Meet Leslie Clark | Author | Coach | Speaker

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

Hi Leslie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since I was younger, if there was a need that I had or wanted to escape I would turn to books. As I got older, that hadn’t changed. I started my publishing company because as I was experiencing things in life, I turned to books but there were none that resonated or directly aligned with what I was going through. So, I took it upon myself to create the books and the space for stories that I was looking for to become a reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently employed at Amazon as a Sustainability Program Manager. It is something I am truly passionate about as I have always called myself “Captain Planet.” I am an environmental engineer by degree and received my undergrad degree from FSU and my graduate degree from UF. Becoming an engineer was easy academically, it was the adversity of being the only minority in mostly all of my classes that was the largest challenge. Even today in my professional career, I do not come across many engineers that look like me. I have always been an extremely grounded person however I knew my worth so I let my work ethic and success speak for itself. I was always the last picked for a group project because I would have to “prove” myself to my peers but once the ice broke, I become the first pick or request.

I was raised in the church and we always said that you may be the only bible someone reads someday so carry yourself accordingly. That has always been something I have carried with me and believe helped me to break down so many barriers while in school and within my professional career.

Leslie is authentic and consistent. I am the same person at all times and people respect that. What you see is definitely what you get!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever I have friends or family in the city, I like to take them to all of the monumental places that are within Atlanta. We will likely take a trip to the Georgia Aquarium, High Museum of Art, the MLK National Historical Park and visit the local outdoor parks as well. My cousin is a chef and has his own restaurants, so I love to bring family to his locations because the food is amazing. So its a must we check out the Connector that is located within the Microsoft building and then Farmed Kitchen and Bar which is in Tucker but worth the drive. If I truly have my way then I ensure the travel into the city is planned around one of the great festivals that we typically have planned so that we can mutlitask and soak in everything we can at once.

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?
Family is everything to me. I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my family. My husband and our two kids are my North Star. My parents and my siblings keep me motivated and grounded. As well as to all my friends turned family that keep me covered.

Website: www.leslienclark.com

Instagram: camsden_pub

Facebook: Leslie N. Clark