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

Hi Lynn, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?Logical Lynn LLC stemmed from my beliefs that black professionals have a disadvantage in the workplace. Often, there seems to be a lack of conflict resolution skills displayed by black professionals in the workplace. I’m an HR professional and that affords me the opportunity to work with all departments and levels of the business. We have the skill-set, drive and knowledge but most times I see us get black-balled and passed up for key positions because we lack the ability to navigate conflict in the workplace like the preferred methods of our counterparts. After years of learning soft skills through tough experiences, I now want to share these skills with other black professionals. I noticed that most black professionals did not come from a line of corporate professionals leaving us at a disadvantage. Personally, I’m a first generation corporate executive. Growing up, when I encountered conflict, it was resolved by yelling, fighting or running away. I wasn’t introduced to the concept of discussing conflict in a healthy way until entered Corporate America. Over the last decade, I’ve studied corporate culture and my mentor has imparted into me 40 years of HR knowledge. Now, I have the leg-up we needed and I’m ready to help us advance like never before.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an HR professional. I always knew I’d be in a profession that was people centered but wasn’t always sure what that looked like. My career began in retail. I’ve worked at GAP, Home Depot, Aerie and Target. Honestly, I enjoyed them all but could never figure out what position felt best for me. When I first tried an HR role, I didn’t like it. The work seemed to be admin based and I’ve always envisioned myself as a boss, not a paper pusher. I moved on to managerial roles but still there was a void. A higher-up noticed me and suggested I try HR again, reluctantly, I did. It was honestly the best decision I ever made. The ability to literally change people’s lives through job placement and development fills me up.

There were some challenges ahead. I had to learn that various levels of the business saw HR differently. Employees see the police or in desperate times they see an advocate. Managers see someone who should support and enforce their rules. Executives see a shield and a soldier. They see person that will keep them from risk and protect the company at all times. As a young professional, I saw myself as finally getting the chance to be what I wished I had in an HR representative. From the time I stepped into the HR role, I planned to do just that.

I’ve had a manager or two unhappy about my passion about the workforce and I’ve accepted the consequences of standing by my beliefs. A company demoted me because I spoke up about manager cruelty against workers. Because I’ve been on the receiving end of back handed comments from management, I have a low tolerance for bad culture and descrimination. I remember being told “You’d get promoted if you combed your hair.” I remember being six months pregnant with Isabella and given intensive labor tasks to influence me to quit – I didn’t and I stayed until 8.5 months pregnant. Before, I foolishly stood by what I believed in. Instead of holding bad companies and management accountable.

I created Logical Lynn LLC because I wanted to be able to tell employees about their options without fear of consequence. Black professionals needed to be told about all the laws that protect them. In all of my workplace conflicts, I wasn’t aware of the professional way to handle those situations. I did not understand how to use logic, I was too busy wrapped up in emotion. I missed opportunities to get what I needed and to get where I needed to be all because of lack of resources. Then I met my mentor, that’s when everything came together. She helped me use my passion and partner it with the correct body language and messaging. It was a game changer for me. In all my years of professional environments, I hadn’t encountered many black professionals with the soft skills she shared with me. She said “Lynn, I’m going to teach how to navigate their world.” And she did. Now, I want to help other black professionals do the same.

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?
Chateau Elan is my favorite place in the city. It’s not exactly in the city because it’s in Braselton, GA but if you like wine, good food, nature and comfort this is the place. My bestfriend Ashly and I visit this winery twice a year. It’s a time for us to get away from work and mommy duties.

If you go, you have to book your stay. The grounds, food and aesthetic is just what’s needed to relax. Book a wine tasting and then head over to the restaurant. The menu has a variety of tasty items. Afterwards, you can walk the grounds take in some scenery, it’s beautiful.

Can you tell that I’m a Taurus? Wine, Relaxation and Food. I could go there every weekend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First let’s start with my baby girl, Isabella, you are the source of my motivation. Mom, thank you for always allowing me to be my own person. Your support gives me strength and courage to speak up in any room. Also, I want to thank you for making me read the dictionary and pushing me accomplish my goals – all around the world, mom.

Michelle, you have been the ally and support that I never knew to be possible in the workplace. Thanks for showing me the power of standing up for what you believe in. Chris, even though I’m your older sister you teach me so much about myself and you motivate me to do it big no matter who’s watching. Monte, you’re my angel on earth. Don’t ever forget how much I love you bro. Dad, thank you for always having crazy faith with me. No matter how crazy I sound, you speak life into it!

Kimara, don’t know where’d I be if you didn’t answer the phone at 6am to listen to all my ideas. Thank you for listening to hours of speeches and watching countless performances, I’m better because of you. Ashly, thank you for being whatever I need in the moment. You’re like my personal mighty morphing power ranger. Often, you go from chef to counselor to idea hub then party planning. I’m grateful for you.

 

Website: logicallynn.com

Instagram: Logical_Lynn

Linkedin: Lynn Williams

Image Credits
Headshots by Belle Rouge Photography Headshots makeup by ig: Polishedfaces_

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