Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Kemps-Thibodeaux. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lauren , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Navigating spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience. While it can be initially intimidating, I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness and recognize the inherent value it brings to any environment.
First and foremost, I remind myself that I deserve to be in that room just as much as anyone else. Confidence in my abilities and knowledge is key. Knowing that I’ve earned my place through hard work and dedication helps silence any doubts that may arise.
Imposter syndrome is a real challenge, especially when you’re in the minority. But I’ve learned to quiet that tiny voice by reaffirming my expertise and the value of my perspective. Understanding that my voice matters, regardless of how different it may be from others in the room, has been empowering.
Moreover, I’ve found strength in being authentic and true to myself. I refuse to conform to any preconceived notions of what a lawyer, mediator, or entrepreneur should look like. By staying true to my identity, I not only honor my own journey but also pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the legal and business arenas.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that being the only one in the room who looks like me is not a disadvantage, but rather an opportunity to challenge norms, inspire change, and pave the way for future generations. By embracing my uniqueness and standing tall in my convictions, I’ve been able to navigate these spaces effectively and contribute meaningfully to the conversations and decisions taking place.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Absolutely! I’m an attorney, certified mediator, and entrepreneur deeply passionate about serving my community and empowering fellow entrepreneurs to protect their dreams and legacies. My journey in the legal profession has been one of perseverance and dedication. After graduating with honors from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and passing the bar exam on my first attempt, I embarked on a mission to fill a crucial gap I noticed within my community – the need for accessible, affordable, and tailored legal services for entrepreneurs and business owners.
In February 2021, I founded LKT Law Office®, a client-driven law firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs develop, maintain, and protect their businesses and brands. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of my clients. As a fellow entrepreneur, I understand the dedication and hard work that goes into building a business, and I am committed to providing the legal support and guidance necessary to safeguard their endeavors.
At LKT Law Office®, I handle Business, Trademark, Copyright, and Estate Planning Matters. What sets LKT Law Office® apart is the personalized approach and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. Every step of the way, I prioritize clear communication, transparency, and accessibility to ensure my clients feel empowered and informed.
I’m incredibly proud of the impact LKT Law Office® has had thus far, assisting numerous entrepreneurs in protecting their businesses and realizing their goals. Looking ahead, I’m continuously exploring new ways to expand my reach and better serve the community. Whether through educational initiatives, community outreach events, or innovative service offerings, my commitment to empowering entrepreneurs remains steadfast.
In addition to my work with LKT Law Office®, I am actively involved in various community service initiatives and strive to help those in my community build and protect their legacies. I believe in the power of collaboration, empathy, and authenticity to drive positive change and create a brighter future for all.
As for what’s new, I’m currently accepting new clients. Throughout the year, I will be collaborating with other like-minded professionals to host more educational webinars, building on the success of our previous collaborations. These webinars serve as invaluable resources for entrepreneurs, offering insights and guidance on various topics crucial to their success. Additionally, I’m in the process of organizing estate planning clinics, furthering my commitment to empowering individuals and families to plan for their futures with confidence and clarity. Furthermore, I’m delighted to continue my tradition of sponsoring a local sports team, fostering community unity and pride. To stay informed about upcoming events and initiatives, including educational webinars, estate planning clinics, and community sponsorships, be sure to subscribe to the LKT Law Office® email list at https://www.lktlawoffice.com/subscribe.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as pivotal to my success: resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
First and foremost, resilience has been the cornerstone of my journey. In the face of obstacles, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt, the ability to bounce back and persevere has been crucial. Whether it was navigating the challenges of starting my own law firm amidst a pandemic or overcoming imposter syndrome in rooms where I was the only person who looked like me, resilience kept me moving forward. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience by embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth, staying true to your vision, and drawing strength from setbacks rather than allowing them to deter you.
Secondly, adaptability has been essential in an ever-changing landscape. As an entrepreneur and attorney, I’ve learned to pivot, innovate, and embrace new opportunities as they arise. Whether it was learning new areas of law to better serve my clients or adapting my business model to meet the evolving needs of the market, being adaptable has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve. To those starting out, I encourage you to remain open-minded, embrace change, and view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning has been instrumental in my journey. The legal profession, like many others, is constantly evolving, and staying abreast of the latest developments and best practices is essential. Whether through formal education, professional development courses, or mentorship, investing in your ongoing learning is key to staying relevant and effective in your field. My advice to those beginning their journey is to never stop learning, seek out mentors and peers who can offer guidance and support, and approach every experience as an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to model the entrepreneurial spirit and teach me the value of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Both of my parents are entrepreneurs, and growing up, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dedication, hard work, and resilience required to build and sustain a business. Their entrepreneurial journey served as a powerful inspiration and laid the groundwork for my own entrepreneurial endeavors.
In addition, they afforded me the opportunity to better myself at every chance they had, making sacrifices to ensure I could reach every goal I set. They equipped me with the values to stand by what is right even when it’s unpopular, to always treat people with respect, and to never doubt myself, especially working in a field where people who look like me make up less than 5%, according to the statistics.
My parents encouraged me to never give up on my dreams, even when the path seemed daunting or the odds were stacked against me. Their guidance and support gave me the courage to pursue my goals with determination and resilience, even in the face of challenges. The lessons my parents imparted to me laid the foundation for my success. Their belief in me and their example of resilience continue to inspire me to push forward and make a positive impact in the world. Their entrepreneurial legacies continue to inspire me every day as I strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others through my work as an attorney, mediator, and business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lktlawoffice.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lktlawoffice
- Facebook: www.facebook.cok/lktlawoffice
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-kemps-thibodeaux-6972a7ab/
- Other: https://lnk.bio/eZtp
