Today we’d like to introduce you to April Lewis.
Hi April, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Frederick Douglass once stated, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” These words resonate deeply with me. I hope my journey from heart-wrenching loss to becoming a prominent entrepreneur is an inspiration to everyone who reads it.
The turning point in my life occurred on February 27, 2006, when my beloved husband, Dwayne, tragically lost his life while serving in Iraq. Until that fateful day, my life had been pretty “normal.” Having excelled in my military career, I had recently returned from a year-long deployment in Iraq, achieved promotion to the rank of Sergeant, and received the prestigious Soldier of the Month award. On top of it all, I had found love with an extraordinary Grenadian man from Brooklyn, NY, adding a beautiful dimension to my already fulfilling life.
That single phone call shattered my world and propelled me onto a path I never could have foreseen. The pain of losing Dwayne was beyond measure, shaking me at my very core. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety became constant companions, casting a shadow over my days. I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness, fear, hopelessness, and confusion, unable to regain the vibrant energy and happiness I knew as my norm. At times, I even questioned whether life was worth living.
Amid my darkest moments, I realized I couldn’t return to who I was before. I embraced the idea that my purpose lay ahead, not behind. Little did I know that this difficult journey would lead me to become a nationally recognized corporate trainer and a global entrepreneur.
The path to healing began with a single, difficult decision. Amidst tear-filled days, suffering in silence, and confiding in only a select few about my desperate need for help, I found solace in the teachings of some of the world’s most inspiring individuals. Their messages of hope resonated with me above all else, ultimately inspiring me to make a life-changing choice.
Every morning, despite the heaviness that weighed me down, I made the conscious decision to get out of bed and resist the temptation to stay there and sleep the pain away. Battling depression, I discovered the strength to remove the metaphorical blanket of numbness that had to come from within. My first victory was the simple act of getting up and moving. To this day, I have a morning routine that nurtures my mind, body, and spirit.
From that point forward, movement progressed from the confines of the couch to embrace the healing power of fresh air and sunlight – the antithesis of depression. Gradually, I walked daily, while listening to positive and motivational messages from renowned speakers and authors who became my virtual friends.
In retrospect, my healing journey was undoubtedly predestined. As a lifelong athlete, I always prioritized healthy living and excelled in basketball, even playing professionally for a German league during my military service. It was this foundation of resilience and determination that pushed me forward on the road to recovery.
Today, I spend my days as a captivating keynote speaker, sharing my story with healthcare organizations across the nation. Recognized as an industry expert in workplace wellness and leadership development, I leverage my personal experience of self-mastery to help professionals seamlessly work well, live well, and lead well.
My journey from adversity to achievement serves as a testament to the human spirit’s invincible nature. Through resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to making a difference, I overcame unimaginable obstacles and emerged as a beacon of hope for those facing their trials. Regardless of the struggle – you can progress.
Even in the face of profound loss, it is possible to find purpose, rebuild, and create a life that makes your soul smile.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, my journey has not been smooth. In the words of the Navy Seals, “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” When it came to grieving, I had no idea what to do. I hadn’t experienced a loss of that magnitude. My instinct was to plow through the pain and hurry my way to healing. I wanted to wake up each morning and magically be happy, with complete control over my thoughts and emotions, without relying on substances to get me through the day.
One of the significant obstacles I faced was struggling with my identity. The loss of my husband left me feeling lost and unsure of who I was anymore. The overwhelming sadness and anger clouded my mind, making it nearly impossible for me to even envision a future or dare to dream.
Over the years, I encountered numerous challenges on my path to healing. Talk therapy, self-medication, and countless nervous breakdowns became part of my journey as I sought ways to cope with my pain. It was during this time that my Life Coach introduced me to a practice that would ultimately have a profound impact on my life—meditation.
Meditation became a game-changer for me. It acted as a force that slowed me down, quieting the racing thoughts in my mind. It felt as though life itself slowed down, allowing me to take a deep breath and regain some sense of inner peace and self-control.
After incorporating meditation into my daily routine, I began to experience a remarkable shift. It created space for me to move forward, dream once again, and pursue my goals with renewed determination. I realized that to move ahead, I needed to pause and reflect—to find stillness within myself.
The journey was far from easy, and it required patience, persistence, and a willingness to confront the pain head-on. Meditation became my anchor during those challenging times, providing me with the inner strength and clarity to face my emotions and rebuild my life.
In retrospect, embracing the practice of meditation allowed me to transform obstacles into stepping stones, propelling me forward on the path of healing and personal growth. It taught me the invaluable lesson that sometimes we need to slow down, pause, and create space in our lives, to truly move forward.
While my journey has been marked by struggles and obstacles, I am grateful for the wisdom I gained through those experiences. They have shaped me into the person I am today—an individual who has learned the importance of self-care, reflection, and embracing the power of stillness.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a dedicated woman on a mission, committed to enhancing the employee experience and cultivating leaders within healthcare organizations.
As the President and CEO of the A. Lewis Academy, Inc., a coaching and consulting firm, utilizes my extensive training and leadership background to facilitate transformative change from the inside out. My core principle is to prioritize the human aspect, valuing individuals as people first and employees second. This principle is the essence of my organizational development program called, WorkWell™.
My resume encompasses various roles in operations, training, and technical assistance for healthcare agencies allowing me to bring a wealth of experience to my work. I’ve served as a combat veteran in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Bright Star in Egypt. My credentials include certifications as a D.I.S.C Facilitator, Health Coach, Executive Coach, and Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner.
Driven by my passion for personal and professional development, I have become a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant for Fortune 100 companies, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions across the nation. I recently showcased my expertise as the Interim Chief Operating Officer of a large, multi-site healthcare organization based in Maryland.
While my accomplishments are noteworthy, I remain grounded and unwavering in my commitment to stress-free living.
What sets me apart is my unique approach to transformation, firmly rooted in the belief that people are the heart of every organization. By emphasizing the importance of human connection, well-being, and leadership development, I help organizations thrive – even if it’s toxic. My brand stands out for its holistic and compassionate approach, ensuring that employees’ well-being is a top priority.
I take great pride in my ability to energize and inspire leaders, nurturing their personal growth and empowering them to create positive change within their organizations. Through my executive coaching, consulting, and keynote speaking services, I offer invaluable insights and strategies for enhancing leadership, employee engagement, and overall organizational well-being.
For readers seeking to improve their employee experience, develop exceptional leaders, and foster a culture of well-being, I am the go-to resource. To learn more about my work, and the comprehensive range of offerings, services, and resources available, please visit www.aprillewis.com.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I anticipate substantial growth within the professional service industry, driven by a variety of factors that will shape the landscape of employee retention and engagement. I consider myself an integral part of the teams I collaborate with, offering people-centered solutions to the challenges they face in the workplace.
One significant trend that will impact the industry is the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated effects. The world is still in the process of recovering from the pandemic’s disruptions, which have had a profound impact on the workforce. This period led to the Great Resignation and the phenomenon known as “quiet quitting.” Many individuals have reevaluated their priorities, seeking more meaningful work, fulfillment, and purpose. As a result, industries operating within the organizational development space, like mine, are likely to experience exponential growth as they help individuals navigate these transitions and find fulfillment in their professional lives.
Moreover, the increasingly sedentary lifestyle and excessive reliance on technology have contributed to a rise in mental health conditions. As people spend more time glued to screens and disconnected from real-life experiences, maintaining work-life harmony becomes even more challenging. In light of this, I aspire to be a guiding voice of reason, helping individuals find equilibrium between their personal and professional lives.
I am excited to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing innovative solutions that help individuals and organizations thrive in the ever-evolving work environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: aprilewis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprillewisig/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alewisacademy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-lewis/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TweetAprilLewis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMeDZK-Qmd5VxEbfHu-2Pxg
