Meet LaSandra Collins

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaSandra Collins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaSandra below.

LaSandra, 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?
Being the only one in the room who looks like me used to feel like navigating a maze with invisible walls. For years, I hid behind a facade, afraid of rejection and judgment. My interactions were strictly professional, devoid of any personal touch. I avoided small talk like the plague, deflecting questions about my personal life. It was a defense mechanism, a shield I used to protect myself from the hurtful comments of the past.

But then, a colleague said something that struck a chord: “LaSandra, it is okay for you to be you in the workplace.” Those words liberated me from my self-imposed constraints. I began to embrace my uniqueness, showcasing my true self without fear. I observed others in the room, learning from their mannerisms and communication styles. I took note of the good and the bad, shaping my approach.

Lesson 1 was about embracing my uniqueness. I learned that being authentic fosters stronger connections and contributes to a more inclusive environment. Lesson 2 taught me to challenge biases and stereotypes, confronting them head-on for a fairer workplace. Lesson 3 highlighted the importance of supportive colleagues in empowering individuals to be themselves.

Today, I understand the power of constructive feedback. It should nurture growth, not perpetuate biases. By fostering an environment of acceptance and support, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m thrilled to share what I do and what makes it so special. As a transformational coach, I specialize in empowering women through the HEAT approach: Healing, Empowerment, Awareness, and Transformation.

What’s truly exciting about my work is its profound impact on individuals’ lives. I guide my clients through a journey of self-discovery and growth, helping them heal from past traumas, embrace their unique strengths, challenge self-limiting beliefs, and ultimately transform their mindset for lasting change.

My background in HR adds a unique perspective to my coaching, allowing me to support individuals not only in their personal growth but also in their professional development. Whether it’s coaching front-line workers or C-suite executives, I’m passionate about empowering individuals at all levels to thrive in both their careers and personal lives.

But that’s not all—I’m also the founder of JIL Designs, LLC, a brand rooted in faith and designed to inspire and uplift through fashion. Our apparel is more than just clothing; it’s a reflection of divine inspiration, crafted with love and creativity to spread positivity and light.

And speaking of exciting news, I’m hosting my fourth conference, “Attitudes That Ignite: Powering the Inner Powerhouses of Men and Women,” on June 29th! It’s going to be an incredible event filled with engaging talks, networking opportunities, and a VIP experience like no other. Plus, we’re relaunching the JIL Designs apparel store, so you can experience fashion with a touch of the divine.

I’m passionate about empowering others to live their best lives, and I can’t wait to continue this journey of transformation with you. If you’re ready to ignite your inner powerhouse, join me at the conference and check out our divine-inspired designs at JIL Designs, check out our website at jildesigns.shop. Let’s spread love, light, and empowerment together!

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?
Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Along this winding path of success and self-discovery, we encounter challenges that test our resolve and moments of triumph that propel us forward. Looking back on my journey, I’ve come to realize the profound impact of three essential qualities: perseverance, resilience, and acceptance.

Perseverance: This quality kept me going when it felt like giving up was the only option. In moments of doubt and uncertainty, perseverance pushed me to keep moving forward despite the obstacles. My advice for those just starting out on their journey is to cultivate a mindset of persistence. Setbacks are inevitable, but it’s how you respond to them that matters most. Stay focused on your goals, remain determined, and never lose sight of your vision, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

Resilience: Resilience allowed me to bounce back from setbacks and adversity stronger than before. It’s the ability to adapt to change, overcome obstacles, and keep pushing forward, no matter what. For those embarking on their journey, I recommend building resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. View failures as valuable lessons that can propel you forward. Cultivate a positive mindset, practice self-care, and surround yourself with a supportive community that uplifts and encourages you during tough times.

Acceptance: Acceptance was key in my journey to self-discovery and empowerment. It’s about embracing who you are, flaws and all, and letting go of unrealistic expectations and judgments. Early on in your journey, focus on accepting yourself fully and unconditionally. Celebrate your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses, and understand that growth comes from self-awareness and self-compassion. Practice mindfulness, cultivate gratitude, and surround yourself with people who accept you for who you are.

In summary, perseverance, resilience, and acceptance are three qualities that can profoundly impact your journey to success and fulfillment. Cultivate these qualities, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and remember to be kind to yourself along the way. Your journey may have ups and downs, but with perseverance, resilience, and acceptance, you can navigate any obstacle and emerge stronger on the other side.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I firmly believe in leveraging our strengths while also investing effort in improving areas where we may not be as strong. It’s through this balance that true growth and development occur. While it’s tempting to focus solely on what we excel at, neglecting other areas means missing out on opportunities for personal and professional advancement.

Let me share a personal story to illustrate this point. I’ve always had a natural knack for writing, and creating content for social media came effortlessly to me. However, when it came to creating video content, I found myself hesitant and resistant. For years, I avoided recording videos despite encouragement from my marketing strategist, who insisted that connecting through video would be more impactful.

It wasn’t until I acknowledged my fear and discomfort with video that I realized I needed to take action. I hired a video coach and began working on improving my skills in this area. Facing my fear head-on was daunting, but it also empowered me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges.

Through dedication and perseverance, I gradually became more comfortable with creating video content. What initially seemed like a daunting task soon became an exciting opportunity for growth and self-expression. By confronting my fear and investing effort in improving my skills, I transformed a perceived weakness into a newfound strength.

This experience taught me the importance of pushing past our comfort zones and investing in areas where we may not be as strong. It’s through these challenges that we discover our true potential and develop the resilience needed to overcome obstacles. By embracing growth and development in all areas of our lives, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and opportunities for success.

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Image Credits
Photo by Naddy Frank

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