We had the good fortune of connecting with LaKendra Smalley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaKendra, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My Mother used to say, “LaKendra, that dream you were given is going to require you to step outside of your comfort zone & take risk to grow that dream even bigger to meet your GREATEST SELF.” She told me this when I was 23 years old when I shared my entrepreneurial dreams with her.

What I took away was, in order for me to grow into my greatest self, and see my business in the energy and light in which I saw in dreams all of the time – I could not be afraid to step into the danger zone knowing that risk is simply pressure created to shape me into my greatness. Risk taking is a part of growth and identity. I can think of many risks I have taken and never once regretted, because it has helped me to honor my commitment and be proud of who I am as a woman in business. I will say, starting anything is a major risk in life even outside of business, so we were designed to be risk-takers.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Global Institute for Coaches and Entrepreneurs is in its own lane in that it is the first company to be able to provide mental health life coaching and case management billed by insurance. That, to me, is exciting because I am working to have a Certified Life Coach represented in all 195 countries in order to do my part in helping the world be a better place.

I got to where I am because I had the example growing up. My grandmother and my mother raised me and even though they retired from great companies- my grandmother retired from Texas Instruments and my mother retired from The Dallas Morning News- they also had their own businesses and that was the culture that was represented in our household growing up.

Things were never easy. We still saw failures, growing up watching my grandmother and my mother with their businesses, and they still survived it. I noticed that when I looked at successful people, the one thing they had in common was that they never gave up, and they still had the desire and passion to create something beautiful. Success is individually defined and determined by the person striving for it. So, my success has been very unique and it has not been easy. But, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I overcame my challenges by defining excellence for myself. It’s something that I teach in my life coach certification, to “strive for excellence”, meaning whatever state of mind you are in, get up and move because that will create success for you and take you to your next level.

I’ve learned that success is at everyone’s fingertips regardless of what their past is or what their circumstances are. But, if you don’t have a vision of what that looks like or have an emotion that’s attached to that success story that’s going to keep you on that path, then you have a choice of just taking your life as it is or really creating the life that you desire. My grandmother used to encourage me to push past my comfort zone, often. Even when I was bringing in A’s, she’d say “that’s what you’re SUPPOSED to be doing. So what’s next”? And that was why I got into activities and sports, to push myself out of my comfort zone and start working towards what’s next- my next level.

What I want people to know about my brand is that I want to certify one million life coaches around the globe. I want to certify the people that are in charge and have the capacity to change lives because that is how I can help the world to be a better place. I want The Global Institute for Coaches and Entrepreneurs to be a part of change and for this company to be known for doing its part in transforming lives and making greater people. That is my biggest ask of the Universe and God: to position me so that I can be a part of change for all of humanity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m not a morning person, so we’re going to hit up Brookhaven Country Club for a nice lunch. If it’s in the summer, we may hang out at the pool under the cabana and have some nice summer drinks.

After we leave lunch, we’d stop by my office at 4099 McEwen Rd #534 in Farmers Branch Texas, and I’d give them a tour so that they can meet some of my life coaches. Then they’d go back to their hotel and freshen up to get ready for Happy Hour and Top Golf- because golf always brings out the best conversations.

Later in the evening, we could meet at the Reunion Tower so I can show them the skyline. Then, we’d cap the night off with dinner and more drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Boss of Ladies Dallas, is a reality show that takes the responsibility of harvesting and support amongst women of color. The brains and beauty behind the project is Jeannetta Collier and I am proud that she wants to be a part of the solution empowering women though positive TV.

Website: https://www.globalcoachentrepreneur.org/

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/master-coach-lakendra-smalley-b9839023

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giceloves

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvKovyM5_ERyYdverhJJ2aw/videos

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