We recently connected with Lisa M. Landry and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa M. , 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?
John 15:12 reads “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Everyone is created in the image of God, so if God is love, then people are love. I was taught never to judge someone based on their uniqueness. When I see my reflection in the mirror, all I see is Lisa, not my ethnicity or gender, only Lisa. When you see the world through rose-colored glasses, you fail to realize there are categories created to cause division. Upon entering the workforce, I didn’t understand the impact of being the only one in the room that looked like me. As I progressed in my professional career, I was in for a rude awakening.
My first experience of stereotyping occurred in my early twenties. I was one of two women that worked in a small office. A male visitor remarked that women were too emotional to hold executive positions and that men should have all the power in the business world. I was shocked, to say the least, I decided to remain composed and ignore the comment. Women were given the gift to bring life into this world so how could we be considered powerless? Years later, I decided to change my hairstyle to braids. My boss asked me “Lisa, how did you grow your hair so fast?” I responded sarcastically, “I decided to drink Miracle-Gro over the weekend.” I never heard another comment about my hair. A female coworker once told me I was very polished for people like me. POLISHED! Like a shoe. I was very confused by her statement until I asked a friend who explained that my appearance fit the corporate culture which isn’t expected of women who resemble me. The passive-aggressive utterances continued which targeted my speech, personality, attire, body, marital status, etc. The mental strain of trying to conform to other’s opinions about me began to affect my identity negatively. I became a people pleaser to avoid personal attacks making me stoic.
When an individual lashes out at another without justification, it only reflects their internal conflicts. Projection is an indication of the strength I possess. If I love myself, I can express love to others without regard for their appearance. This is Christ-likeness, agape love, and respect for human dignity.
My awakening blossomed late in life but it was my freedom. Early in my career, I developed hard skills which are the technical knowledge and training acquired to perform work duties. My soft skills were not up to par. I had to learn to master soft skills often referred to as people skills which help individuals work well together with others and succeed in the workplace. Examples included communication, empathy, adaptability, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Always maintain professionalism and be approachable. If you are feeling ill, let people know, if you are overwhelmed, ask for help, and never by any means take your aggression out on others. Everyone is experiencing a silent battle, so treat your peers with understanding and compassion.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Landry Services Unlimited offers accounting and financial consulting services to individuals and businesses. We are versed in a variety of industries and business operations. Our experience in integrated aspects of companies includes Human Resources, Marketing, Insurance, Estimating, and Project Management. In addition, we offer employment preparation, grant writing, and business plan implementation. Our goal is to assist individuals seeking to become business owners and enhance established firm’s productivity and profitability. We incorporate innovative and versatile advancements that propel net worth and generational wealth.
Tax season is fast approaching and we are very excited to offer seasoned advice to all existing and potential clients. We conduct initial consultations to understand our customers’ needs and how we can maximize tax savings. Understanding tax laws and financial codifications is important whether you are an employee or business owner, therefore we extend training in filing self-prepared tax returns. Our mission is to educate people to become self-sufficient in financial analysis. The “Reach One Teach One” motto is embedded in our culture. Yes, we want to be a profitable company, but we believe in giving back to the people. Proverbs 11:25 reads “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
In 2025, we are expanding our services to Louisiana, our home state, our first love. “Never forget where you come from.” Louisiana’s per capita disposable income is $79,000 ranking 45 out of all 50 states. The living wage for (1) adult is $32.00 per hour. Many resident’s income is below what is statically reported as livable compensation. Financial literacy is necessary for the advancement of our current and future generations. At Landry Services Unlimited, we want to see everyone succeed and reap the benefits of their labor instead of living paycheck to paycheck. Dream big my fellow Louisianans, there is more of the world to experience, but the drive begins with YOU! We are here to make your aspirations become your reality.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I am highly critical of myself, so I constantly evaluate my abilities and performance. Looking back, I determined three qualities or skills that were most impactful in my journey: resilience, fairness, and a sense of humor. I am positive about developing and enhancing the employee, entrepreneur, and woman that encompasses Lisa.
Resilience is the outcome of chaos. My career development was not seamless. I have made mistakes and bad judgments. One area I had to work on was believing I was always right. Even if I was corrected, well I was right that I was wrong. INSANITY! I learned that constructive criticism is not an attack on my intelligence but a way to amplify my performance. A coworker told me I should have chosen a career in law since I was so argumentative. It was not a compliment. At times we become our destruction. It is essential to know your personality and battle the negative traits we all possess. The internal struggle is the biggest battle each of us faces but on the other side is a refined masterpiece.
A quote by Alex Herman states “Inclusion and fairness in the workplace…it is not simply the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do.” As a manager, I chose to be fair to all subordinates and management. I will engage with the janitor just as with the CEO. Your position does not dictate your treatment. Everyone’s role is vital to the success of a business. I do not consider myself a boss, because I am not a dictator. I am a leader, because I push others to become leaders. We all receive gifts from God and our purpose is to share those gifts while we are here. I allow my peers to display their talents which benefits the company and employees’ confidence.
A sense of humor will turn any work environment into a positive experience daily. Let’s work but have fun while we are doing so. I firmly believe in creating a dynamic where laughter can assist with stress, fear, and challenges. For example, I have a safe word for my team when I begin a conversation similar to a filibuster. If I go on a tangent, they have the right to say “Yellow,” which indicates I must stop and return to my office. When I am passionate about a subject, it can become “The Never Ending Story.” It takes a lot to offend me, so I make it a point to mock myself. It is very entertaining, especially when you are self-aware.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
True North by Bill George is a book that has played an important role in my development. I learned about self-discovery and authentic leadership. Learning from successful CEOs gave me insight into my manager and business owner techniques. I began a thorough analysis of my character strengths and weaknesses. My motto is “A weakness is only a strength not fully developed.” After reading True North, my healing process began. It was not a beautiful transition. I had to face myself which was tragic yet liberating. Realizing the errors I made as a manager and how my actions affected others was heartbreaking. I chose to make atonement by revamping my managerial technique.
The most impactful wisdom I gained from True North is the moral compass. The concept is “When your moral compass is headed true North, you will know you are on the right to ethical decision-making.” My father always told me “No matter who is wrong, you choose to be right.” I implement the moral compass and my father’s advice in every decision. Thinking of others and myself is also important when I analyze the best personal or professional approach to a situation. Landry Services Unlimited is a business built on expertise, knowledge, morals, ethics, and God. Allow our firm to help you discover your true north.
Contact Info:
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Image Credits
Atascocita Photography
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