Meet Lebo Goad

We were lucky to catch up with Lebo Goad recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lebo, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room can be challenging, especially when you are someone like me; an African woman living in a 88.6% white demographic Utah. If anything, 9 out 10 times on a daily basis, I am the only one in the room that looks like me, which makes it even more so necessary for me to take up space. One of the most effective ways I’ve learned to navigate these situations is by embracing my identity and leveraging it as a source of strength. Recognizing that my uniqueness and perspectives add value has been so crucial. People already notice me so instead of allowing myself to sink in the background and be ignored as most people are typically inclined to do, I’ve become intentional about making sure they not only feel, but always remember my presence. The way I dress and present myself reflects so much of my background and personal style. It starts a conversation. Whether it be the multicultural fabrics or thought provoking literature on my shirts, or even the tribal accessories I wear; from a distance it all makes you sit and wonder what’s my story… and perhaps question yourself if you will continue to wonder or dare to find out. From my accent even more wonder sparks because I speak with such confidence and eloquence even when it feels intimidating, so much so that neighboring conversations begin to tone down to give ear to the meaningful contribution I bring to the table. So when it comes to a question of how I’ve learned to be effective/successful even when I’m the only one in the room that looks like me, the answer is; I practice. Because 9 out of 10 times I am the only one, so I guess that’s a good network to provide me with just the reinforcement needed to amplify my voice and presence in more environments besides the front of my bathroom mirror.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a yoga teacher trainer, and I teach various groups, including inmates at the Utah State Correctional Facility, domestic violence survivors, refugees, seniors, medical staff and military veterans among others. I am very passionate about serving marginalized and underrepresented communities and have collaborated with organizations such as the Lesego Tau Education Foundation in South Africa, the Black Physicians of Utah, Utah Refugee Center, YWCA Utah and I also serve as an Ambassador for Prenatal International and lululemon. These diverse settings have provided me with significant experience in trauma sensitivity. Unlike many traditional Western yoga classes, I prefer to dress more casually, often wearing a dashiki and sometimes forgoing yoga mats. This is part of my commitment to being inclusive and empowering, while also being sensitive to the trauma experiences of my students. And while many teachers use Sanskrit terms, I draw from my own experiences and multifaceted cultural background. I share from my African value systems, proverbs, philosophies, and songs that reflect my foundational principles and a shared sense of humanity. For example, instead of concluding my classes with the phrase “Namaste,” I share and expand on the philosophy of Ubuntu, which means “I am, because we are.”

I am excited to expand more of my offerings to include prenatal yoga and trauma-sensitive yoga workshops for Yoga Alliance continuing education credits. My first Prenatal Yoga Workshop & Satsang will take place on April 26th, 9am-5pm MST at “Meet Me on 33rd.” Anyone interested can visit lebogoad.com, follow me on Instagram @lebo_goad, or email me at [email protected]. It would be wonderful to fill these workshops and contribute some of the proceeds to a youth mental health program in South Africa.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, from my background in the field of law, three qualities that were most impactful are critical thinking, effective communication, and a strong sense of ethics. All of this has afforded me the most valuable lesson of knowing how to make informed decisions and articulate my thoughts clearly, not just in legal scenarios but in everyday life. My advice for those early in their journey is to practice questioning assumptions and engaging in discussions that challenge your views. Reading and listening to different materials on topics that push your boundaries can serve your analytical skills, especially in this constantly changing world of science, technology and politics.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Both my parents, Simpson and Caroline Monageng, have been an incredible help and support in my journey. As educators in the public school system, they’ve instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance, drawing from their own experiences in today’s complex socio-economic landscape. Their guidance has not only helped me navigate obstacles in my life, but has also emphasized the significance of education and lifelong learning, which have been essential qualities for my success many ways.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Credits to Nicole Pearson, Lesego Tau, Yoga Assets,

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