We recently had the chance to connect with LaDonica Whitfield and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning LaDonica, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
One silent struggle is networking properly! The lack of confidence, clarity, trust or even imposter syndrome, deters many people from making meaningful connections. There is an art to make the right connections & build meaningful relationships.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
LaDonica Whitfield is passionate about empowering teenage minorities and women of color, she created her 501c3 “The Younger U” so that she can empower minority high school students to build wealth at an early age. The program teaches them good mental health practices and introduces them into investing.
LaDonica also started her community Business B.A.E.S (Bold And Empowering Sistahood). The community provides a safe and vibrant space for education, sisterhood and business travel like conferences, networking events, grand openings and even retreats as a group. Her community provides affiliate links and investments for the members to earn another stream of income.
Connecting people and resources, LaDonica is also known as “The Resource Expert.” Her next project is her Resource Expert podcast to share real conversations, guidance, and authentic stories.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Two months before graduating high school, LaDonica became pregnant. With scholarships and an acceptance letter to FAMU plus entry into the navy, she had to decide quickly on what her future would look like. Deciding to pivot, she made magic happen to provide and thrive like most women do for their child. LaDonica knew she didn’t want to become a statistic, so she went to community college and later found her way into entrepreneurship. One of the most powerful feelings is to make a way even when the outcome is blurry.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Fumbling over $45k, messing up my over 700 credit score twice, repos, lights being cut off, overdrawn bank accounts, & maxed out credit cards, has taught me that, I have to make sure I’m 100% mentally and financially ok before helping others. When you are in a great space, people are there ready for you to help them but when you need it, they cannot help or will not help. When flight attendants tell you to secure your own oxygen mask before anyone elses, use that same advise in life. You have to be secure 1st, then go & help others next.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
One belief I use to have is that “People look weak when they ask for help or show emotions.”
Being emotional shows that you are human. Definitely don’t STAY in that emotion long term, but it is ok to get emotional. When we don’t ask for help, it will keep us in the same place longer than needed. When you ask, you will receive as long as you put in the work and be humble to those assisting you.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
I have been in my own way for a while now. Allowing imposter syndrome to consume me. When I allow that 2nd guessing to show up 1st, it pushed me to be more to myself & I have to many people who look to me for inspiration. Imposter syndrome is real, but I had to remind myself who I am and my purpose in this world. I have to continue to show up, empower myself & others every day. 1% better is always the goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theresourceexpert.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessbaesofficial/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladonicawhitfield/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaDonicaWhitfield
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheResourceExpert
