Her Story
About LaVera
LaVera Shields has spent 20 years in education and 10 years in coaching. She began her journey as a substitute teacher and later founded Lawful Learning to connect school learning with community resources and parents through events like back-to-school programs and summer gardening activities. Now based in Killeen, Texas, after time in Michigan, she focuses on her Trifecta program, which emphasizes balance in self-care, health, and wealth, supported by a notebook and e-book. As a United States Marine Corps veteran, she volunteers with BEITZ, a nonprofit supporting Texas veterans through financial aid, PTSD classes, business classes, and mental health support, and she delivers presentations and speaking events primarily for veteran communities. Shields attributes her success to her mother, a hardworking single parent nearly completing her doctorate who instilled a strong business mindset. She values integrity, honesty, and the wisdom of silence in observing situations. Her advice includes never giving up, remaining open to new approaches and continuous learning, and recognizing that AI is expanding opportunities in coaching while life coaching requires an all-inclusive balance.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with LaVera
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from looking up to my mom, who was a single mom that worked really hard and was almost done with her doctorate. She always did business and I got the business gene from her. My father was a carpenter but I didn't get the artistic gene like my sisters.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't give up. Sometimes it seems hard but just don't give up. Keep pushing.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If it doesn't work one way, try a different way. Don't just think that the one way that you have in your mind to do something is correct, because it doesn't work for everybody. Be open to different approaches. Be open to new things, and definitely be open to talking to people and learning. You'll never stop learning as long as you live.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI has really busted the door open with coaching and is a major tool people will use. In life coaching it's all-inclusive, which is why I teach the Trifecta of taking care of yourself, your health, and your wealth because they all go together as a balance.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is number one, doing the right thing whether somebody's looking or not. Honesty. And silence - you don't always have to say what you know, sometimes you just need to observe the room.
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