Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shavon LeBlanc. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Shavon, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Learning of the power of physical activity and nutrition in improving the lives of others at a client meeting was pivotal in modifying my career path. I sought pharmacy as a career to help others, educate my community and improve the health of my patients. I have experienced a successful career as a retail and clinical pharmacist, but I desired more. One client meeting changed my perspective.  Due to a company-wide wellness initiative, our client saved hundreds of thousands of dollars of their quarterly drug spend by implementing wellness programming within their facilities. Offering healthy cafeteria options, gyms in warehouses, paid time to exercise, company sponsored smoking cessation tools, were essential components to improving the health dynamic of the company. It was that moment that changed my perspective. Don’t treat disease, prevent it! Three months later; I began my current twelve-year career at the YMCA of Houston, while sharing knowledge with my pharmacy patients. Aiming to continuously impact my community, one client, one class, and one interaction at a time. The joy and excitement I feel while teaching a class, training a client, or giving someone a high-five in class for doing a great job is extremely powerful. Stepping away from a salaried position to pursue one of my passions was a huge risk, but the rewards I have experienced have been priceless. My defining moment in that meeting exposed me to desires in my heart that were hidden under my desire to have material and financial “success”. It is up to me to define what success looks like. When I stepped away from the retail pharmacy in 2019, three months before the pandemic, it took faith and courage to believe in myself and step into the world of entrepreneurial pursuits. I am now a diabetes prevention coach, personal trainer, as well as aquatic fitness instructor. To see so many of my clients’ experience weight loss, reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, build strength, and leave a healthy legacy for their families, reminds me that the defining moment may have been a surprise to me, but it was leading me to my current prepared place.

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

My name is Shavon LeBlanc, and I am a pharmacist with a desire to educate my community on how to use lifestyle modifications such as nutrition and physical activity as keys to lower chronic illness and diseases. I started my fitness journey leading dance cardio classes, then I progressed to teaching aqua classes, diabetes prevention classes, and personal training. I am trying to solve the epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes amongst communities of color. Concerning aqua fitness, when I began teaching aqua fitness there were not many women of color in my aqua fitness classes and I am excited to say that we have exposed so many African American women who struggled with the fear of water to explore aqua fitness. Many of my class participants have improved and controlled blood pressure, have lowered their A1c (a diabetic marker), have improved arthritis symptoms, have lost weight, improved their flexibility, and have been able to have easier baby deliveries due to aqua fitness. I’m so proud to have had a role in changing the legacy of health for so many who may have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes and are now changing their lifestyles and improving their health and the health of their families. I have conducted multiple diabetes prevention classes and it’s wonderful to see so many people lose 20-25 lbs per year and improve their physical ability. I have had the opportunity to share my knowledge on fitness and nutrition in the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in online articles with Thrive Global. I wrote my first children’s book because I believe young people, especially girls should be often reminded of how limitless life can be when approaching life fearlessly. I wrote my ebook on eating living foods because I desire to share the importance of eating living foods in the prevention of chronic illnesses. Many people have high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes, and other heart conditions and are unaware that changing their lifestyle through healthy eating is one of the keys to improving their health.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

One of the things I think is helpful is to remain teachable. To never stop learning. Most career fields are constantly evolving and to stay relevant and connected is to continue to learn. Don’t be afraid to pivot in your career or field. Be open to growth and development, not only in your professional life but also personally. The more I became self-aware and intentional about self-growth, I began to see doors open. Risks are essential to growth, stepping outside of comfort zones can expose us to parts of ourselves and even interests that we were unaware of.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

These last few years have been a huge pivot. Since pharmacy school graduation, I had material success and financial success, but I was extremely unfulfilled and sad. I felt like there was more to my life, but I didn’t know what it was and how to reach it. A specific story occurred while I was actively working in a retail pharmacy, I was working alone and it was a busy morning, with the phone ringing, fax machines buzzing, requirements at the computer, and customer service inquiries on the phone and in person. A gentleman approached the register and asked to buy some decongestants, I rang him up and he asked me a question that was initiated another pivotal moment in my life, he asked me why did I become a pharmacist? Tears began to fall down my face. I told him I didn’t know; I was at a place where I questioned my career and purpose and what I was to do with my life. The gentleman was a Christian counselor and gave me his card. I truly believe that was a divinely orchestrated moment. Unresolved internal struggles were affecting my personal life and professional life. Counseling and prayer were essential in moving me forward professionally and personally with peace and direction.  During the pandemic, I lost a large book of business due to miscommunication and an unwise decision on my part. I was totally blindsided by this job loss and was hurt by the circumstances associated with it. I felt completely betrayed. I can say now, I am thankful for that lost! Sometimes, things we love must end, so we can experience a great new beginning! Seven days after I was fired, I received a job opportunity to be a diabetes prevention coach! I have worked with my current company for three years and I have written electronic articles for Thrive Global, I have been able to impact the health of my participants. The joy is that all those years ago, I wanted to be a part of disease prevention, and now after experiencing a grave loss, I can walk in and do that which I am so passionate about! Now I have developed a course entitled The Healthy YouUniversity which can be used by employers to educate their employees on the importance of nutrition and physical activity in the prevention of chronic illness and disease.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shavonleblanc.com
• Instagram: drshavonwellness
• Facebook: Shavon LeBlanc
• Linkedin: Shavon LeBlanc
• Youtube: Xcellence Aquatic and Wellness

Image Credits
Joelyn Rogers