We had the good fortune of connecting with Latasha Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Latasha, how do you think about risk?
As a woman of color in the career development field, I’ve learned that taking risks is not just a choice, but a necessity.

For me, it’s about challenging the status quo and believing in the value I bring to the table.

Oprah’s words resonated deeply with me early on and they were: “Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” Oprah’s words inspire courage to face challenges and accept failure as a stepping stone to success.

It’s been all about embracing every stumble and moments of “unsureness” as a learning curve, leading to where I am today.

Reflecting on risk in my own life and career, it’s been a journey of navigating challenges and turning them into opportunities, even when the path on paper didnt seem like it would or could.

Born to a teenage mother, as a first-generation college student and a woman of color, I’ve faced discrimination and doubts. But I embraced these as fuel for my ambition. From working multiple jobs to teaching myself the skills needed for my industry, each step was a leap of faith.

Writing about my goal to become a Training Manager on a minimum-wage server helped me lean into taking more risks and secure my first sig figure paid role in a year. I took risks ever since by taking on tasks, saying yes to opportunities, and putting myself out there when still not “perfect,” basically not realizing I was taking that “imprefect” and using it as fuel.

Most people I see shy away from risks, but most everything we know and love now takes a “risk.” I challenge you to lean more into it and look at your risks as if you have “faith” in yourself, as “faith” is unseen. I used the skepticism of others as motivation. This journey led me to win over 10 prestigious awards and find my passion for leadership development in my own practice.

As others admired me and sought my guidance, I realized my passion lay in helping women navigate corporate environments with strategy. I witnessed women who faced career setbacks or were on the brink of being fired rise up and secure promotions, reaffirming the impact of my coaching.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My clients will refer to me as a beacon of light and inspiration. Together, we will uncover your power, purpose, and potential in the workplace and beyond. I am referred to as the Olivia Pope of Career Mastery, dedicated to empowering early to mid-career professionals like you to harness the power of your generation at work, amplify your voices, and create impactful change.

With over 10+ years in HR Recruitment and Talent Development roles is coupled with diverse industry accolades that include being recognized as a Top Woman in Grocery, a Career Strategist by LinkedIn, a Top Millennial Minds Nominee, and a Next Generation Leader by Progressive Grocer, all under the age of 35.

​I was always the leader to help those on the verge of termination or promotion have career breakthroughs and just continued that passion in and out of work!

Just like you may have, I started my career with zero direction as a server, living from coffee cup to coffee cup, not knowing how to go up the corporate ladder. And during my time, it was challenging to find a mentor who would spend their valuable time training me and giving me gold nuggets of advice that I needed to grow in the workplace.

I became even more determined as I grew in my career and even through the setbacks. I faced challenges, but I continued to rise to higher-level roles. I used negativity as motivation to be a step ahead, always striving to be the best. I focused on leadership development and approached careers with a business mindset, which yielded positive results. Leveraging my millennial generation as a spark

And it was difficult, friend; I’m not even going to lie to you – your girl was on the career struggle bus, always in between where I knew I could be to where currently I was.

Back to being Olivia Pope, lol, so while working in corporate, I earned a reputation for turning around performance and helping leaders on performance plans. I mostly started because I wanted to help them be better. I started doing this for leaders who were once high performers and had a drop in performance to regain their glory again. Then I started helping new leaders excel fast. Then the people I helped started getting promoted, making more money, and making a bigger impact- and I LOVED IT! To help someone uncover their power again was amazing!

So I launched my coaching in my very own neighborhood, helped local organizations and then branched out to having my own clients after getting certified in various coaching techniques, resume writing, etc.

Here’s a bit more about my company. The Modern Edge Careers & Consulting is a full-service boutique coaching company for early to mid-career professionals that has been rated as one of the top Millennial coaches in the Southeast. For the last few years, I have empowered thousands of clients across the globe to cut their job search in half, increase their salaries by double, and make an impact while creating a career path on their terms.

By providing highly personalized services and customized programs tailored to the individual needs of each client, I am setting myself apart from other companies that offer only cookie-cutter solutions. By offering a seamless combination of coaching, consulting, and workshops, the Modern Edge is able to help their clients achieve a greater level of success than they ever thought possible—faster! My clients also include organizations, where I am giving workshops across the United States on key topics such as “Uncovering the POWER of a multi-generational workplace” and “Uncovering your VALUE in the workplace, SPARK your career”.

My motto from my signature Career Hustle Academy is to “Don’t be afraid to hustle, to work harder than anyone else. Your determination and unwavering belief in yourself will take you far. When others say you can’t, you smile and say, “Watch me.”

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?
OMG! Atlanta is like the best place to be because it has everything you are, love, or want to explore. So hey, best friends, these are some of the places I always suggest to people who visits, especially if you are a foodie.

If you are more into the “things” to do: If you like lowkey, let’s hit up: the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the Center for Puppetry Arts (especially after dark for some wine and vibes) or a sunset walk along the Atlanta BeltLine with stops at local art installations. Or, if season, catch a Braves game at Truist Park or explore the College Football Hall of Fame.

Atlanta boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, including some exceptional rooftop bars and Southern star restaurants such assoe of my faves:

The Roof at Ponce City Market: Offers stunning views of the city skyline, along with classic cocktails and fun games.
SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel: Known for its panoramic views of downtown Atlanta and a sophisticated ambiance.
Nine Mile Station: A sleek, modern rooftop bar on top of Ponce City Market, offering craft beers and creative cocktails.
Whiskey Blue: Located atop the W Atlanta in Buckhead, this chic lounge provides a stylish atmosphere and impressive views.
5Church Atlanta: A trendy spot in Midtown with a stylish rooftop terrace, perfect for cocktails and light bites.
The Optimist: Offers high-quality seafood dishes with a Southern twist in a chic, nautical-themed setting.

These places not only offer delectable food and drinks but also provide a glimpse into Atlanta’s rich culinary culture, combining traditional Southern flavors with contemporary twists.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

In my journey, I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors—both personal and professional! For work, my shoutout goes to my first boss, who took a chance on me after being a server, and she said she would give me a chance, but I’d have to walk through the door. She along the way, she taught me to go for what I wanted, learn how to uncover my power as a young female at work, and how to have an executive presence, no matter what role you have!

First, there’s the memory of my father. Losing him was a profound turning point, yet his beliefs and wisdom continue to inspire me.

And then there was my grandmother, a true hustler, and a force to be reckoned with – you hear me!

She taught me about the hustle, about seizing every opportunity that came my way, and about never settling for anything less than I deserved. From her, I learned the art of tenacity, resourcefulness, and the power of determination.

Together, my mother and grandmother showed me that no matter the circumstances, we have the power to shape our own destinies.Their collective strength and lessons have been instrumental in shaping my approach to empowering other women in their career paths.

Website: www.modernedgecareers.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/themodernmillennialcareers

Image Credits
I took them on my camera phone 🙂

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.