We had the good fortune of connecting with LaKisha Greenwade Innovator, Tech Founder & Business Innovation Coach and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaKisha Greenwade, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is essential for growth and exposure. The question is “Do you have enough wisdom to know when and how to take risks?” In the financial world, customer personas are defined based on their risk acceptance: risk averse, risk loving and risk neutral. It is important to assess how you view risk and how you respond to risk before you are presented with an opportunity to decide to move forward with one. I would not be where I am today if I had not taken risks to live the life I dreamed of, including turning down key positions to choose a flexible lifestyle while building a global wearable tech ecosystem. In my second book, Rejection to Reward, I discuss risks taken to attend graduate school, transition from private sector to government, higher education, and ultimately tech. I did not use the same risk formula for all my life changing decisions but I did allow the concept of timing to help me make decisions that have not only impacted my life for good. What’s the result? Well, I’m on track to assisting 100 wearable tech startups led by underrepresented founders by 2030 and coaching them to success along the way. My risks are paying off, even though some took years to produce fruit.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m developing a new generation of Innovators, Inventors and Investors. Today, I am considered an Innovator who works with founders and leaders. Many have experienced me as a Coach, Brand Strategist, Author and Tech Founder , however, at the core, I am one who recognized and seized opportunities to make the world better through people and their innovations. Every pivot point to a new “title” was a result of me growing professionally and in curiosity. As a result, I am the founder of Wearable Tech Ventures, a 501c3 dedicated to developing and promoting wearable technology. I am also CEO of Lucki Fit, a branding and coaching firm where we design profitable brand strategies for Founders and Leaders. The road was not always easy or fair, yet grit, wise council, and strategic moves have brought me to this point today. I never imagined myself as a tech founder growing up, especially since I didn’t own a computer until I was an adult. I also experienced racism, pay discrimination, and sexism. I like to share my “real stories” instead of the “shiny results” because it inspires others to keep going after that vision in their minds that may eventually help us all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like to keep a “light schedule” which means leaving room for spontaneity. I have been called the “Queen of Random” because when I go with the flow, amazing adventures have been my reward. If the weather is nice, there will be a core event such as a concert, museum showing, or something significant that is a “must do” on the agenda. I also make sure that a visit to black owned restaurant is on the menu for either brunch or dinner. In between those two “must have” items, other activities could easily be shopping, visiting friends, talking to strangers in their cars on the road, or being invited to happy hours or other events as result of engaging with other people throughout the day. Once, I started out with an agenda to visit a museum. Upon leaving, I walked to a local eatery that I had never visited before, then randomly ran into some colleagues upon walking out. I was invited to a private happy hour, made new friends, then ended up at a rooftop soiree for an artist. Life is more fun when you make room for the unknown yet achieve a light agenda.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my books, I shoutout my village all of the time. I always want to remember my grandparents, John & Minnie Woodruff; my parents; my Pastors Apostle Mike and Dr. Deedee Freeman; my mentors Shawntera, Rosalina, David, and Kim; my coaches Kailei, Subrena, and Patrice; and my framily (yes, family and friends like family) who keep life simple.

Website: www.lakishagreenwade.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakishagreenwade

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/lakishagreenwade

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

Other: www.wearabletechventures.org Join us for a virtual hackathon Sept 24-26, 2021.

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