Inspiring Conversations with Lachandra Baker of LBB Edutainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lachandra Baker.

Hi Lachandra, 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. 
My path to where I am today started with over three decades in the corporate world, where I served as an employee. Those years were filled with both challenges and incredible opportunities. I encountered the ups and downs of corporate life, but most importantly, I was fortunate to experience the dynamic landscape of leadership and teamwork. 

These experiences molded me and instilled in me a profound appreciation for the value of authentic leadership and effective collaboration. I emerged from my corporate tenure armed with a treasure trove of insights and skills that would ultimately shape my mission. 

In the fall of 2022, I made the courageous decision to transition into business ownership, founding Lachandra B. Baker Edutainment, LLC, doing business as LBB Edutainment. My driving force became crystal clear: championing the principles of diversity, authenticity, and equity. I firmly believe that the success of any organization hinges on the well-being of its employees. It’s not enough to merely address their diverse needs; we must also celebrate and actively promote diversity. 

In my journey, I have found that everyone deserves a daily dose of grace and guidance. This commitment to nurturing inclusivity and promoting equity has become the cornerstone of my work. I strive to make a positive impact in the corporate community by empowering leaders, fostering teamwork, and creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all. 

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?
The journey I’ve embarked upon has been far from a smooth road; it’s been a path lined with trials and challenges that have defined who I am today. From my early days growing up in the rural South, I was acutely aware of the pervasive realities of systemic oppression and privilege. These factors, such as race, gender, sexuality, religion, and ability, are inescapable elements of our society, and I understood that the intersections of my own identity would set the stage for a lifetime of obstacles and pre-written trials that I would have to confront and conquer. 

Throughout my life, I’ve encountered numerous instances where my intellect was not just questioned but scrutinized in a way that often felt hurtful and unfair. As a naturally boisterous and impassioned individual, I’ve been advised to shrink myself, to conform to molds that didn’t truly represent who I am. These suggestions, though well-intentioned by some, were often rooted in narrow perceptions of what success should look like. 

Yet, in the midst of these challenges, I experienced a transformative realization: recognizing my own worth and capacity was pivotal. I understood that to serve my community authentically, I needed to first honor and respect myself. This became a fundamental pillar of my journey—self-empowerment and self-respect. 

One of my driving forces has always been the desire to prove wrong those who doubted my abilities. The individuals who said, “You can’t do it,” only fueled my determination to not only do it but to excel beyond their expectations. Their skepticism served as a powerful motivator, pushing me to strive for excellence in everything I pursued. 

So, while my journey has been marked by adversity and trials, it has also been a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and resilience. Each challenge has only strengthened my resolve to champion diversity, authenticity, and equity and to make a lasting impact on the world around me. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
At our core, we are a certified, people-first consultancy with an impressive track record of over 35 years. We specialize in harnessing the power of emotional intelligence, relationship-building, and data-driven storytelling to drive positive transformations in business operations. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity within organizations. We are known for our expertise in supporting business and department leaders who aspire to elevate their employee engagement, company culture, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 

Our service portfolio is designed to empower organizations to thrive in the modern business landscape. We offer comprehensive strategy development, facilitated training programs, and targeted coaching services. These solutions are meticulously crafted to engage the “heads, hearts, and hands” of your workforce. 

Our approach is not just about checking boxes; it’s about creating a meaningful impact that resonates throughout your organization. We believe that when employees feel valued, included, and empowered, it not only improves the customer experience but also directly contributes to increasing your bottom line and strengthening your overall business results. 

What makes us most proud brand-wise is our dedication to “Intentional Inclusion without harm,” clear and empathetic communication, and collective collaboration for greater impact. We are not just consultants; we are capacity builders, liberators, and encouragers. We partner with organizations to ensure they have reliable systems that support their workforce and business goals. We’re not interested in quick fixes; we focus on developing teachable and repeatable processes that enhance workflow and engagement while implementing sustainable strategies that ensure long-term success. 

In essence, we are here to empower leaders and teams to reach their fullest potential, engage the heads, hearts, and hands of your workforce to drive sustainable impact, and enable creative and critical thinking to solve problems and overcome challenges. 

What we want your readers to know is that we are more than just a consultancy; we are champions of change, working tirelessly to create a world where deeper human connections positively impact society toward true liberation and belonging for all. We are here to partner with organizations on their journey to a more inclusive and equitable future. 

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One cherished childhood memory stands out as a pivotal moment that shaped who I am today. Despite my more recent persona, few might believe that I was once a shy and soft-spoken individual. One moment of my youth proved to change that for good. 

During the summer of my sophomore year in high school, a karaoke competition sparked my entrepreneurial spirit. The prize was enough to ignite that spark, even at that young age. I decided to participate and chose to perform a full choreography routine to Vanessa Williams’ “The Right Stuff.” It was a transformative moment. 

This performance marked a turning point. Those who had known me as the quiet, nerdy girl began to see a different side of me – one that was creative and confident. It taught me the incredible power of positive connections formed when people witness you being your authentic self. 

From that moment, I realized the magic in staying true to oneself and embracing passion. It showed me that taking risks and putting yourself out there, even when it’s uncomfortable or intimidating, can lead to unlocking your greatest potential. 

A full-circle moment occurred in the last decade when I had the incredible opportunity to meet Vanessa Williams in person and share my story with her. These moments, both the karaoke competition and meeting Vanessa Williams, are etched in my memory as reminders of the incredible journey that unfolds when you have the courage to be your authentic self. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lbbedutainment.com
• Instagram: LBBEdutainment
• Facebook: LBBEdutainment411
• Linkedin: LBB Edutainment
• Youtube: LBBEdutainment

Image Credits
Brian Baker
Megan Leigh Barnard
Autumn Theodore
Krystal Barrett