LaWanna Bradford, MPA

I salute my mother and father—whose strength, faith, and unwavering belief in me shaped the foundation of everything I am and everything I strive to become. Their example taught me that excellence is not an act, but a way of being.

I attribute my success first and foremost to God. My devotion to Him and my belief that He orders my steps have guided every season of my life—opening doors, shaping my purpose, and anchoring me through both triumphs and trials.

I am also propelled by a profound love for the work I do and an unshakeable commitment to show up with intention, integrity, and mastery in every space I enter. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to world-class initiatives—from supporting the Olympic Games to presenting before the U.S. Congress—experiences that solidified my belief in the power of collaboration, vision, and purpose-driven leadership.

Yet, the heart of my journey extends far beyond boardrooms and national platforms. My humanitarian work—volunteering across Africa and participating in healing initiatives in Haiti—has deeply shaped how I define impact. These experiences remind me that true success isn’t measured by accolades or accomplishments, but by the lives we uplift, the communities we empower, and the hope we help restore.

At every stage of my life and career, my guiding belief remains the same: success is legacy—and legacy is built through faith, service, courage, and the willingness to create positive change wherever our feet are planted.

The best career advice I ever received came from my parents—wisdom that has guided every step of my professional and entrepreneurial journey.

My mother would say, “Learn from the mistakes of others, because you can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” That single sentence taught me the power of mentorship, coaching, and surrounding myself with people who have walked the road before me. Leaning into the experiences of others—their successes and their failures—has saved me time, accelerated my growth, and strengthened my discernment.

My father added a second guiding principle: “Find something you love so much that you would do it for free—and you will never work a day in your life.” That truth shaped how I approach purpose, passion, and the kind of work worthy of my life’s energy. Together, my parents’ wisdom became my career compass.

Learn from those who came before you. And do the work that lights your soul. These two lessons have been the foundation of my success and the heartbeat of my calling.

The advice I would give a young woman entering any industry is this: Lead with purpose, protect your voice, and never negotiate your worth.

Understand that you are stepping into spaces your ancestors prayed for and into opportunities that require not perfection, but boldness. Be clear about who you are, what you bring, and what you will not compromise.

1. Know Your God-given identity.

Before you enter a boardroom, a Zoom room, or a conference room, know who you are in God’s eyes. Let Him order your steps. Your confidence will come not from titles or applause, but from alignment with your purpose.

2. Master your craft.

Excellence is your competitive advantage. Learn the industry, stay curious, and keep sharpening your skills. When you walk in prepared, you walk in powerful.

3. Build relationships, not just résumés.

Your network is not transactional—it is transformational. Seek mentors, allies, and collaborators who challenge you, stretch you, and champion your growth.

4. Advocate for yourself.

You are not required to shrink to make others comfortable. Ask for the compensation, seat, or opportunity you have earned. Closed mouths don’t get funded, promoted, or elevated.

5. Protect your peace and trust your intuition.

Every door is not yours. Every opportunity is not aligned. Your spirit will tell you when something is off—listen.

6. Serve with heart.

Your success is not just for you. It is to elevate others, open doors behind you, and build a legacy rooted in compassion, integrity, and impact.

And finally: Don’t wait to be chosen. Choose yourself. When you do, the world has no choice but to adjust and make room for the woman God designed you to be.

As a global strategist, I operate at the intersection of shifting economies, emerging technologies, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving human behavior. In today’s landscape, the challenges are significant—but the opportunities are extraordinary for those who know how to see beyond the noise, connect the dots, and lead with purpose and foresight.

Biggest Challenges

1. Rapid, Unpredictable Global Disruption - Political transitions, economic volatility, climate events, public health crises, and technological acceleration create constant instability. The challenge lies in helping organizations navigate uncertainty with clarity, agility, and grounded decision-making.

2. Fragmented Information and Misinformation - Leaders are overwhelmed by data yet starving for wisdom. Distinguishing truth from noise and crafting strategies rooted in evidence—not emotion or misinformation—is becoming exponentially harder.

3. Cross-Cultural and Cross-Generational Complexity - The global workforce is more diverse than ever, with distinct expectations, communication styles, and definitions of success. Strategists must bridge cultural divides, generational gaps, and leadership blind spots—while still aligning teams toward a common vision.

4. Technology Outpacing Human Readiness - AI, automation, predictive analytics, and digital transformation create fear and opportunity simultaneously. The challenge is integrating innovation without eroding humanity—ensuring people, not just processes, remain central to progress.

5. Burnout, Talent Drain, and Leadership Erosion - Worldwide, leaders are exhausted, teams are fractured, and many organizations lack future-ready pipelines. As a strategist, restoring trust, cohesion, and resilience has become a critical—and urgent—priority.

Biggest Opportunities

1. The Rise of Purpose-Driven Leadership - increasingly recognize that profit follows purpose. There is a tremendous opportunity to help leaders develop values-based strategies that strengthen culture, increase impact, and create long-term competitive advantage.

2. Global Collaboration and Cross-Border Innovation - Despite fragmentation, the world is more connected than ever. There is growing opportunity to build alliances across industries, geographies, and cultures—unlocking solutions that no single sector can achieve alone.

3. Human-Centered Systems Transformation - Companies and governments are rethinking how people work, how organizations grow, and how societies evolve. This opens the door for strategists like you—experts in the Future of Work—to lead transformation that is equitable, sustainable, and visionary.

4. Technology as a Strategic Amplifier - AI, automation, and digital ecosystems—when used responsibly—can accelerate growth, improve decision-making, eliminate inefficiencies, and expand global reach. The strategist who understands both innovation and human behavior becomes indispensable.

5. A Global Call for Inclusion, Equity, and Justice - Around the world, there is a heightened awareness of social responsibility. This creates an enormous opportunity to build strategies that elevate marginalized voices, strengthen community impact, and shape policies that reflect dignity, fairness, and shared prosperity.

My life and career are anchored in an unshakeable devotion to God. I believe He orders my steps, aligns my purpose, and positions me to lead, serve, and create impact with intention. My faith is my compass—guiding every decision and reminding me that true success begins with spiritual alignment.

I am deeply rooted in family. I honor the legacy of my parents, whose wisdom, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in me shaped my character and fueled my ambition. Their voices still guide me, reminding me to lead with integrity, courage, and love. Everything I build stands on the foundation they laid.

I hold myself to a standard of excellence and mastery. I believe excellence is not an act but a posture—a way of showing respect for the gifts God placed within me and the people I am called to serve. In every endeavor, I strive to bring clarity, purpose, and a level of distinction that elevates the work and honors the calling.

My commitment to service and impact defines the heart of my leadership. Whether in boardrooms, communities, global initiatives, or media platforms, I am driven by a desire to uplift, empower, and create transformational change. My mission is bigger than profit—it's about leaving people better than I found them.

I lead with integrity and authentic purpose. I believe in truth, transparency, and standing firmly in my values. Leadership, to me, is stewardship—an opportunity to influence systems, open doors for others, and build a legacy rooted in compassion, justice, and accountability.

Together, these values shape who I am: faith-led, family-rooted, excellence-driven, service-centered, and purpose-guided—committed to impacting lives and elevating humanity wherever my journey takes me.