Meet Dr. Tracy Powell | Executive Coach, Speaker, Author

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

Hi Dr. Tracy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Dr. Tracy Powell and her brand, Leading with Compassion, lies in her unwavering commitment to compassionate leadership and inclusivity. Dr. Tracy’s brand is built on the belief that true leadership transcends titles—it is about making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and organizations.

Her success is rooted in:

Resilience and Authenticity: From overcoming racial discrimination to balancing personal and professional responsibilities, Dr. Tracy’s journey embodies perseverance. She shares her authentic experiences, making her relatable and inspiring to her audience.

Empathy and Connection: Leading with compassion is not just a philosophy but a practice woven into all aspects of her coaching, speaking, and training. By creating inclusive, empathetic environments, she has cultivated a brand that resonates deeply with individuals and organizations striving for meaningful change.

Expertise and Credibility: With over 16 years of service as a Scientist Officer, more than a decade in executive coaching, and over 10 years as an Adjunct Professor in Healthcare Administration Dr. Tracy’s extensive experience and credentials, including her recognition as a Distinguished Toastmaster and award-winning author, reinforce her authority in leadership development.

Tailored and Transformative Approaches: Whether through her She Creates Change Mastermind or her leadership workshops and keynotes on leading with compassion and confidence, Dr. Tracy delivers actionable, results-driven solutions tailored to the unique challenges of her clients.

A Clear Vision for Impact: Dr. Tracy’s mission is to empower leaders to thrive through compassion while driving productivity and innovation. Her focus on marginalized groups ensures her work fills a critical gap, making her brand indispensable in today’s diverse and dynamic world.

This blend of personal resilience, empathetic connection, and strategic expertise has made Dr. Tracy and Leading with Compassion a transformative force in leadership development and organizational excellence.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets my platform, Leading with Compassion apart is its unique focus on empowering leaders to lead with empathy and inclusivity while driving productivity and innovation. Unlike many traditional coaching and leadership development models, my brand emphasizes meeting people where they are and creating environments where everyone can thrive. My journey—from overcoming racial discrimination to balancing the demands of work and family—infuses authenticity into every aspect of my business. This relatability resonates deeply with the individuals and organizations I serve.

I am most proud of the transformative impact, my work has had on individuals, organizations, and communities. Whether it’s through helping a woman secure an executive role, guiding a team to embrace diversity and inclusion, or inspiring a leader to lead with compassion to increase productivity, each success story reinforces the purpose of my brand. I am also excited about expanding Leading with Compassion to reach more leaders and organizations globally.

The journey to building my business was far from easy. I encountered systemic barriers, personal doubts, and the challenge of creating a brand that authentically represents both my values and the needs of my audience. One of the toughest obstacles was overcoming the societal expectations and biases placed on minority women leaders. I leaned on my faith, resilience, and the lessons from my parents to keep moving forward. I also obtained mentors and professional coaches who could relate to my experiences and guide me through the complexities of entrepreneurship and leadership.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable:

Authenticity is powerful: Staying true to who you are, builds trust and fosters genuine connections.
Compassion is a strength, not a weakness: Leading with empathy opens doors to innovation, collaboration, and long-lasting relationships.

Growth is a journey: Challenges are inevitable, but they are, also opportunities for growth and transformation.
What I want the world to know about my brand is that Leading with Compassion is not just a business—it’s a movement. It’s about reimagining leadership to prioritize humanity, inclusivity, and excellence. My story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the belief that leadership is about making a difference in the lives of others. Through my work, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A Week in Atlanta: Experience the Beauty, History, and Culture

Thursday: Relax and Unwind

Evening: Start your week with a soulful night at St. James Live, a jazz lounge offering incredible live music. Pair the tunes with a delicious dinner and let the vibe set the tone for your trip.

Friday: Explore and Savor Culture

Morning: Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the stunning Atlanta Botanical Garden, followed by a visit to the Atlanta Zoo or the APEX Museum to dive into Atlanta’s rich history and heritage.

Evening: Enjoy a luxurious movie experience at the Regal Movie Theater, Atlantic Station. Opt for the VIP seats to elevate your evening.

Dinner: Immerse yourself in a cultural feast at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen on Clairmont. The flavors and communal style dining make it an unforgettable experience.

Saturday: Embrace Diversity and Nature

Morning: Start the day with breakfast at one of Atlanta’s iconic spots: Toast, R. Thomas Deluxe Grill, or the classic Waffle House. Each offers a unique Atlanta vibe.

Afternoon: Wander through the DeKalb Farmers Market, marveling at the diversity of produce, spices, and people. Listen to the medley of languages and feel the pulse of Atlanta’s multicultural community.

Evening: Take a stroll along the Atlanta Beltline, a vibrant path lined with art and greenery. End the evening with a delightful meal at one of the many Beltline restaurants—options like Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market will not disappoint.

Sunday: Reflect and Recharge

Morning: Attend a service at a local faith community to connect spiritually. Holy Cross Catholic Church is a wonderful choice (my parish), or consider Buckhead Church, First Baptist Church Atlanta, or Victory Tabernacle United Holy Church.

Afternoon: If worship isn’t on the agenda, spend a serene day at Piedmont Park, where you can meditate, reflect, or simply enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Additional Highlights:
For shopping and entertainment, explore Atlantic Station, Lenox Square Mall, and The Battery Atlanta. Do not leave The Battery without a “Red Candy Apple” from River Street Sweets.

History buffs shouldn’t miss the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
Food enthusiasts might love dining in Midtown or sampling Southern comfort food at Saints and Council, Lemon Salmon, is highly recommended.

Atlanta offers a perfect blend of relaxation, history, and culture—guaranteed to create lasting memories for your best friend!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout and successful journey, to my loving and supportive parents, Julius and Anna. From the beginning, my parents accepted me for who I was—a shy, introverted girl, while simultaneously encouraging, molding, and supporting me to grow into the accomplished woman I am today.

My first experience with unconditional love came from the home they built, where they taught and exemplified the values and morals that would form the foundation of my life, business, and career. They instilled a deep faith in God, respect for self and others, and the importance of meeting people where they are.

At every step of my journey, my parents were present—offering physical support, encouragement, thoughtful constructive criticism, and a gentle but firm push to strive for more. Their unwavering love and guidance continue to be my greatest inspiration and the bedrock of my success.

It is without hesitation that, I dedicate my shoutout to my parents Julius and Anna.

Website: https://www.drtracypowell.com/

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