We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Lolita Cleveland recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Lolita, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
Being layed off from a job can be traumatic, stressful and overwhelming, When I experienced this it was a tough place causing me to experience frustration, irritation and mental distress. After the initial shock I had to process these feelings and realize it was not abnormal to have them because after all I am human. Acknowledging and processing your feelings is essential to overcoming. It allows you to recognize, identify and determine how to handle them. In this process you need to reflect on the situation and be honest with you about you. I had to understand that it wasn’t my doing and that the company had to make a business decision so it was not personal. Taking the pause of no job allowed for me to take a deeper look into my next move. I had to determine what “I” wanted, needed, and where “I” wanted to go. It was not easy but I had to put one foot in front of the other even when I did not know what it was going to look like. Therefore, I did it nervously, at times fearfully but always knowing that the sun was going to shine as long as I moved with boldness and purpose as my driving force.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist with a heart to serve others. As a Program Manager, Adjunct Professor and Nonprofit Leader I passionately educate and inspire a new generation of leaders. My engaging teaching style and motivational skills enables me to guide individuals toward fulfilling their potential and crafting their own paths to success. My commitment
extends globally through longstanding humanitarian efforts in regions such as Mexico, Jamaica, India, Trinidad & Tobago, and Africa. I currently serve as the Board Chairwoman for the Girls Like Me Project Initiative, Peer Plus Training Advocates and holds positions on the boards of Circle Ruth Women’s Ministry, Eden 360, and Diadem International, It’s rewarding to see that I can offer my gifts, talents and skills to see others uplifted, encouraged and inspired.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that was most impactful for me was spiritual awareness, adaptability and resilience. I advise anyone to:
1. Get spiritually centered in order to hear your next instructions on when and how to move
2. Being adaptable to understand that your next may not look how you think it should, so be willing and open to walk into what is next for you; rather its to take a class, a pay cut, or a different job market. Whatever you do, do not limit yourself or your possibilities.
3. Resilience is necessary to maintain emotional intelligence and attitude during the process of exploring and discoverying your next.
A bonus tip: Obtain a mentor that can provide sound and wise counsel as you navigate the journey
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful was allowing me to be born, however their example of working hard and enjoying the fruits of your labor provides for a well rounded and balanced life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crumbenterprises.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crumbisme/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554113555957
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lolita-cleveland-60863a10/
Image Credits
Grey Matter Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
