We were lucky to catch up with Davia Lassiter recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Davia, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
This is an excellent question: It took me a long time to stop internalizing what others who didn’t look like me projected onto me. I began to recognize my own value. Years ago, my mom pointed something out to me that I continue to carry with me. After sobbing on the phone to her about how I was being targeted at work, she said, “You win awards, right? You’ve been promoted, right? Twice? You have a proven track record.” It was a reminder that my challenges in the workplace were not related to my performance. In fact, my performance evaluations always came back with the highest ratings directly from my supervisors. It was because people looked at me — young, Black, female, educated, attractive, ambitious, award-winning, etc. — and saw something that didn’t fit their ideology of what they thought I should be (belligerent, angry, unaccomplished, inarticulate, etc.). I didn’t fit their stereotypical assumptions, so they tried to break my soul (shout out to Queen Bey). My mother’s conversation with me, however, reminded me that the only way they could do that was if I continued to let them mistreat me. That talk was a game-changer. I now recognize my value and shake off self-doubt. Regardless of my exterior, I know the value I possess. And that is how I walk into rooms with confidence because I choose to be unshakeable. I also mentor young people and encourage them to embrace their value in order to be better prepared for any challenges along their professional journeys.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
If you know me, then you know I’m either working hard, in the gym, or catching flights!
Working hard: My business, The Lassiter Firm, LLC, is where you can #AdvanceYourExcellence by boosting your professional brand. Services include writing and designing cover letters and/or resumes and CVs as well as LinkedIn profile development. New to the slate of services is interview coaching, thanks to requests from several clients and social media followers. The Firm also offers copywriting and other professional services upon request. I am also exploring ways to expand my personal brand, iamdrlassiter.com, and leaning into the content creation and blogging space anchored in empowerment for Black women. I am also wrapping up my second academic year of teaching at Georgia State University and University of West Georgia. The experience of teaching business and leadership for GSU’s WomenLead program to several communication courses at UWG has been the best professional experience of my life. WomenLead has been so instrumental in my life that I now work for the program on a full-time basis and manage a variety of administrative responsibilities and strategic communication efforts.
In the gym: On vacation, business trips, visiting family, etc. … you can find me (usually early in the morning) on a treadmill, doing cardio circuits, lifting weights, hiking, group fitness classes … Thanks to good friends/accountability partners and TikTok videos of people’s exercise journeys, you can find me moving this body around! It’s my special time to focus on me and I love it. And I refuse to stop eating Domino’s pizza which is full of calories and happiness. It’s called balance.
Catching flights: Sometimes, you’ve got to leave the house and catch a flight. Last year, I wanted to be in Mexico for my birthday. And that’s what I did. I went to Hawaii for the 4th time earlier this year. I will be going to Italy next year. And a few other trips in between. Just do it. GO. I work a lot. I have a lot of goals. And a personal life! But … I also have learned to sit down somewhere. Usually in a aisle seat with a complimentary beverage or 3.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I love this question, too. Three is my lucky number, so let’s get into it.
1. Be unapologetically ambitious: From students to friends to family, I hear so many stories from WOMEN about not taking up too much space, trying to be likeable, etc. I learned the hard way about respectability politics and I’m not here for it. It only diminishes your power and hands it over to those who do NOT want you to succeed. It’s a common experience for women and particularly for BIPOC and other individuals who not fit cultural paradigms that cater to whiteness and patriarchy. With that said … do not shrink. Know your worth and walk in your power. Back to Beyonce: “I see it, I want it … I work hard, I grind ’till I own it.” Same mindset: Do it. Go for it. No regrets.
2. Never stop learning: Take a class. Ask questions of experts. Google it! I am a perpetual student. From working on my Ph.D. to taking online classes and participating in webinars and workshops, I am constantly trying to enhance my knowledge. I know that there is always something to learn whether it’s on an academic, professional and/or personal level. On the flip side, it’s even more important that I contribute to the learning process by being a teacher and mentor.
3. Find a mentor. Better yet, be one: These are not mutually exclusive. Finding a mentor is key. Here are my three: The late Jay Whorton (former associate publisher for Times Journal, Inc.), retired Lt. Col. Frederick Varnado (former academic coordinator for the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program and Professional Development and Educational Outreach director at the University of Southern Mississippi), and my aunt Martha Phillips (retired business leader for AT&T). Each one of these individuals has provided me with insight, support, and love that guide me to this day. I also serve as a mentor whether through my involvement with programs at UGA and Hickory Hill Elementary as well as people (friends, students, colleagues, LinkedIn connections) reaching out and asking me. (Spoiler alert: I will always say yes.) Look, this journey is a group effort. I am forever grateful for people who pour into to me, so I do my best to do the same for others.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
This is easy: Take a damn nap!
Other options: Go on a trip. Head to Starbucks and get a hot chocolate. Order the pizza with the hot honey wings (Domino’s, I love you). Rearrange your schedule. Say no. Listen to your body AND your therapist. And turn your phone on “do not disturb” (and don’t check it).
These are my coping mechanisms. Sometimes, I just … DON’T. And WON’T. And that’s OK. I used to feel like resting meant I was lazy but I’ve learned to realize that the “things” will always be there: Work. Papers to write. Assignments to grade. Clothes to wash.
The greatest gift I can give to myself is rest. So, that’s what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: iamdrlassiter.com and thelassiterfirm.com
- Instagram: @imdrlassiter and @thelassiterfirmllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdrlassiter
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davia-lassiter and https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelassiterfirmllc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamdrlassiter/
- Other: TikTok: @iamdrlassiter and @thelassiterfirmllc
Image Credits:
Tiffany D. Brown Photography
