiveness relates to the level of unity and camaraderie within a team. When team members trust and support each other, it creates a motivated and productive team.
5. Conflict Management: Conflict is a natural occurrence within any team, but effective conflict management involves addressing disputes constructively. This approach can lead to enhanced problem-solving and innovation when conflicts are resolved productively.

These elements are pivotal for a well-functioning team. Clarity establishes a strong foundation, communication facilitates effective interaction, collaboration optimizes collective strengths, cohesiveness fosters team spirit, and conflict management ensures that disagreements are handled positively. Together, they contribute to the team’s overall success and well-being.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

As I continue to establish my reputation in the market, I believe that my authenticity and transparency have been instrumental in my journey thus far. These qualities make me relatable to others. I’ve had women who’ve read my book say, “Looking at you today, I would have never thought that you did…” If my own experiences can be of help to others, I’m more than willing to share them.

While I may not be proud of every aspect of my past, the lessons I’ve gleaned from those experiences are truly invaluable. By sharing my own story, I take away the power of others to potentially discredit or embarrass me by revealing my past, as I’ve already openly disclosed the less-than-glamorous truths.

My Pastor often says, “Confession is good for the soul but bad for your reputation.” However, I firmly believe that sharing your journey of triumph can be a source of inspiration for someone else. We all have a past, elements we may not be particularly proud of, but taking ownership of those mistakes, learning from them, and evolving into a better person is the most compelling example we can offer to others. My transparency serves as a beacon of hope for those who may be navigating similar challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lasandracollins.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasandraspeaks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaSandraspeaks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lasandraspeak

Image Credits
Photos by NaddyFrank Photography