We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Letitia Clark. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Letitia below.
Letitia, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Early in my political career, I had an opportunity to work for the Speaker of the House in Georgia as a policy analyst after leaving New Orleans post Hurricane Katrina. Let’s just say the Speaker was someone who was on a completely different political spectrum than me–we could have not been further apart politically.
But in working for him and getting to know him better, I realized we had a lot in common and we actually agreed about so many foundational things that we believed would make our communities better. The end goals were similar, but the paths to get there were starkly different.
Fast forward, throughout my career, I realized that there are opportunities to find commonalities with everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, background or social status. If we start with our similarities rather than our differences, we can find that many of us share a common thread of values or interests that can develop into a relationship or partnership long-term.
Now, when I walk into a room and I don’t see anyone that looks like me, I don’t let our exterior differences scare me. I push through the fear, start a conversation and find what we have in common to build upon a conversation from there.
I have found the most unlikely friendships by exercising this habit over and over again, especially in places where I initially feel most uncomfortable.
My greatest advice is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and to start with similarities before delving into differences. If you do this, you may just get to know people that are unexpected blessings and beneficial to your life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am entering my 8th year in public office and the experience has been a great sacrifice of my time and talent, but also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
As the first Black woman to be elected to the Tustin City Council and serve as the Mayor, I know that I am providing permission for every kid of color to dream big and pursue a path of leadership.
While serving as the Mayor in 2021, I became a mom again to baby #3, which was also quite an experience and enlightening, in that it revealed to me that systems in place do not necessarily create welcome spaces for new moms and parents…particularly for those who have to juggle work and family full-time.
As a full-time working mom to twins for 13 years before baby #3, I always felt the discomfort of managing both parts of my life. But postpartum, in the midst of the pandemic and civil unrest, this balance felt more off than ever.
I felt the need to speak to working moms everywhere and provide an empowering message about how valuable we can be in professional spaces and how we should rid ourselves of imposter syndrome, but celebrate our unique agility to multitask and achieve incredibly hard things.
This is where “Baby’s Room to the Boardroom” came into fruition to encourage working moms everywhere on how to transition from bottle feeding to boss moves. This was my second book to follow “Mommy is the Mayor”—my debut release written while serving as mayor.
Now I am speaking to groups about the book and offering workshop opportunities to overcome imposter syndrome and walk in their purpose by tapping into the talents and lessons acquired through mommyhood.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Don’t miss the lesson. Pay attention to every closed door and every barrier placed in your way. How you overcome the challenge is the lesson that may help you achieve something you never even dreamed of.
Also do hard things and see how far you can go. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable to ensure you grow and stretch yourself every year. Encourage people around you to do the same.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
How Are You Really? by Jenna Kutcher helped me start on a self-care journey that was crucial to overcoming postpartum depression. Now I work to unapologetically take care of myself and prioritize rest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Letitia-Clark/author/B0BY4PQB6N?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letitiacclark/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letitiaclark/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/letitiaclark/
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