Build a Diverse Community with LaToyia Carroll

Global Training Manager at Pearson and executive coach, LaToyia Carroll is on a mission to empower women to be, feel, and thrive as their very best. The modern woman was not meant to walk alone; community is an essential resource for impactful growth. In this interview, Carroll guides us through intentional community-building and how to build relationships for career success.

Shiwon Oh: As a woman leader, when did you recognize the importance of having a community?

LaToyia Carroll: I recognized the importance of community fairly early, especially when working remotely. I wondered, how do I create a space for relationships from my home? I don’t have the answer, so what can I do to work toward one? Going remote empowered me to be more intentional about my relationships. I had to actively seek individuals who could add to my life and help me become what I needed to be.

You can feel easily isolated without a community and have to figure problems out on your own. I believe it’s critical to have a support system, whether for simple advice, encouragement, or other perspectives. It’s vital we all have a space to feel heard, seen, and balanced. Having a network of people who understand our challenges can offer guidance and help us grow as a leader. 

A true community shapes unique leadership. We can take a little bit from everyone in different systems and support groups and eventually become a superhuman who can bring together what’s needed in this time. 

SO: What were some barriers you encountered while expanding your network? 

LC: My largest networking barrier was the lack of authenticity I occasionally encountered. LinkedIn is necessary, so it’s a platform I continue to frequent, but as a noise-maker or disruptor. Sometimes, I tend to see someone sending a connection request with an automated message that tries to be genuine, but it comes off as the opposite. 

It’s difficult to build real connections that are reciprocal in a relationship, versus some that form because one person wants to get ahead, and all the benefits are one-sided. I find myself to be someone who loves to connect on a deeper, more personal level, avoiding transactional interactions.

SO: How did you cultivate a community that allowed for mutual empowerment?

LC: I make an effort to practice well-rounded networking. I don’t like to put myself in only like-minded spaces. For example, I’m the Co-Chair for our Black ERG called Bold. I can comfortably walk into that room and see myself in many people, so I ensure I don’t limit myself by just staying there. I’ll go check out another ERG for our LGBTQ+ employees, or for veterans, because there’s something there I can learn versus staying safe within my own community. I want to be vulnerable and add to who I am by embracing everyone. 

I’m also an army brat, so it was empowering to connect back to my childhood where there was so much diversity around me. One big culture shock I experienced when my family exited the army was that, when moving to a particular neighborhood, its residents were predominantly very similar.

Practicing empathy and openness is vital. I’d advise others to be open to different environments and participate in special moments to understand what everyone needs to be empowered. How is your presence going to benefit people on the other side? What can they learn from you?

SO: How can women leaders strengthen their circles to navigate their personal and professional journeys with confidence? 

LC: Put yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable and require you to stretch. Once you grow, there’s no going back; there’s no room for shrinking. Be willing to mentor up and down. Sometimes, we think mentorship only means you pour your expertise on someone expecting to receive from you. But, depending on your environment, there may be a leader at a higher level who also needs your insights.

Trust yourself to be the expert in the room. Foster a reciprocal sense of mentorship and make it a part of your daily life. Say to yourself, I’m here to serve, give, and be ready to receive in a way that allows me to expand. 

SO: What are some best takeaways for building deep, sustainable relationships for career success?

LC: If you know yourself, you can show up how and when you need to. Emotional intelligence is key, so spend plenty of time with you. Every single day, I give myself alone time before I interact with anyone else. There’s time to give gratitude and experience me. I hear my voice first, right? I need to be in love with and engaged with myself to be authentic and remain consistent.

When building relationships, focus on mutual benefits. Don’t walk into a room only looking for what you can gain. Look for where you can deposit. Life is a constant give and take, so you want to have that balance. You need to invest time and effort, and be willing to provide, whether it’s your time, advice, or another way to support an individual. 

Additionally, seek feedback. You may think you’ve got your networking right and know it all, but if you really ask, someone may have it on their heart to provide the truth. You don’t know how you’ll impact or empower someone when you offer a sustainable level of commitment that aids their growth. 

If a space feels too uncomfortable, don’t force yourself to stay just to have a network or say you’ve accomplished a goal. If it’s draining or taking from you, and depletes who you are, honor yourself first before anything else. You’re your first community; everything else should add to that. 

Looking for more insights on community-building? Read our full issue here!