Meet Dr. Lawana Gladney | CEO of Gladney Enterprises and 24 Carat Speakers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Lawana Gladney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Lawana, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is what I call success in 3 D. Everything starts with a Dream. First, I had a dream to start my business so that I can impact the world with my words, through speaking, writing, singing, podcasting etc… I had to conceive what that looked like so that I could achieve it. The second D is for drive, which means to move by force. I have had to plan and build strategically and to move with intention on each step of my business and continue movement with force. The third D is for Determination which means settled in your purpose and decision so that nothing with stop or deter you. This has been my formula for success for what I have achieved over the last few decades.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my business more than 30 years ago. I started as a trainer helping teachers to with classroom discipline and it evolved through the years to be a company that focuses on wellness and success. What sets me apart is the work that I do in the wellness space, because I focus on the success that people seek and not the problems that they have. I am most excited about seeing people learn, grow and experience the success they seek after. I have gone through several evolutions of my business as I obtained degrees and the world changed. Also, getting a divorce after 24 years of marriage, changed my course of direction. No, it has not been easy. It is very difficult to achieve the goals that you set out because so much of life can and does interfere and distract you. Also, it has been difficult to obtain the funding and capital that is need to scale and grow my business. Overcoming the challenges goes back to the Success in 3D model that I shared. I have to keep that in the forefront of what I do as to not get discouraged and give up. Lessons- 1.Get capital 2. Have the right people in your circle that can encourage, lead, and fund your ideas. 3. Plan for the bad days. 4. This too will pass. I want people to know that I don’t look like what I have been through.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favorite things to see; Dallas Aquarium, Klyde Warren Park, African American Museum, Concert, Mavericks game, Movie Shopping – Legacy West, Grapevine Outlet Mall
Eating- Grand Lux, Trulux, Perry’s, Gloria’s, Pappadeux, Pangea, Velvet Taco, 4Thirteen,
Visiting friends

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a few people who have supported me on my journey. First of foremost, my mother Shirley Knight. She has always been there supporting whatever I did, even when she was confused on how I made my money and what I did for a living. I think she still may be confused. Also, my children, Jordan, Bria, Jazzy, and Lexi, who have helped in the business, supported, encouraged and most of all, believed in me. Myron Golden, has been my mentor, coach, and friend that has helped me to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship and helped me to understand how to grow my brand and money. As an organization, Meetings Planner International helped to propel my business to great levels through my involvement, networking and connections in the industry. There are two books that changed my life and way of being, The Power of Positive Thinking and How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Website: www.drgladney.com

Instagram: @drgladney

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgladney

Twitter: @drgladney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drgladney

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.gladneytv8738