Exploring Life & Business with LaToya Sutton of Sutton Elevation and Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToya Sutton.

Hi LaToya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began in 2017 when I made a life-changing decision to move from Northern Virginia to Georgia to be with the love of my life. However, I soon realized that the job market in my new home state couldn’t match the salary I had been earning. This prompted me to tap into my professional skills and take the entrepreneurial plunge. While actively networking in Georgia, I stumbled upon a local business eager to grow. I reached out to them, pitching my consulting services as the solution to their success. After negotiations, they became my very first client, and securing that initial contract was a thrilling moment. It represented validation, trust, and the chance to make a positive impact.

This initial success fueled my confidence, propelling me to pursue larger clients like Goodwill of Greater Washington and Jackson Hewitt. My business evolved to offer comprehensive consulting and training services. That first dollar of revenue meant more than just financial gain; it marked the start of a journey filled with learning, growth, and the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others. It was a pivotal moment that fueled my determination to build a thriving business, and it continues to inspire me today.

My Human Resources (HR) career began during a rewarding teaching experience overseas, where I collaborated with my alma mater, Elizabeth City State University, to recruit potential students from the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan military base in South Korea.

After my teaching contract in South Korea concluded, I seamlessly transitioned into higher education, specifically in Career Services. This marked the start of my career in job placement and career guidance.

Afterward, I ventured into roles where I managed talent acquisition for multiple organizations. These experiences served as the crucible where I honed the skills that define my work today. It’s been a journey marked by growth, learning, and development, and I’m excited to continue making a difference in education and employment.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been far from a smooth road, and it required a significant shift in mindset. I had to unlearn a deeply ingrained belief rooted in my perception of professionalism and productivity. For years, I had followed the established patterns of larger corporations, assuming that their strategies and practices were the golden standard for success. However, it became clear that blindly emulating these trends wasn’t the right path for me and my team.

The backstory to this realization lies in my experiences working for several large companies. I felt a misalignment between their methods and my values and goals. This disconnect led me to a critical moment where I knew I needed to pivot and create a work culture that resonated with my vision and purpose. It was a pivotal decision to rebrand my business, shaping it into an environment where I would genuinely want to show up every day.

This journey taught me that true success isn’t merely about mimicking what works for others. It’s about understanding your unique purpose, aligning it with your team’s aspirations, and crafting a work culture that reflects these values. It’s about creating a place where passion and purpose drive productivity, ultimately leading to fulfillment and success.

One of the immediate challenges I faced initially was breaking into the market and acquiring clients when I started my consulting business. It required a considerable investment of time and effort to build a client base, and I had to learn entrepreneurship along the way, from marketing my services to negotiating contracts.

Furthermore, the competitive consulting industry presented its own set of difficulties. Standing out and convincing potential clients to choose my services over others demanded persistence and a strong value proposition.

On the HR side of my career, navigating the complexities of talent acquisition and managing recruitment processes for various organizations was a continuous challenge. Finding the right talent, especially for specialized roles, and ensuring a smooth hiring process were often demanding tasks.

Despite these obstacles, each challenge provided an opportunity for growth and learning. Overcoming them has been a testament to my determination and adaptability. These experiences have played a significant role in shaping my path and honing my skills in both entrepreneurship and HR.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sutton Elevation & Consulting is your go-to experienced HR and Career Coach. With years of experience, We have successfully collaborated with a diverse clientele, ranging from thriving startups to Fortune 500 giants.

Our coaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: Everyone can achieve greatness. By delving into your strengths, goals, and values, we can uncover the answers to your success. Whether you’re an individual seeking to soar to new heights in your career or an organization aiming to optimize your workforce, we are here to guide you. With my extensive expertise in talent management, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness, we provide tailored guidance and unwavering support.

At Sutton Elevation and Consulting, we offer a range of services. We specialize in Small Business Workforce Development, Human Resources Consulting, Recruitment and Onboarding training, Leadership Training, Career Coaching, and Resume Writing.

Our commitment to fostering a dynamic, people-centric approach to business sets us apart. We understand the importance of recruiting the right talent and nurturing their growth and potential. We strive to create lasting positive impacts on individuals and organizations, making us your trusted partner in achieving workforce excellence.

I take immense pride in the transformations we’ve facilitated in businesses and individuals alike. Our work isn’t just about finding jobs or improving HR processes; it’s about elevating lives and creating success stories.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Certainly! Here are some HR and career-related resources that help me excel.

Apps:

LinkedIn: A professional networking app to connect with colleagues and industry researchers, explore job opportunities, and stay updated on industry news. LinkedIn Learning provides a vast library of professional development courses on various topics.

Headspace: A meditation and mindfulness app for stress relief and mental well-being.

Books:

As a Doctoral Scholar in Business Administration specializing in Human Resource Management, my academic journey keeps me deeply immersed in the dynamic world of HR. While I’m constantly exploring the latest research and developments in the field, here are a few book recommendations:

“Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink: This book explores motivation and how it affects career performance.

“Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg: This book offers insights and advice on women in leadership roles.

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: This book discusses the power of small habits in achieving big goals.

Podcasts:

“The HR Happy Hour Show” by Steve Boese and Trish McFarlane: Covers HR trends, leadership, and workplace culture.

Blogs:

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Blog: Offers insights into HR trends, best practices, and workplace management.

Harvard Business Review (HBR): Offers insights and research on management and leadership.

HR Bartender: Provides practical HR advice and insights on workplace issues.

The Muse: Features articles and advice on career development and job searching.

Lifehacker: Tips and tricks for improving productivity and daily life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.suttonelevationandconsulting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sutton_elevation_consulting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suttonelevationandconsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutton-elevation-consulting/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sutton_e_c
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SuttonElevationandConsulting?feature=shared
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sutton-elevation-and-consulting-charlotte

Image Credits
Amathis Photography https://www.amathisphotography.com/