We recently connected with Lise Farah Uzodinma and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Lise Farah with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is a reflection of the unwavering determination and resilience I witnessed in my father. In his early 20s, he immigrated to the U.S. from Haiti with limited education, compelled by a deep sense of responsibility for his family. Seeing my grandmother shoulder the burden of caring for four children alone, he made the selfless choice to drop out of school to support her and ensure his siblings received an education.
Upon arriving in the U.S., my father took on the role of a dishwasher in various restaurants, navigating the harsh realities of xenophobia and racial discrimination. A few years following his migration, I was born in Haiti, and subsequently, my father sent for my mother and me to join him in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It was there that I witnessed his remarkable journey in building a thriving landscaping business. Despite grappling with cultural, language, and societal challenges, and the daunting task of adapting to a new environment, he remained steadfast in his commitment to supporting our family both in the United States and back home in Haiti.
When circumstances prompted him to sell his business and relocate our family to Georgia, my father’s resilience once again came to the forefront. Balancing three jobs, he navigated this transition until he successfully established a new venture—a trucking company. Despite enduring a debilitating stroke, he ensured our family’s well-being, providing for us during his recovery journey of relearning to speak and walk. Throughout this challenging period, not a single complaint escaped him. Fueled by his strong faith, integrity, principles, and discipline, he triumphed over every obstacle.
Approaching my 30s, I recognize that I am undeniably my father’s child. A published author, recording artist, master’s degree holder, tech professional, small business owner, seminary-trained minister, mother, wife, and entrepreneur – my path echoes his remarkable journey. I build upon the bedrock of his work ethic, a benchmark that steers me in every pursuit. His narrative is not solely my heritage; it fuels my unwavering quest for success.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hey loves! My name is Lise Farah Uzodinma. I am originally from the beautiful island of Haiti, and now, a seasoned resident of the U.S for more than two decades. I am an introverted-extrovert who cherishes alone time but equally loves the company of good people radiating positive vibes.
My faith, my family, and my love for creativity and people are just a few of the defining aspect of my personality. You can find me on stage performing spoken word on stages, at a church ministering to people, at home taking a nap, writing, or chasing my 2 year old around the house, working and meeting clients, and everywhere in between. I am a sucker for crime, medical, drama, and action packed movies and t.v shows which my husband thinks is creepy lol. My ideal day consist of quality moments with my husband and our toddler, followed by brunch and coffee, cozying up on the couch, wrapped in five or so blankets, ice cream, and definitely a nap!
Educationally, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Georgia and a Master’s in Christian Thought from Bethel University Seminary. I wear many hats and am grateful for the roles I get to take on as a wife, mother, speaker, author, coach, business owner and even a seminary-trained minister. Drawing from over a decade of experience in business, technology, marketing, web design, nonprofit work, social media management, and consulting, I offer a unique blend of expertise and I am always down to learn something new.
My mission extends beyond professional realms; it’s about equipping, empowering, and elevating a generation of confident, bold, purpose-driven women leaders. It’s about creating safe spaces for women and mothers like me to feel seen and heard.
I’m a passionate supporter of mental health advocacy, navigating my own journey with anxiety and depression. Through therapy, medication, and the unwavering support of an incredible community of friends and family, I’ve discovered healing and resilience. Grounded in faith and prayer, I’ve uncovered not only healing but an enduring journey of strength and resilience.
Currently my days revolve around developing my firm, Lise Farah Coaching and Consulting. My firms primary focus is on empowering solopreneurs, small business owners, brands, and both secular and nonsecular organizations to thrive in the era of digital connectivity. When people inquire about my brand, it’s one of the simplest questions to answer – my brand is me: authentic, vulnerable, resilient, and always striving for excellence.
When it is all said and done what grounds me and motivates to continue walking in my purpose is my steadfast identity as a believer of Jesus Christ and the privilege that is being a wife, mother, and catalyst for social change.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I will say that my skills and knowledge in technology, adaptability/resilience, and a commitment to a growth mindset have been and continue to be pivotal qualities that significantly shaped and contributed to my success.
In a world that is constantly advancing technologically, technology is an integral part of our daily lives. My background in tech, at Apple, has played a significant role in refining my technological skills, teaching me effective troubleshooting, fostering creative problem-solving, and highlighting the ways in which technology can enrich our lives. Plus my lucky bonus and secret weapon being my husband, a Data Engineer, who gives me with a distinct advantage in confidently tackling both significant and minor technology-related challenges.
The superpowers of adaptability, resilience and a growth mindset are remarkably significant. Life moves fast and with warning. Change is perpetual and at times heartbreaking but the ability to adapt seamlessly and confidently is indispensable in both my personal and professional life. Embracing a growth mindset means welcoming challenges, viewing failures as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks, and recognizing that dedication and hard work propel me to unprecedented heights.
For those embarking on their journey, my advice is threefold. First, invest in acquiring and refining technological skills, marketing skills, and overall people and community-building skills. Second, cultivate a habit of reading extensively. A diverse range of books can unlock the secrets to success, healing, growth and so much more– so find joy in reading. Lastly, understand that intelligence, confidence, and success are not inherent traits; they are attainable desires with the right mindset, community, and dedication.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always eager to collaborate with women who dream of creating a lasting impact in their communities and leave enduring legacies for their families. I firmly believe that women are inherently beautiful, powerful, and capable of far more than societal suggestions and expectations may suggest. Connecting on a personal level with passionate women who dream big and seek meaningful endeavors is a source of immense joy for me. Instantly, I find myself envisioning their grand picture, and my creatively strategic mind lights up, formulating a comprehensive roadmap to help them achieve their dreams. Experiencing that joy and moment of clarity for and with them is priceless.
As a wife, mom, business owner, entrepreneur, and believer, I understand the myriad hats that women wear, often feeling pressured to sacrifice personal dreams for the greater good or succumbing to societal rhetoric. However, I reject that notion with every fiber of my being! We deserve to dream and pursue those dreams unapologetically. We have the right to serve as examples to our children, spouses, community, and the world—showing what it means for a woman to confidently love herself, bring her dreams to fruition, and be a loving wife, present mother, or anything else she aspires to be and do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/lisefarah
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisefarahuzodinma/
Image Credits
Phots Taken By: Jasmine (IG: jlaviiphotography) Graphics: By Me
