Today we’d like to introduce you to Lametra Off.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a coach. Coaches help, guide, motivate and increase clients’ level of consciousness. How many people truly want to help others? Five? Six? Nine? Who really knows? Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi are the only ones I can quickly name. I also love to help people. (Keep in mind, I am in no way comparing myself to any of those fascinating people. The three individuals I mentioned are essentially saints!)
In any event, in 2009, when I attended a personality preference seminar, I realized what I subconsciously already knew – for me, people and personalities are considerably more interesting than data! At that point, I was the ultimate personality AND personal development geek! I immersed myself in any leadership training, professional development or communication class where I had the opportunity to learn more about people. (By the way, I was already a personal development geek.) I began to study personality, positive psychology and career development.
When I realized the trend in my own learning and interests, I submerged myself in even more studying. My education included earning a Master of Science degree in Human Resources and Training and Development with a certificate in Adult Training and Development. I also obtained the Global Career Development Facilitator and a Certified Career Services Provider designations. About two years after obtaining those designations, I enrolled in an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Approved Coach Training Program (ACTP). During this period, I began to coach individuals consistently.
In hindsight, I have always coached in some form (assisting, mentoring, instructing, training, teaching, facilitating). I was “teaching” – playing school – at six and seven years old. I recall lining up my sisters and dolls for class. I was a student volunteer crossing guard. In sixth grade, I volunteered to read to kindergarteners and first graders. I volunteered to help special needs students in middle school. I have volunteered numerous times representing my organization as an elementary school mentor and tutor. I have tutored and coached ESL adult students. I have mentored and coached leaders formally and informally for over twenty years in several industries. Realizing that I AM a coach, over three years ago, I formally started a business doing what I do naturally.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Consistently acquiring clients is a business within itself. It is often a challenge. However, the challenge is a welcome adventure. To better answer the question, let’s go back several years.
In 2013, I decided to pursue an advanced degree while working full-time. The decision to go to college to obtain an advanced degree was not a quick decision. At a time when colleagues considered obtaining an MBA, I knew an MBA was not for me. I wanted to truly ‘want to go to class,’ ‘want to read the material’ and ‘want to complete the assignments.’ For that reason, initially, I struggled with selecting the advanced degree for me. However, after much consideration and as my role consisted of training leaders, I selected the advanced degree that fit my interests, skills and strengths.
Working full time, being a full-time wife, mother, sister, daughter, etc. while a student was challenging. I had to balance my family time, work time, study time and all of my time. It was a constant balancing act. At times, my husband may have felt a bit abandoned, as I spent most nights and weekends reading, studying, writing papers or rehearsing a presentation. Also, I watched very little television during those years – as any free time became my school time. It was challenging for our marriage, missing the couple time and the shows and programs that we watched together. That time in my life was also challenging as far as my health is concerned. Sleep is important to me and my well-being. There were many nights with only 4 -5 hours of sleep. Being a bit tired during the day became the norm, my immune system was consistently compromised and sinus infections were a constant reminder of the rest my body was missing.
Every obstacle is an opportunity for learning, growth and development. I learned a few things about myself along the way – especially in the last seven years. I learned that I am resilient. I can take adversity and learn from it. Case in point, the years I worked full time and worked on the advanced degree provided the experience to manage and prioritize my time, my days, my hours to suit me. With the years of experience, I was equipped with the organization, time management and research skills necessary to start my business and manage my time wisely. My growth continues every day while developing, promoting and marketing myself and my company.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Lametra Off Coaching, doing business as LBO Career Coaching and Consulting, is a discovery and career development firm. The organization is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise, Women Business Enterprise and Small Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE/SBE). It is also veteran-owned. Lametra Off Coaching offers individual, group and team coaching services to individuals, leaders and businesses.
I am the principal coach and owner of the organization. I coach in a non-judgmental environment, energetically partnering with uniquely, ‘flawsome’ clients, presenting opportunities for development, learning and growth; at the same time, piloting them on a journey to self-awareness, discovery and intentional and purposeful living.
I specialize in coaching through transitions. (Psst… We are always transitioning.) I partner with clients to help design a personal formula for success. This is important because there are no two people that are exactly same – not even twins! Each of us has (1) individualized beliefs about work and play; (2) specialized skills; (3) strengths; (4) purpose; (5) goals; (6) accomplishments/achievements; (7) preferences; (8) interests; (9) experiences; and (10) a vision for life. My process helps clients to discover and actualize current potential and truly understand how to perform optimally during the transition. The ultimate goal for all clients is a mastery orientation.
I am proud of the alliances, collaborations and partnerships the company has formed and continues to form with other professionals (writers, instructional designers, yogis, meditation helpers, spiritual advisors, counselors, etc.). I am also proud of the various clients who have, via coaching, gained more personal power, positivity, energy and focus. Nowadays, there are thousands of coaches. What makes me unique among coaches?
Simply put – my experiences, training and personality make me unique. Some coaches are current or former HR professionals, recruiter or resume writers. My experiences include more than HR, recruiting or resume writing. My experiences as a leader include supervisory roles in telecommunications, credit/lending, electronics and maintenance and the US Army. I am also unique for the combination of my values, interests, strengths, talents and certifications. I value empowering others and making a difference; knowledge; learning; friendship – meaningful exchanges; autonomy; teamwork; excitement; and work/life balance.
My interests are learning about people, personalities, moving – hiking, running/jogging, yoga, and participating in travel adventures. My strengths are maximizing others’ gifts, talents and strengths, relating to others, discussing intellectual topics; collecting and preparing materials for leadership and development; and continuous learning. My gifts and talents are teaching, encouraging, discernment and faith, knowledge, giving and wisdom.
I have over 25 years of coaching experience. I have instinctively and formally taught, facilitated, mentored, coached and assisted others in achieving goals for 25+ years in various industries. Also, I am certified as a/an:
· Global Career Development Facilitator
· Certified Career Services Provider
· Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Practitioner
· Certified Professional Coach
· Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner
· COR.E Transitions Dynamics Specialist
Why are these certifications important? Anyone can call themselves a coach. Doing the work -including learning, discovering, experiencing, training and developing- is a different level of expertise, focus and skill. Coaching is a blend of art and science and can be life-changing for many clients. Certifications provide legitimacy, reliability, soundness and a level of proficiency.
Schedule a Discovery Session to learn more about how you, your team or your organization can benefit from coaching or to learn the benefits of partnering with a Minority Business Enterprise/Woman Business Enterprise/Small Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE/SBE) or a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, as the oldest child, I was scholarly, helpful and quiet. I was a great listener. I read tremendously and I had a group of close friends. I participated in team sports – basketball, soccer and track and I was involved in other activities. However, I always had time to read. Reading provided learning, growth, development and experiences beyond my environment.
Additionally, my father was an Army soldier; thus, we traveled and lived in several states – Texas, Virginia, Georgia and Hawaii are a few. As a daughter of an Army soldier, I saw diversity consistently and learned about cultures, careers, choices and opportunities. My environment and experiences created who I am and who I will continue to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lbocareercoaching.com
- Phone: 972-423-9542
- Email: lametra@lbocareercoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lametraoffcoaching/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LametraOffCoaching/
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/lametraoff
Image Credit:
Photographer – headshots, blue/teal dress – Willie Howard of Willie & Kim; Other photos – James Off
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