Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lakisha (Coach LA) Austin, MBA, LICSW. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lakisha (Coach LA), we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a journey centered around the principles of my BET on SELF mantra: Believe, Empower, and Transform.
**Believe:** I started by believing in myself and my abilities. This involved recognizing my strengths, acknowledging my achievements, and having faith in my potential to overcome challenges.
**Empower:** I empowered myself by setting goals, taking actionable steps towards them, and surrounding myself with supportive people who uplifted and encouraged me. This also meant seeking opportunities for growth and learning, allowing me to build competence and self-assurance.
**Transform:** Finally, I transformed my mindset and habits. I adopted a positive outlook, practiced self-compassion, and embraced changes that aligned with my values and aspirations. By continuously evolving and adapting, I nurtured a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.
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?
My name is Lakisha Renee Austin aka Coach LA, your favorite around the way therapist. I am deeply committed to fostering diversity, empowerment, financial literacy, and professional growth while emphasizing the significance of self-care. As a seasoned psychotherapist, certified life coach, and expressive poet, I focus on positive self-psychology, solution-focused personal development, and resilient self-care practices.
With over two decades of experience, I have guided entrepreneurs, couples, and individuals toward achieving their professional and personal goals. In my coaching practice, I go beyond surface challenges to understand each individual’s core, empowering them to embark on a journey of self-discovery that leads to sustainable growth.
I hold a master’s in business administration and am a licensed independent clinical social worker. As the CEO and founder of Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives Therapeutic Coaching Services LLC, based in Hyde Park, Massachusetts, I lead various initiatives, including the engaging “Conversations with Coach LA” radio show and podcast.
I also host self-care events like Poetherapy and The SELF-care Soiree, alongside my signature coaching programs, BET on SELF and The F.E.M.E. Project. My diverse professional background spans roles such as mental health clinician, foster parent, mentor, financial services representative, client manager, banking branch manager ,and the director of operations, allowing me to understand individuals within their unique contexts.
I am passionate about advocating for underserved individuals and ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all who seek my support. For an enriching experience, tune in to “Conversations with Coach LA” every Sunday at 10 pm on Urban Heat 98.1FM, an iHeartRadio station, or catch the replay on all major podcast platforms. Explore my transformative offerings at www.iamcoachla.com), where positive change begins with changing your thoughts and the questions that you ask yourself.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my BET on SELF journey, three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been particularly impactful are:
1. **Resilient Self-Care Practices**: Understanding and prioritizing self-care has been foundational. It’s not just about managing stress but cultivating habits that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This practice has allowed me to maintain my passion and energy over the years.
2. **Diversity Validation and Empowerment**: Embracing and validating diversity has been crucial in my work. It involves recognizing and valuing different perspectives, which enhances both personal and professional interactions. This skill has helped me to create inclusive environments where individuals feel seen and heard.
3. **Financial Literacy and Professional Development**: Knowledge in these areas has been vital in guiding my clients and myself toward achieving our goals. Financial literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions, while continuous professional development ensures growth and adaptability in a constantly changing world.
For those early in their journey, I offer this advice:
– **Develop Resilient Self-Care Practices**: Start small but be consistent. Identify activities that rejuvenate you and incorporate them into your routine. Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success. #BETonSELF
– **Embrace Diversity**: Seek out and celebrate diverse perspectives. Engage in conversations and experiences that challenge your worldview. This will not only enrich your understanding but also enhance your ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
– **Invest in Financial Literacy and Professional Growth**: Continuously educate yourself in these areas. Take courses, attend workshops, and seek mentorship. Being proactive about your financial and professional development will pay dividends in your personal and professional life.
By focusing on these areas, you can build a solid foundation for a fulfilling and impactful journey.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, I am always looking for like-minded individuals and organizations to partner and collaborate with!
My BET on SELF mantra (Believe. Empower. Transform) embodies my core values and approach to fostering meaningful collaborations. I am particularly interested in partnering with individuals and organizations who share a passion for diversity validation, empowerment, financial literacy, and professional development. Moreover, I seek collaborators who understand the crucial importance of self-care and are dedicated to promoting holistic well-being.
As a seasoned psychotherapist, certified life coach, and expressive poet with over two decades of experience, I believe in the power of collaboration to drive positive change. I specialize in positive self-psychology, solution-focused personal development, and the cultivation of resilient self-care practices. I am eager to work with those who are equally committed to these principles.
If you are an advocate, educator, entrepreneur, or professional looking to collaborate on initiatives that align with these values, I would love to connect with you. Together, we can create transformative experiences that empower individuals and communities to believe in themselves, harness their potential, and achieve lasting transformation.
To connect with me for potential collaborations, please visit my website at www.iamcoachla.com. You can also tune in to my radio show, “Conversations with Coach LA,” every Sunday at 10 pm on UrbanHeat 98.1FM and iHeartRadio, where we explore these themes in depth. Additionally, you can reach out to me directly via email (LAustin@weroclives.com) or through my social media channels, which are all accessible through my website.
Let’s join forces to empower and transform lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change in our communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iamcoachla.com
- Instagram: Therapist_CoachLA
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamcoachla/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakisha-austin-licsw-mba-msw-b439792/
- Twitter: @lakishaaustin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IamCoachLA
Image Credits
photo credits:
Smokehouse Media
TakeOverPhotography
AngelLyftBeauty
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
