Dr. Pamela Larde is a professor, coach, author, business owner, and Director of Education for the Institute of Coaching. She remains committed to engaging in the work of advancing the reach and commitment of the coaching profession to serve and build up heart-centered leaders around the world.
Dr. Larde spent twelve years in student leadership development at the Claremont Colleges and Marquette University, eleven years as a research professor at Mercer University’s Tift College of Education, and was appointed Associate Professor of Leadership for Anderson University’s Ph.D. Leadership Program in 2021. Her research focuses on race and gender dynamics, self-motivation, joy resilience, and posttraumatic growth.
As a dedicated member of the global community, Dr. Larde is committed to taking the lead in addressing compelling social issues via coach training through the ICF-accredited Academy of Creative Coaching, which she founded in 2013 as the first black female-owned accredited coaching school with the International Coaching Federation.
Today, we sat down with Dr. Larde to learn more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q: How did you get started in entrepreneurship?
Pamela: My entrepreneurial journey was driven by the need to solve real-world problems, coupled with my personal experiences as a single mom. My first venture, a publishing company, stemmed from my own challenges in becoming an author. I recognized the difficulties many talented authors faced in attracting major publishers. My goal was to make publishing more accessible for those with exceptional works but limited opportunities.
The inception of my second business, the Academy of Creative Coaching, was influenced by a personal necessity to fund my son’s education in a private school. I tapped into my skill set and the industry’s demand to establish an academy for training coaches. This venture not only met my financial requirements but also aligned with my deeper mission: creating businesses that empower parents. As a single mom, I needed to build enterprises that would enable parents to be parents, providing them with the flexibility and resources needed to support their families.
Q: What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive?
Pamela: One key strategy for me is the careful selection of my work environment. I avoid overly comfortable spaces like home couches for work needing extended concentration, opting instead for public places like restaurants or hotel lobbies. These settings stimulate my mind and keep me alert and engaged.
Equally important is my approach to project selection. I deliberately say ‘yes’ to opportunities that amplify my strengths, which in turn gives me the freedom to say ‘no’ to tasks that are draining or misaligned with my skills. This focus on strategic ‘yeses’ allows me to avoid over-commitment and ensures I’m dedicating my energy to tasks where I can be most effective and fulfilled.
Q: How do you stay organized with such a busy schedule?
Pamela: I often get teased for my old-school approach, but it has been incredibly effective for me. I rely on a planner book for organizing my calendar and task list. This method allows me to consolidate all my appointments and tasks in one tangible place. I’ve been using this system for about five years now.
Electronic notifications and digital calendars are less effective due to the overwhelming number of daily electronic alerts. In contrast, my printed calendar is always accessible and dependable. It helps me track my tasks and appointments without the clutter of digital notifications. This straightforward, traditional method keeps me organized amidst a busy schedule and has been a key factor in managing my time efficiently.
Q: What are the three things you’d change if you had a magic stick?
Pamela: If I had a magic stick, the first change I would make is in how we select our leaders, both for organizations and countries. Too often, we have leaders who don’t truly represent the qualities of genuine leadership. A change in this selection process could lead to more effective and empathetic leadership globally.
The second change would be in healthcare equality and access. I’m particularly concerned about the crisis of maternal mortality among Black women in the United States, where the death rate is alarmingly high. Ensuring equitable, quality healthcare for all, especially those currently underserved, is a critical need.
And most importantly, I would use the magic stick to foster peace and understanding among people. I wish for a world where compassion, active listening, and concern for one another are central. This change would help create a more empathetic and connected global community.
Q: If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Pamela: I would call it “The Uncharted Path: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Turns,” as this reflects this crazy life journey of mine that hasn’t at all followed the conventional route I envisioned. Instead, it has been filled with significant unforeseen challenges and changes. I am sure a lot of people can resonate with this.
Q: What motivates you?
Pamela: What motivates me most is the vision of creating opportunities for people who need support, transcending economic backgrounds. I’m driven by the goal of helping individuals grow into their best selves and discover their purpose, whether they are struggling financially or facing personal challenges like self-esteem despite having wealth.
A significant part of this motivation is rooted in the concept of joy. It’s important to me to help people understand that experiencing joy is not just a possibility but something they deserve and can actively pursue. Being a catalyst for others’ joy and helping them permit themselves to embrace it, is a profound source of motivation for me.
Q: What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Pamela: One of the most worthwhile investments I’ve ever made is in motherhood. For me, it has been crucial to maintain careers that allow me to be fully present for my children. Balancing professional aspirations with being a dedicated parent has shaped my choices and priorities. This investment goes beyond time and energy; it’s about nurturing a future generation while fulfilling my own personal and professional goals. The rewards of this investment are immeasurable, as it impacts not just my life but the lives and futures of my children.
Q: What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs invest their time in?
Pamela: One key activity I recommend to fellow entrepreneurs is to become well-versed and recognized as an expert in their industry. This involves dedicating time to research, understanding industry trends, and learning from others’ experiences. Reading articles and studies and staying informed about the profession are essential parts of this process.
Additionally, building connections is crucial. Networking with people who can enhance your understanding of the profession and provide valuable insights is invaluable. These relationships can offer new perspectives, advice, and opportunities that can significantly contribute to your growth and success in the industry.
Q: What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, coach, or business owner?
Pamela: Patience is key in entrepreneurship; successful businesses aren’t built overnight. Despite what we often see on social media, it takes time, patience, dedication, and commitment to achieve success and do it well.
Connect with Dr. Pamela Larde and the Academy of Creative Coaching on LinkedIn.