Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latrice T. Smith, Esquire, MPH. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Latrice T., 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?
In the high-stakes arenas of law, entrepreneurship, and commercial real estate, I often find myself as the sole Black woman in the room. While it’s a position that could feel isolating, I’ve transformed it into one of empowerment and leadership.
I’ve come to realize that my presence in these spaces is no accident—I’m here because I’ve earned my spot. Every room I enter, every table I sit at, I belong there. This conviction fuels my every move. Before I step into a meeting or negotiation, I make sure I’m impeccably prepared. I dive deep into the details, anticipate questions, and arm myself with knowledge. This preparation ensures that when I speak, it’s with authority and insight.
Listening is a skill I’ve honed into a fine art. It allows me to read the room, understanding not just the words but the layers of meaning behind them. This insight guides my interactions and helps me make strategic contributions that resonate and influence.
Building confidence has been a journey. I’ve grown to trust in my abilities and the unique perspective I bring. This self-assuredness doesn’t just shield me from doubt—it projects a presence that commands respect. It’s a reminder to myself and to everyone in the room that my voice matters.
I’ve learned to see my uniqueness as a superpower. Being the only one like me in the room doesn’t set me apart—it sets me ahead. I represent not just my own ambitions, but a broader mission to pave the way for diversity and inclusivity in my fields. Each step I take forward is a step in the right direction for everyone who will follow.
To those who find themselves as the “only one” in their professional circles, let this be a message of empowerment: Your uniqueness is your strength. Embrace it. Prepare with diligence, listen with intent, and speak with confidence. You are exactly where you are meant to be, and your presence is rewriting the narrative for the better. Stand tall—your voice is not just needed; it’s indispensable.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am truly fortunate to lead a multifaceted professional life, each aspect of which fuels my passion for leadership, innovation, and community wellness. As the CEO and principal attorney at Thomas Law & Consulting, I dedicate myself to empowering entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive as CEOs. Our firm is not just about offering legal advice; we provide a holistic business development service that ensures our clients are well-equipped to take on the world of business with gusto and wisdom.
Simultaneously, I hold the role of CFO and co-owner with my husband Emmett at Mechanical Piping Solutions. This venture taps into a different aspect of my expertise—overseeing a leading commercial plumbing installation company that plays a critical role in building infrastructures for medical facilities, retail spaces, and restaurants. Our work ensures that these essential services operate efficiently, which is vital for public health and the economy.
Alongside these ventures, I am also CEO and co-owner of beem Light Sauna in Atlanta’s vibrant Glenwood Park—a pioneering franchise that brings light therapy wellness to the forefront of the health industry. At beem Light Sauna, we’re part of a movement that champions holistic health, offering our community a sanctuary to rejuvenate and restore. This venture is particularly close to my heart, as it aligns with my passion for health and wellness. Our studio offers light therapy wellness treatments that contribute significantly to the well-being of our community, promoting a holistic approach to health that complements our fast-paced lives. We are proud to be the third location to open among over two hundred beem Light Sauna franchises.
The synergy between my roles enhances each one. The strategic acumen required in legal and business consulting enriches my approach to managing complex plumbing projects and vice versa. Every day brings new opportunities to cross-pollinate ideas across different industries, leading to innovative solutions and approaches.
What’s on the horizon? Thomas Law & Consulting is set to introduce cutting-edge business strategies that will redefine how entrepreneurs achieve success. Mechanical Piping Solutions is gearing up to expand into new markets, promising even greater efficiency and service. Meanwhile, beem Light Sauna is looking to launch new wellness programs that will set new standards in health and relaxation.
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 elements have been crucial to my success and I will provide one of each: a key quality, a vital skill, and an indispensable area of knowledge.
Quality: Tenacity
Tenacity has been my driving force. In both triumphs and setbacks, my resolve to keep pushing forward has never waned. This unyielding persistence is what keeps you moving forward, even when obstacles seem insurmountable. To anyone starting out, my advice is to cultivate resilience. View each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than a setback. Remember, perseverance is often the difference between success and failure.
Skill: Communication**
Now, communication—I had to really lean into this one. I love talking, but I had to learn that there’s so much more to it. Effective communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking. It’s about giving space to others to share their thoughts and respecting their contributions. Learning to balance expressing my ideas with actively listening to others has been pivotal. If you’re early in your career, focus on this: listen as much as you speak. It’s a game changer to be able to express yourself clearly and also truly hear what others are bringing to the table.
**Area of Knowledge: Lead Generation**
Lead generation is crucial, no matter the business. You’ve got to know how to pinpoint and connect with the right customers. If you don’t reach the right people, you really don’t have a business at all. It’s about identifying and reaching the right customers. If you’re not reaching the right audience, you simply won’t have a viable business. For newcomers, I recommend diving deep into strategies for lead generation. Study different techniques, from digital marketing to traditional networking, and find what works best for your industry. Staying adaptable and continually learning in this area can truly set you apart.
For those at the beginning of their careers, focus on these areas: build your resilience, master the art of communication, and become adept at identifying and reaching your target market. These skills and knowledge areas are not just foundations for a career; they are the bedrock upon which you can build lasting success.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year, the biggest area where I’ve seen growth is in my ability to delegate effectively. As our businesses have expanded and evolved, it’s become increasingly clear how vital a strong team is to our success. However, just having a team isn’t enough—they need to be set up to succeed.
Delegation isn’t just about handing off tasks; it’s about empowering your team. This means providing them with the right guidance, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools, and offering constructive feedback to help them grow. I’ve learned that by trusting my team more and supporting their development, we can achieve much greater things together.
This shift required a lot of personal growth on my part. It involved stepping back sometimes, letting others take the lead, and accepting that they might handle things differently than I would. This not only helped our projects move forward more efficiently but also fostered a stronger, more capable team.
Looking back, improving my delegation skills has not only contributed to our business growth but has also enhanced my leadership style and made our work environment more dynamic and proactive.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thomaslaw.org; beemlightsauna.com/glenwood; http://mpsplumber.com
- Instagram: @latricesmithesq; @beem.atlantaglenwood.ga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomaslawandconsulting
Image Credits
Simone Renee Photography LLC
