Meet Dr. Lawanne’ S. Grant

We recently connected with Dr. Lawanne’ S. Grant and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Lawanne’ S., really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

For me, purpose starts with passion. I truly believe that passion and inspiration are gifts from God (Philippians 2:13). He created each of us with intention, and when I feel that fire inside me, I know it is part of something bigger. Leaning into passion naturally guides me toward my purpose. This has been true in every chapter of my life, from the wide-eyed curiosity of childhood to the more focused drive of adulthood. One thing I have learned is that passion is not fixed. It grows, shifts, and evolves with each season. The key for me has been staying open and being willing to adapt, adopt, and adjust as my passions lead me in new directions.

As an entrepreneur, I make it a point to pause and ask myself: What is the demand for the gifts, talents, and insight that God has entrusted to me? I pay attention to what people come to me for, the questions they ask, the problems they rely on me to solve, and the advice they seek. These patterns are like concealed clues that help reveal the path to my purpose. Once I notice them, I begin to think strategically about how I can serve more deeply, create more impact, and live out my purpose more fully.

I believe that purpose is not a final destination. It is a lifelong journey of aligning the passions God has placed in me with the real needs of the people around me. When I stay in tune with His guidance, remain flexible, and am intentional about how I invest my energy, I am able to walk confidently in my purpose and hopefully leave a meaningful and lasting impact.

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?

From an early age, I felt a deep calling to lead, to inspire, and to help transform lives. That sense of purpose has stayed with me, even as it has taken on many different forms over the years. I spent nearly fifteen years serving as a Deputy Probation Officer, and now I have the privilege of coaching leaders in corporate, ministry, and community spaces. Throughout it all, one thing has remained constant, and that is my passion for empowering others to step into their full potential and lead with confidence and clarity.

As the founder and CEO of Leadership DevelopME, LLC, I’ve made it my mission to help individuals and organizations grow their leadership capacity. To me, leadership is not just about holding a title. It’s about the mindset you bring and the action you take to create generational impact. Through our workshops, coaching programs, and leadership resources, I help equip leaders with practical tools so they can thrive in their roles, inspire their teams, and nurture healthy organizational climates.

My academic journey has been an important part of shaping who I am as a leader and teacher. I earned my B.S. in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University, graduating summa cum laude as salutatorian of my class. I later earned a M.S. in Administration of Criminal Justice and an M.A. in Theology and Biblical Studies. My passion for leadership development inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in Business and Organizational Leadership from Regent University, which deepened my commitment to transformational leadership on every level.

Beyond consulting, I’ve had the honor of serving as a Visiting Professor, teaching courses in Leadership, Organizational Behavior, Comparative Religions, and Philosophy. I am also blessed to be a motivational speaker, mentor, and published author, sharing insights that challenge, encourage, and empower others to step boldly into their purpose as leaders.

My dedication to leadership development and community impact has been recognized through numerous awards, including:
⚫️ Woman of Influence Award – ACHI Magazine
⚫️ Featured Business Owner – Charlotte Business Resources
⚫️ Top 150 Most Influential Women – Whole Truth Magazine (COGIC)
⚫️ President’s Volunteer Service Award – Presented by President Barack Obama
⚫️ Community Service Award – Association of Black Correctional Workers

As the Owner and CEO of Leadership DevelopME, LLC, I’m happy to provide our clients with:
⚫️ Leadership Development Workshops – Hands-on training to enhance leadership effectiveness
⚫️ One-on-One & Group Coaching – Personalized guidance for personal and professional growth
⚫️ Book Publication Services – Helping aspiring authors share their stories with the world
⚫️ FLIM (Female Leaders in Ministry & Marketplace) – A powerful community where women leaders collaborate, grow, and share resources

Join Us for the FLIM Summit 2025 in Tampa, FL!
September 19-20, 2025
A transformative experience for women leaders seeking connection, knowledge, partnership, and exponential growth.
Secure your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flim-summit-2025-tickets-102218054853

I am passionate about walking alongside others as they step into their God-given potential. If you are ready to elevate your leadership, refine your vision, and make a greater impact, I would love to connect, coach, and collaborate with you. Let’s build, grow, and lead together!

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, there are three key qualities that have been most impactful in shaping my path: adaptability, awareness, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. These qualities have not only guided me through challenges but have also positioned me for growth, effective leadership, and sustainable outcomes.

⚫️ Adaptability: Embracing Change & Growth
Life is full of unexpected twists—failures, disappointments, and moments where things don’t go as planned. What has set me apart on my journey is my ability to adapt. I’ve learned that setbacks are not roadblocks; they are opportunities to pivot, learn, and move forward stronger. True leaders must be flexible, recognizing when it’s time to shift strategies, reframe perspectives, and embrace new ways of thinking.
‼️Advice for those early in their journey: When you experience failure, don’t resist it—learn from it. Every lesson is a stepping stone toward something greater. Your ability to adapt will determine how far you go.

⚫️ Awareness: Knowing Yourself & Your Capacity
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of self-awareness. Understanding who I am, where I am emotionally, and what my current capacity is has been critical to my decision-making and longevity. Leadership requires clarity—not just about goals and vision but also about personal limits, strengths, and areas for growth.
‼️Advice for those early in their journey: Take time to reflect on who you are, what drives you, and where you currently stand. Self-awareness allows you to move intentionally and make strategic decisions that align with your purpose and potential.

⚫️ Knowledge-Seeking: Committing to Lifelong Learning
One of my core beliefs is that the moment you stop learning, you stop growing. I have always committed to remaining a student of life, leadership, and purpose. No matter how much success I achieve, I never allow myself to become comfortable or complacent. There is always more to learn, more to refine, and more to prepare for the next assignment.
‼️Advice for those early in their journey: Never stop seeking knowledge. Read books, take courses, invest in mentorship, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Your future success depends on how well you prepare for it today.

A Final Word of Advice
In your journey, never compete with people. Don’t allow them to be your measure of success. The only person you should compete with is yourself. Strive to be better tomorrow than you were today. Also, never get stuck in the success of your past. The moment you settle, you stop pushing toward the greatness still ahead. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep preparing for the future that is waiting for you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I strongly believe in the power of collaboration and the impact that is made when like-minded individuals come together to build, innovate, and lead. I am always looking to partner with individuals and organizations that align with my mission of developing high-performing leaders, empowering communities, and creating transformational experiences in both ministry and the marketplace.
Who I’m Looking to Collaborate With?
I welcome opportunities to collaborate with:
⚫️ Leadership Coaches & Trainers – Professionals who specialize or are seeking experts to share in leadership development, organizational growth, and executive coaching.
⚫️ Ministry & Faith-Based Leaders – Individuals who are passionate about equipping and empowering faith-driven leaders in churches and ministry spaces.
⚫️ Corporate & Business Leaders – Visionaries who are dedicated to strengthening workplace leadership, team dynamics, and professional development.
⚫️ Authors & Thought Leaders – Leaders who desire to publish their books and experts who are committed to sharing impactful messages through speaking engagements, workshops, and book collaborations.
⚫️ Event Organizers & Conference Hosts – Those looking for dynamic speakers, facilitators, or panelists to inspire and educate audiences on leadership, purpose, and organizational success.
⚫️ Women Empowerment Networks & Organizations – Groups that focus on elevating female leaders in business, ministry, and entrepreneurship.
If you are interested in partnering or collaborating, I would love to explore ways we can work together! Visit www.leadershipdevelopme.com to connect.

Contact Info:

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