We caught up with the brilliant and insightful L.A. Roberts a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi L.A. , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from a place of childlike faith. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been able to tap into a place of hope no matter the situation or circumstance. My Papa always made me believe I can do anything I put my mind to no matter what it was. If I told him I wanted to be an astronaut his answer would be ok when is your first mission to the moon. He never questioned my abilities and if it could happen. It was always when. His belief in me kept me in a beautiful space of childlike faith and now that he’s gone I stay there because that’s where I visit him in my heart.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the Founder and CEO of I Inspire Global where ordinary people with extraordinary stories change the world. I find joy in celebrating everyday people and organizations who are doing phenomenal things in the world. These people are most times overlooked because they do these things from the heart not looking for recognition. Everyone has a story that can change someone’s world and cause them to move to the next level in life. My goal is to assist in teaching them to tell their stories with joy and not pain. To stand on top of their stories and not in it or underneath it. Allowing people to tap into their power and recognize just how special and important they truly are. Everyone on the planet is here for a reason. Showing them how to wrap their arms around that reason with love and joy makes my heart smile.
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?
I would say the three most impactful skills or qualities are 1) Being kind to myself through the process. We can be our own worst enemy. We don’t allow the grace we extend to other people to be extended to ourselves. I’ve learned that I deserve that same grace if not more. I’m a work in progress and enjoying the journey is part of it. Laughing and learning through the mistakes is key. Nobody is perfect so you shouldn’t expect it from yourself.
2) The beauty of recreating myself. Earlier in my journey I felt as if what I was doing had to work. If it didn’t then everything would fall apart and I would be lost. Now I’ve learned to hit reset and separate myself from the work and once again enjoy the experience. If something doesn’t work now I don’t take it to personal. It was a lesson now on to the next. Great people always have trial and error periods in life and because I’m great the same is expected.
3) Choosing to do what I love. There’s a rhythm when you do what you love. I absolutely love to inspire and encourage. There’s a beautiful flow and when it happens I know I’m doing what I’m called to do. It’s not forced. It all flows naturally. I take that into every project that I choose. Life is a beautiful journey and it should be spent doing what you absolutely love.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My “Papa” Leon F. Howard Sr. was and still is the cornerstone of why I am the way I am. He always believes in me and nothing was impossible. When I’m having a bad day or doubting my abilities I remember him saying “Oh Queen you can do that” and it brings me back. His love and confidence in me is something I will hold onto for the rest of my life and beyond. When I’m blessed with children I will be sure to pass my Papas love and wisdom on because just like I always need it I’m sure they will too.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LARobertsSpeaks.com
- Instagram: L_A_Roberts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L.A.Roberts333?mibextid=LQQJ4d
