Show Notes:

In this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera talks with Dr. Lakeya Cherry, an executive leadership coach and entrepreneur, about owning our stories. Our stories are perhaps the keys that unlock many of our life choices and unlock much of this conversation—showing up as our whole selves gives us the courage to imagine changing careers or pursuing entrepreneurship. Dr. Cherry addresses the unique challenges women of color face in building a business and highlights the spaces we create when we live in our truth. Although flexibility can bring challenges, this conversation, paraphrasing Dr. Cherry’s words, shows that obstacles are the mountains we climb and conquer. The peaks and valleys come with different points of view. We must be honest about the hike endured to live the lives we desire, especially within this political climate of pursuing entrepreneurship. Talks like these are why authenticity matters in leadership and why our morals should never be absent. Despite what is popular, inclusivity is not a fad; it's an intrinsic and extrinsic belief that accentuates resilience, resistance, and connection to all people.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, PCC, is the CEO/Founder of Lakeya Cherry LLC, a Partner at Evolution, and an executive leadership coach who has dedicated her career to the growth and development of individuals and their organizations. As an ICF Certified Coach, a StartingBloc Fellow, a Rmrkblty #IAmRemarkable Facilitator, and a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, she believes that when leaders are empowered to reach their fullest potential, they will be able to support those around them more effectively. Her experience with coaching ignited her passion for supporting individuals, teams, and organizations to lead more authentically and courageously. Her former clients include Glassdoor, LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI), Snap, Cisco, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Southern Veterinary Partners (SVP), The Trust powered by the NFL Players Association, The Gates Foundation, Chicago Foundation for Women, Seattle Children’s Hospital, UCSD Palliative Care, Black Administrators of Child Welfare, and the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute amongst many others. Dr. Cherry is the former Chief Executive Officer of The Network for Social Work Management, an international organization dedicated to strengthening and mobilizing diverse social impact leaders through education, leadership development, networking, and community-building. Under her leadership, the Network has expanded globally and introduced transformative programming that produced better leaders and enhanced organizational cultures. She also serves as a Commissioner on San Diego’s Commission on the Status of Women, which helps to address the needs of San Diego women in their social, economic, and vocational pursuits. Her approach is informed by her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California, where she was honored with the coveted Order of Arête award, her M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, and her B.A. in Psychology and Legal Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Additional qualifications: iEQ9 Enneagram, Team Coaching, Psychological Safety, EQi 2.0 and EQ 360 certification, Diversity and Inclusion and Women's Entrepreneurship certification (eCornell), and Nonprofit Executive Leadership certificate (National Human Services Assembly).

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Questions or comments?

Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire⁠⁠⁠

License code: HH1UUNHIRJ7LUSVU

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