We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaDray Gilbert. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaDray below.
LaDray , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
The most important event in helping me find my purpose was, first, realizing that I had live the majority of my life and had no clue what it was. At a young age, my parents had me speaking to standing room only crowds and involved in myriad of activities. While participating, people would tend to put me in leadership roles.
I was, extremely, blessed to excel in academics and athletics. People told me that I should be a lawyer, so that’s what I did. I was always listening to what other people was saying I should do instead of pursuing what I wanted to do. For example, my mentor told me that I should go to law school to gain more credibility with people on a professional side. While, I agreed with them at the time, I had just landed a contract with a local medical school, fresh out of college, to provide professional development services for their minority students.
Instead of doing the things that I loved to do, I walked away from that contract and pursued law school. Even in law school, the books were never very interesting to me. I was more enamored with getting out into the community and developing social programs. Please do not take what I am saying the wrong way. I am, beyond, grateful for the opportunity to receive a legal education. What I am saying is that, even with a law degree, my purpose was never to follow behind anyone else’s footsteps.
Because I went down a path that did not belong to me. I fell flat on my face for the world to see. I left the legal profession battered, bruised, and shameful. Once I was face down on the ground, I started thinking about how I got there. Aside from the very wrong choices I made, personally, that led me here, I realized that I had not been on the trail of pursuit for my life’s purpose.
Way back before I ever went to law school, that program I developed was my purpose. While I was in law school, those programs that I was developing were part of my true calling. Even as I practiced law, there was a reason would leave the million dollar case file untouched and focus my attention on building programs. It was my purpose.
Now, I walk confidently and proudly in my purpose. I found my purpose by having to fail, miserably, at trying to be someone I was not. The work I do now does not feel like work at all. Everyday, I feel like I have left everything that I have on the table and I’m recharged to do it again the next day. I’m so thankful to God that He has taken the time to help mold and shape me for this time. Because of everything that I am not, I am now everything that I am and it’s full of purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
LaDray Gilbert is a distinguished public servant and legal professional, renowned for his nearly two-decade-long career in law and community activism. Gilbert launched his law firm from humble beginnings at his mother’s kitchen table, growing it into a multimillion-dollar practice. Over his nearly 12-year legal career, he secured millions for his clients, successfully litigating against giants such as Wal-Mart, Family Dollar, and the State of Florida, never losing a jury trial.
In 2009, Gilbert made history as the youngest and only African American to establish a law firm in Jackson County, Florida, immediately following law school. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing) from Florida A&M University and a Juris Doctor from the Florida A&M University College of Law. His contributions have significantly impacted the lives of citizens in Florida and the Southeast United States.
Recognized at the highest levels of his profession, Gilbert was named one of the nation’s Top 40 Under 40 Best Advocates by the National Bar Association in 2016. Martindale-Hubbell honored him as a “Platinum Client Champion” and “Preeminent Attorney” for his high legal and ethical standards. He was also deemed a “Rising Star” by Florida Super Lawyers and “Mr. Integrity” by the William Reece Smith Florida Bar Leadership Academy.
In Atlanta, Gilbert founded Old United Logistics, LLC, where he excels in business, legal, and political consulting. His firm has quickly become a leader in improving business efficiency and achieving desired outcomes. Gilbert also helps law firms develop successful personal injury practices and assists businesses in legal structuring and marketing.
Politically active, Gilbert has managed and consulted on numerous campaigns, including for Joe Biden, Andrew Gillum, and Gwen Graham. He has served as Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party (Jackson County) and held key roles in various political organizations.
Gilbert’s community service is extensive. He has volunteered as the Presiding Judge for Jackson County Teen Court, served on the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and led the Northwest Florida Chapter of the FAMU Alumni Association. Additionally, he chaired the National Top 100 Black Lawyers Continuing Legal Education Committee and is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
As a mentor, Gilbert founded the Jackson County Omega Lamplighters and The F.L.A.M.E. Academy, guiding young males and providing them with enriching educational experiences, including trips to The White House and the New England Science Symposium at Harvard Medical School.
For his volunteerism, Gilbert was named the “14th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year” by the Florida Supreme Court and a “Distinguished Alumni” by Florida A&M University. He has been honored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as “Graduate Omega Man of the Year” for Alabama and continues to be respected nationally and internationally for his insights on law, education, and minority advocacy.
Currently, Gilbert serves as Co-Chair of the Mirror 100 Mentoring Program of the 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta and is the Co-Coordinator of the African American Wellness Agency of Atlanta. Also, Gilbert is the Director of Community Outreach for The Ravik Foundation, Inc. He also a sought-after keynote speaker, addressing audiences at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Brown, The Citadel, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
LaDray Gilbert is a proud father of two, Madison and Maddox, and the son of the late Johnnie Lee and Carnell C. Gilbert. He is the godson of Ulysses and the late Glenda Dudley.
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?
Looking back, I think that my faith, self confidence, and perseverance have been the most impactful traits in my journey. At a young age, my parents introduced the Christian faith to me. While they took me to church and made sure I attended Sunday School, it was their actions in everyday life that really gave me the scope of what it meant to be a Christian. They were not perfect people, but their hearts were filled with love and that was reflected in how they treated other people.
No matter what came their way, they believed that God was working for their good. When my mom’s health declined in 2009, she was praying and her faith never wavered. When she passed away, my father stood firm in his belief that God does not make mistakes and he continued to forge a life without her.
When my son passed away in 2012, my dad was right there praying with me and constantly reminding me that everything would be ok. So, when his health began to fail in 2021, I was not shocked that he grew even closer to God despite his physical challenges. Cancer ravaged his body, eventually, taking his life, but his faith in God and His Savior Jesus Christ was ever-present until his last breath.
In my own path through life, I have made more mistakes than I’d like to count. It was some of my most public and professional mistakes that hurt other people that still haunt me even today. However, I have the hallowed examples of my parents to lean on that, if I continue moving forward and trust God, everything will work out. I cannot change the past, but I can forge ahead into the future knowing that, despite my shortcomings, God still hold my life and my future in His hands and His blessings still abound.
Though I have been able to achieve things I could never even dream of as a child, it took me well into my adulthood and past many, many mistakes, until I could, fully believe in myself and my abilities. I was blessed with a tremendous amount of gifts and talents. However, I have always found it hard to fully display them to the fullest degree because I used to lack the confidence in myself.
There are people that are probably reading this that find it very hard to believe. But, I know let me explain. While God gave me extraordinary talent in a number of areas, I never fully embraced them and how they aligned with my purpose. When I was in undergrad, I pursued the major that I thought would make money (Business Administration). When I decided to go to law school, it was because I wanted to live a fancy life. As I went throughout my career, I was chasing the paths and achievements of my mentors instead of forging my own path.
After a colossal professional failure, I was forced to strip myself to the barest essence and evaluate what I was doing with my life and why. As I examined where I had been, I found out that I was the happiest and most productive when the work I was doing was not focused on money, but improving my community.
Therefore, in this new chapter of my life, I’m focusing all of my efforts in doing what I love and serving others. It’s an unbridled passion that burns deep inside me and it gives me the strength to forge through some really tough times. What I have found is that, while I may not have the material things that I used to have, my life feels so much more rich because of the impact that I am having serving other people. The things that God has for me will come and I am certainly sure they will be in abundance. In the meantime, my hands will be busy leaving my community better than I found it. In that, I am more confident of anything than I have been in my life.
Finally, I’d like to highlight perseverance as an essential part of my life story. To me, perseverance means ‘to persist on moving forward despite meeting great difficulty or delay.’ Since 2021, I have seen everything that I worked for spiral away and crash.
Trying to build back has been an arduous task and has taken a great deal of patience and persistence. It seems like I will take two steps forward and three steps back. I’ve lost family members, friends, and colleagues in this process. People that I have given to in the past, freely, now are hesitant when I need a helping hand. Doors get slammed in my face because of my past mistakes. Also, I have seen people take advantage of my generosity until it no longer benefits them. These past three years have been a rough and rugged road.
At this point, I know that I’m not going to give up. I’ve come to far and have survived 100% of the obstacles I have faced thus far. The only thing I can do is to lean on my faith, self confidence, and persevere through whatever life throws at me. Not only do I have two children depending on me, I have a divine purpose that has been delineated just for me to achieve while I’m on this Earth. I’m more hopeful than ever.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Reflecting on the positive changes in my life can be a powerful way to appreciate my growth and progress. However, there have been three main areas in which I have placed a higher emphasis on improving my life. Over the last 12 months, I have made significant strides in prioritizing my health and wellness, cultivating mindfulness, and adopting a winning mindset.
In terms of health and wellness, I’ve noticed improvements in my physical and mental energy levels. I started a regular exercise routine and have also made healthier food choices, like incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods into my diet, leading to improved digestion and overall well-being.
Also, my focus on being present in the moment has led to a greater sense of calm and clarity in my daily life. I have started practicing meditation and deep breathing exercises, that allow me to stay grounded and centered even in challenging situations. By being more present, I have noticed an improvement in my relationships, as I’m able to engage more fully with loved ones and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.
By shifting my focus away from losses and towards wins, I have experienced a significant boost in confidence and motivation. I have set and achieved specific goals, learned new skills at work, which has given me a sense of accomplishment and pride. This winning mindset has helped me develop a more positive outlook, allowing me to approach challenges with optimism and resilience.
Overall, the last 12 months have been a transformative time for me, marked by significant improvements in my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. My commitment to health, mindfulness, and a winning mindset has set me up for continued success and growth in the years to come. At his point, I’m just going to keep celebrating my wins and honoring my journey -with God, I got this!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: old_united_log_llc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladray-b-gilbert-jd-6b48b52b2?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: IG: mirror100_southmetro100
IG: aamalewellness_atl
IG: lg_themessage
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