Meet Dr. Derrick Standifer

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Derrick Standifer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dr. Derrick , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resiliency, for me, has been a journey of transformation, fueled by my personal challenges and triumphs. It stems from my experiences as a first-generation college student, where I navigated the complexities of academic and personal life. My path wasn’t straightforward; it involved failing and learning. I initially dropped out of FAMU, then enrolled at GSU, only to flunk out again. However, these setbacks were stepping stones. I reenrolled at FAMU, not only completing my Bachelor’s degree but also going on to earn a Master’s and a PhD.

My resilience was further forged from a divorce that left me a single dad. Achieving a PhD as a full-time single father was a monumental task. It taught me that if I could succeed in such demanding circumstances, then truly, nothing is impossible. This period of my life was a testament to my ability to persevere against all odds.

Moreover, the loss of both my parents to cancer was a profound and shaping experience. I channeled my grief into strength, using the pain as a catalyst to drive me forward. Their memory and the investments they made in me became a source of motivation.

My resilience is a product of my life’s trials and triumphs. It’s a resilience born from overcoming academic setbacks, embracing the role of a single parent, and grieving my parents. These experiences have instilled in me a belief that resilience is not just about enduring but about growing and thriving through adversity.

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?
Professionally, I am in a season of life where my focus is on maximizing my service to both mankind and womankind, leveraging my innate gifts, talents, and passion for teaching. I firmly believe that teaching is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference in the world. My journey in education has evolved from the traditional classroom setting to a broader platform where I now teach people how to navigate the complexities of life. This is achieved through my speeches and mastermind training sessions.

I host a weekly podcast titled ‘Solve It Sundays,’ where I have the privilege of interviewing a diverse range of individuals, whom I refer to as ‘movers and shakers.’ These conversations are not just enlightening but also serve as a source of inspiration and learning for my audience. The podcast has become a platform for sharing wisdom, experiences, and insights on overcoming life’s challenges. This is live on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Additionally, I conduct monthly Mastermind Sessions. These sessions provide a space for individuals who seek accountability and guidance in their personal and professional lives. The aim is to create a supportive community where ideas are shared, challenges are discussed, and solutions are found collaboratively.

I’m excited about the release of my new book in the first quarter of the year. This book is a culmination of my experiences and learnings, and I believe it will be a valuable resource for anyone looking to find balance and success in both their personal and professional lives.

My brand is all about empowerment, growth, and transformation. It’s about helping people unlock their potential and navigate the twists and turns of life with confidence and clarity. Whether it’s through my podcast, mastermind sessions, or my upcoming book, my goal is to inspire and guide people towards realizing their fullest potential.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal elements have significantly shaped my path: the value of wise counsel, the relentless pursuit of self-improvement, and the alignment of passion with profitability.

Firstly, having wise counsel has been instrumental. Being part of various mastermind groups provided me with a support system that held me accountable and encouraged me in pursuing my goals, dreams, and aspirations. For those early in their journey, I recommend actively seeking mentors and joining peer groups that challenge and support you. It’s crucial to surround yourself with people who not only share your vision but also push you to grow beyond your comfort zone.

Secondly, the commitment to continuous self-improvement has been a cornerstone of my success. The philosophy of ‘never becoming content with where you are in life’ has driven me to constantly seek betterment in both personal and professional realms. For newcomers, my advice is to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. Always be curious, open to feedback, and willing to adapt. Remember, growth is a continuous journey, not a destination.

Lastly, merge passion with profitability. Understanding what you are good at and passionate about, and then channeling that into a profitable venture, is a powerful strategy. For those starting out, I advise taking the time to deeply explore your interests and skills. Once you identify your strengths and passions, strategize on how to monetize them. This alignment not only leads to financial success but also to personal fulfillment.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am actively seeking to partner and collaborate with organizations that are committed to fostering a culture of confidence, enhancing problem-solving skills, and setting and achieving meaningful goals. My ideal collaborators are organizations that recognize the value of personal and professional development and are eager to invest in the growth and empowerment of their teams.

I am particularly interested in working with:

Corporations, Educational Institutions, Non-Profit Organizations, Entrepreneurial and Start-up Communities,

If you are part of an organization that aligns with these goals and are interested in a collaboration, I would love to connect. You can reach out to me through my website, lilarc.com, or directly via email at [email protected]. I am open to discussing how we can tailor a program or a workshop that best fits the needs of your organization and contributes to its growth and success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
all images belong to me

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