We had the good fortune of connecting with Leigh Truss Smith, MBA, MSW, CPHQ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leigh, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is, undoubtedly, my love for people and my commitment to helping them in becoming the best version of themselves. My consulting services are structured to provide leadership development, strategic planning and coaching for people leaders and individual contributors in public service/government, education, non-profits and other businesses. I focus on leadership, effective communication, crucial conversations, emotional intelligence, forming highly effective teams, and accountability. I am a wellness advocate and believe that when people are well, they are better leaders, better employees, better partners and better citizens. I practice and teach mindfulness and wholeheartedly believe that it reduces stress, burnout and helps people relax and be more enthusiastic about life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I know that I am called to the work of encouraging and uplifting people and I train and coach in the most authentic way! I possess empathy for others.
I am self aware.
I am optimistic.
I am a master at facilitation (meetings/projects/teams).
I am a healthcare executive and have worked in healthcare for almost 22 years. About four years ago, outside of work, I spent much of my time helping others devise a strategy for their careers. I’ve been invited to speak at non-profit board retreats, conferences and churches. I knew it was time to formalize a business and create a structure for success. It took some time, but I finally created space for me to do what needed to be done. I’ve learned that I supported others and their dreams, but I struggled to make my own dreams a priority. Never again.
I want the world to know that I still believe in the good and loving nature of people. Life happens. Circumstances show up and we often get off track, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still leave your footprint on this earth while you are here. I have survived sexual assault and lived through a painful divorce (and later loss my first husband suddenly). We are a resilient people. I like to remind people of just how strong and capable they are. We are not our mistakes. We are not our circumstances. We can become whoever we want to be!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am in a new city, so this would be difficult to answer.

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 learned my love of helping others from my parents. My father, Rev. Lee Arthur Truss is a minister that served the Southwest Atlanta community for over 40 years. I grew up serving with him in a soup kitchen for the homeless. My mother, Thelma E. Truss, was a licensed clinical social worker who worked with teens who were receiving mental health services at Grady Health System for over 30 years. Almost 5 years ago, my father was disabled by a stroke. My mother is now his full-time caregiver. Watching her aid in his activities of daily living and his rehabilitation has given me a newfound appreciation for her and her superpowers. They have both taught me – you don’t throw people away. You meet them where they are and help where you can.

Website: https://linktr.ee/loveinthekeyofleigh

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

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

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