Her Story
About Lisa
Lisa White is a third-generation entrepreneur and seasoned business leader with deep roots in enterprise development and client relations. As founder & President of White Howard Brands, she brings over 30 years of experience in the contract commercial furniture industry, serving a diverse client base that includes Fortune 100 and 500 companies, federal & state agencies, medical institutions, and higher education organizations. Her expertise spans sales, marketing, negotiation, and strategic account development, with a strong reputation for building long-term partnerships and delivering tailored workplace solutions. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Lisa’s drive for business ownership and financial independence was shaped early by generations of resourcefulness and resilience. Her grandmother managed land and agricultural operations in North Carolina in the early 1900s, while her mother pursued multiple entrepreneurial side ventures. Grounded in a Christian upbringing, Lisa attributes her success to faith, perseverance, and her commitment to creating a meaningful legacy for her children. These values continue to guide her leadership style and business philosophy. Beyond her corporate work, Lisa is passionate about mentorship, industry education, and community engagement. She actively hosts educational events for emerging professionals and clients, fostering growth and knowledge-sharing within her industry. As a GA Titan 100 honoree and active board member in cultural and nonprofit spaces, she is dedicated to expanding opportunity, strengthening professional communities, and building a legacy of impact that extends beyond business success. In the spirit of legacy building, she looks forward to her children continuing in the family business and strengthening our communities along the way.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
In a single word, my faith. I'm thankful for God's grace, love & mercy in my life. I was blessed 33 years with a son & 28 years ago with a daughter; two beautiful children. My ultimate “why” are them. My son, Jelani and daughter, Journey and I have had conversations about WHB elevating into the future. My daughter would become President to maintain continuity of a woman owned company. My children have witnessed me build this business from the ground up, literally starting from just me to what it has become today. Together, we are committed to building a lasting legacy of fostering great partnerships with our clients, vendor and industry resources and our team.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I'm sure most of us have heard this before, "When you recognize you are the smartest person in the room, you're in the Wrong Room". I strive to surround myself with people who elevate my professional, personal & inspirational knowledge. When the universe pours into me, It's exciting! and allows me to shine my light bright and share with others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I enjoy connecting people, especially women. Women entering in the commercial real estate industry, interior design, architecture, engineering and construction need a circle of support from other women already crafting a pathway. I play a small part in this circle by offering words of encouragement, "You got this & God's got you"! Maintaining every relationship along the way is key as you never know who your supporter, mentor or contributor may be.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In today's daily change of technology and AI, it's the opportunity & the challenge, all in one. I've been hosting panel discussions to explore how different segments of our industry work with AI and advancing technologies. My team & I are navigating the journey through AI by on-boarding resources to support our clients' requirements and establish what will serve them best.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
WHB as a team established with our personal & professional development coach to have Integrity.
We defined integrity as:
-What you said?
-What you know?
-What is expected?
-What you stand for?
When you give your word (agreement, commitment, etc.) to someone & then realize you cannot keep your word, as soon as you have that realization, you need to inform them (colleagues, clients, family & friends). Staying in integrity, is to maintain your word and expectation of others. When the course may change and life happens, communicate the change and stay in your integrity.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.