Her Story
About Lisa
Lisa Davis serves as Founder and CEO of LGD Speaks, her training and consultation practice that she started 20 years ago. With more than 30 years in leadership development, training, and professional training, she maintains a strong focus on customer service training. Davis earned a degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin with minors in Psychology and African American Culture. She taught high school English for three years in Houston before entering corporate roles, including positions at Pacific Care Health Systems, Chase Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and GTEC. From 2009 until January of this year, she held various leadership positions with the state of Texas, most recently managing leadership academies. Davis has recently authored books on customer service, including How May I Help You?, The Rhythm and Blues of Service, and Getting It Out the Mud, with a third book in the Rooted in Service series planned for release in Fall 2026
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the perseverance and spirit of inclusion I saw modeled by parents. My father, a retired minister from Jamaica, always modeled the importance of taking care of others. My mother, a retired music teacher, modeled the importance of seeking joy in all that we do. Through community, music, outreach and being a light to those in darkness, the joy that she effortlessly displayed has been a critical element in my journey.
In addition to my parents' examples, I have had a couple impactful leaders who have equipped me with specific tools and strategies that I will likely use for the rest of my life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Plan your work, and work your plan.
Thanks, Daddy!
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay aware and trust your instincts. They are there for a reason. Your desire to fit in or to seem "safe" may lower your guard.
Remember that no one will be as committed to your passions and mission as you are, and that's okay.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the controversy over culture-based leads to a struggle to be deemed relevant at a time when there is so much emphasis on removing harmful differences in society.
People love to say they "don't see color", with the best of intention. However, with race comes a reality with a plethora of experiences that we should not hide nor deprive ourselves of the opportunity to know so that our efforts to celebrate our shared humanity has integrity.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, for myself and others , leads to trust. Trust makes everything go faster, new ideas, problem-solving, forgiveness and more!
Family- A village, biological or not, that truly has your back is invaluable
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