We had the good fortune of connecting with LaShunda Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi LaShunda Brown, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
During my early childhood years, the seed of owning a business was planted and it grew over time. I was afforded business development opportunities throughout my formative years such as FBLA, CTAE, and class leadership, and ultimately graduated from the School of Business and Industry with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Marketing.
The pathway did not stop there; After working in the fields of Sales and Marketing; and participating in corporate volunteerism in school systems, I enjoyed working in the fields of Technology Education.
Recognizing gaps to fill in this area, I pursued a Master’s in Education with a specialization in Human Performance Technology Training, which yielded a teaching certification and multiple Business and Industry certifications.
The merger of these skills and capabilities set the stage for me to step out on faith; and leave a 10-year state job to pursue consulting roles as an Independent Consultant in the areas of Learning & Development, Human Performance Improvement, and Technology Training. With encouragement from a mentor to spread my talents and with a successful consulting track record, I single-handedly created the Business. Yes, it was a journey of left and right turns that inspired the name in 2010 and set in motion the incorporation in 2014, Odyssey Training Solutions, LLC celebrating ten years in business.
What should our readers know about your business?
Odyssey Training Solutions is a full-service consulting firm that specializes in performance improvement solutions for Human Resources and Information Technology Initiatives.
Through our suite of integrated services, we prescribe pain points, fill gaps, and close loops for our B2B, B2G, and academia clients. Our integrated service capabilities are arranged across four areas:
• Organizational Change Management
• Technology Support
• Learning and Development
• Education and Training
Our suite of services includes:
• Analysis and Assessments
• Cultural Change Awareness
• Personal Safety
• Workplace Safety
• Professional Development
• Workforce Development
• Digital Transformation
• Enablement
• Information Technology / Software
• Instructional Design
• Course Development
• Diversity Enrichment
First and foremost, our secret weapon that sets us apart is our Founder, a visionary, Lashunda Brown.
Additionally, we provide a variety of …
Flexible Service Options: Off-the-shelf, Custom, Certification, and Train-the-Trainer.
Accessibility: ADA-compliant and bilingual accommodations.
Quick Turnaround: Prioritizing efficient methods to deliver solutions on time and below budget.
Flexibility: Accommodating in-person, remote, or hybrid environments.
Custom Solutions: Tailored services for specific requirements.
Cost Savings: Customized cost-saving initiatives targeting unique business goals.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If the “childhood” BFF “ Dr. Tee P.” is in town, ….we are making a B-line from the Atlanta Airport for brunch and Mimosas at Breakfast At Barney’s patio.
Next stop, the Marriott Loews Atlanta Hotel for a little wind-down, we are chilling at the pool catching up on all that Duval (pronounced DUUUU VALL) County noise she has going on at the Marriott, the Loews Atlanta Hotel.
At some point, we have to play nice and visit some old college friends in the area and then we are off to the Salon/Mall for hair snips, pedicures/manicures, and any last minute wardrobe changes.
Nightlife is going to be anywhere the 911 Band is playing. I mean anywhere in the Metro where Kasper is playing is where we are going: St James Live, City Winery or any other venue, we will be there.
It’s a week-long trip, so we are going to slow walk it by going up to the Chateau Elan for tours and tasting. By the way, we are probably staying the night so we will enjoy the slow down of the city and nightlife on site events.
For the rest of the week, we are going to catch a few sports events, @Braves; and @ Hawks, @ Falcons, depending on the season. Tailgating and hanging out at the Battery in or out of season.
Lastly, we are getting some bikes and riding the Boardwalk at the BeltLine and hopping off to grab a patio delight at Two Urban Licks and rooftop images and people watching at Estrella and Petit Chou.
Before capping the week off, we are grabbing afternoon delights at Sudos in South Atlanta.
While it goes without saying, but just to be clear, Our Alpha and Omega – beginning and end – events are attending worship services.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Tribe & Squad (Family and Friends)
FAMU School of Business and Industry
Coach Aaron Wright for that PUSH to LEAP
L. Dean Heard for countless hours of mentoring
Karen Swain (Excelous) and Nadine Coleman (ServPro of Panthersville) for your “iron sharpens iron” friendship, guidance, and support.
Website: odysseytrainingsolutions.net
Instagram: @odysseytrainingsolutions_ga
Linkedin: @odysseytrainingsolutions
Twitter: @odysseytrainingsolutions
Facebook: @odysseytrainingsolutions
Youtube: @odysseytrainingsolutions