Meet Stacy Lamar King | Author and Master PMP Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacy Lamar King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacy, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance is an interesting proposition. It doesn’t exist like a a set of scales that are equally weighted. If you love what you do then you must buy out the time you devote to it. If you don’t, you’ll overcommit and under deliver. How do I buy out my time? I make sure I give the important people in my life the attention they deserve from me. I also involve them in different projects I’m currently running.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
During the day I’m a Training Manager and Master Instructor in PMP and ACP Exam Prep for PM-ProLearn. It’s a career I got into after deciding to walk away from corporate America and focus on my mental health. I neglected my mental health because of the stigma that comes from warriors seeking help. That was a terrible decision. It nearly cost me my life. I crashed and burned because I turned work into my therapy. Epic failure. Life is perplexing. Had I not crashed I wouldn’t have entered this career field nor enjoyed the success I have had. In a strange way I have etched out my own unique niche in the project management training profession. Those who need me find me. I have learned that life has no predefined path, and no plan is set in stone. The successful person is the one with the strength and willpower required to transform oneself to be able to prosper within their current conditions. I would like those who are just meeting me to know that I love project management. When I lost everything, this world deems important, I retained my project management skills which were essential in my recovery. I am my brand. Resilient, fearless, humble, competent, compassionate, confident, and prepared. I am known around the world as the PMP Whisperer because I have a way of teaching that reaches the student where they’re at. I can relate to almost any life situation and I’m very empathetic. These attributes have made me very effective because I care about those I work with. The knowledge I possess is worth millions, but I give it away for nothing because it was never mine to sell. I am rich beyond measure. In ways many can’t see with their eyes. Those who understand what I’m saying are equally wealthy.

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?
Day 1: Welcome to Atlanta!

Morning: Settle into my comfortable home in cozy and quiet Snellville, GA.

Afternoon: Start with the College Football Hall of Fame for interactive exhibits showcasing NCAA football history and memorable moments.

Evening: Have dinner at Stats Brewpub in downtown, where you can enjoy craft beers, Southern fare, and sports on big screens.

End with a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park for some skyline views.

Day 2: Baseball and Breweries

Morning: Head to Truist Park to tour the home of the Atlanta Braves. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium, including locker rooms, the dugout, and the press box.

Afternoon: Explore The Battery Atlanta, a lively district adjacent to the park with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Evening: Attend a Braves game if they’re playing at home! If not, catch a local event or baseball game at one of the nearby sports bars.

Day 3: R&B and Historic Neighborhoods

Morning: Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Sweet Auburn District to dive into Atlanta’s cultural and civil rights history.

Afternoon: Explore Little Five Points for lunch, vinyl records, and vintage R&B memorabilia. It’s one of Atlanta’s most artistic neighborhoods, known for indie shops and street art.

Evening: Attend an R&B concert at The Tabernacle or Center Stage Theater (check listings for shows). Both venues have an intimate setting, perfect for an R&B experience.

Day 4: Outdoor Adventure

Morning: Hike at Stone Mountain Park for breathtaking views of the Atlanta skyline. Take the Walk-Up Trail (around 1 mile to the summit) or try other trails around the park.

Afternoon: Enjoy the attractions around Stone Mountain Park: mini-golf, scenic train rides, or a cable car ride back down after the hike.

Evening: Head back to Atlanta and unwind with a relaxing dinner in Inman Park.

Day 5: Soccer and City Parks

Morning: Walk or bike along the Atlanta BeltLine starting from Piedmont Park. This vibrant green space offers trails, art installations, and stunning city views.

Afternoon: Stop by Ponce City Market for a bite, then tour around its rooftop amusement park and mini-golf course.

Evening: Watch Atlanta United FC in action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (check schedule), with a passionate fan base and electric atmosphere for any soccer enthusiast.

Day 6: Go Karts and Relaxation

Morning: Enjoy a few laps at K1 Speed, an indoor track where driving skills are on full display.

Afternoon: Head to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for some kayaking or a scenic walk along the riverbanks.

Evening: Dine at JCT Kitchen & Bar in West Midtown, where Southern cuisine meets a contemporary vibe. You can cap the night with live jazz at Churchill Grounds Jazz Club nearby.

Day 7: Farewell with Basketball and Brunch

Morning: If the Atlanta Hawks have a morning or early afternoon game, watch them play at State Farm Arena. Otherwise, take a VIP arena tour to see where the action unfolds.

Brunch: Wrap up with brunch at South City Kitchen or Mary Mac’s Tea Room for a true taste of Southern breakfast.

Afternoon: Take a final walk through Atlanta Botanical Garden or the historic Swan House for some final snapshots before departing.

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?
My biggest supporter is my wife, Martina. Not only does she read everything I write, but she also provides exceptional editing services. Martina is also very encouraging and respectful of the creative process. She gives me space to write and understands the crazy hours that writers keep when working on a project. From time to time, Martina offers suggestions that are very unique and well thought of. One day we’ll work together on a book. I’m pretty sure of it. She’s very talented and brings unique life experiences into the creative process. I wouldn’t have come this far without her.

Website: https://www.stacylamarking.com

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