Meet LaToya NaShae

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaToya NaShae a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

LaToya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only minority in the room has become a commonplace experience for me. My earliest memory of being the “only” dates back to kindergarten. At 38, that seems like ages ago! As an adult, these seemingly isolating environments range from congregations to networking events, conferences, and panel discussions, to name a few. Unlike five-year-old me who didn’t have a say in choosing my classroom, these were places and opportunities I chose to step into. When saying yes to next-level opportunities, being the “only” is sometimes par for the course.

I have learned that the perceived limitations I fixate on become self-imposed brick walls, and I am not a fan of blockades. A slight mindset shift goes a long way. Let’s say I am the only African American in the room or the only woman. Okay. I can work with that. There is a good chance that I am not the only Christian OR entrepreneur OR Enneagram Type 8. Time and time again, flashing my Colgate smile and striking up conversations with strangers have proven effective at slicing through the awkwardness of appearing to be the “only.” Before long, commonalities rise to the top, feelings of isolation fade away, and lasting connections are inevitably made. The choice is mine: I can stick out OR I can stand out. I choose to hold my head high, trust there is space for me in the rooms that are for me, and stand flat footed on the common ground that is sure to surface if I look for it.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Coach LaToya NaShae, and I am made for THE MIDDLE. What exactly does that mean? As a Process Coach, I embolden my clients to sincerely and effectively live out what matters most to them.

Fulfillment never just happens, right? If so, joy would be commonplace and more people would be flowing in their God-designed purpose rather than groaning their way through Monday through Friday. Fulfillment – truly thriving – is an intentional, strategic journey of optimizing peace by prioritizing one’s core values through every season, including the not-so-great ones.

I love linking arms with clients who believe:

– MORE IS ABSOLUTELY AVAILABLE

– DESTINY REQUIRES INTENTIONALITY

– FULFILLMENT IS ONLY A PROCESS AWAY

I am inviting those who are ready to map out their plan for more to join my monthly mentorship program, Practically Purposeful. From March to November, I will be partnering with and pouring into 40 individuals who are ready to shift from hoping to DOING. We are putting feet on our faith and boldly leaping into destiny.

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?
1. Faith – For me, faith and tenacity go hand-in-hand. My life’s mission and vision are fueled by my faith. I keep creating, recalibrating, and serving others because One far greater than me equips me to help others experience freedom and fulfillment.

  1. Relationship-building – I know, I know. Authentic relationships have been an ongoing conversation for the last few years. As quiet as it’s kept, though, more people talk about it than are actually living it. I wholeheartedly believe that relationships are our greatest resource. When nurtured instead of treated transactionally, relationships help to keep our souls watered, creativity flowing, and our network thriving.
  2. Emotional Intelligence – Learning to process emotions and articulate my needs when necessary as well as being empathetic towards others, especially in the midst of conflict, helps me to harness the power of peace. I am my best, most fulfilled self when esteeming peace as a core value.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents believe in me. As much of a wordsmith as I am, it is difficult to put into words how much their support means to me. I’ve thrown them quite a few curveballs over the years. From walking away from my dream of becoming a dentist to two major relocations and jumping headfirst into entrepreneurship, they have always believed in me. Even during the times when they didn’t understand my decisions, they trusted the faith that backed those decisions. I am forever grateful to call them mine.

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