Jay Crutchfield | Unleashing the Power of Authentic Branding: A Conversation with Lethia Owens

 

In the fast-paced world of business and branding, few voices resonate as deeply as that of Lethia Owens. From a high school dropout to a CEOpreneur, Lethia has not only transformed her life but has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless others. As a branding expert, market domination strategist, and transformational keynote speaker, Lethia has dedicated her life to helping others build their personal brands, monetize their message, and dominate their markets. Ranked among the top 30 brand gurus globally, Lethia’s influence is undeniable, and her journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Lethia’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding belief in the power of self-improvement. Dropping out of high school at the age of 14 and facing dire predictions about her future, Lethia refused to be defined by her circumstances. Instead, she embraced a mindset of continuous improvement, becoming a straight-A student, earning a full scholarship to college, and eventually rising through the ranks in the IT industry.

During a recent interview, Lethia shared her inspiring journey and the principles that have guided her success. “If I can be successful, anybody can be successful,” she said. “I was a high school dropout at the age of 14. But one of the things that I have always had is a determination to be more or to be better because I have this insatiable desire and curiosity for knowledge.”

This thirst for knowledge and self-improvement became the foundation of Lethia’s success. She emphasized the importance of personal development, likening it to compounded interest. “If every day I could just become just a little bit better at something, then over time, it’s like compounded interest. It’s compounded personal development or personal improvements,” she explained.

Lethia’s journey from high school dropout to CEOpreneur is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith. She credits her strong faith as a guiding force in her life, helping her navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. “I believe that my faith allows me to show up in the marketplace very differently than a lot of my colleagues,” she said. “I believe that my clients have been predestined to work with me before the foundation of the world was ever even created.”

This belief in predestined clients has shaped Lethia’s approach to branding and marketing. She operates with the conviction that her unique value will attract the right clients, without the need to compete with others in her field. “All I have to do is be everything that I’ve been created to be. And if I can do that and be that, well, I will magnetically attract the clients I need to do what it is that I’m doing,” she said.

Lethia’s journey is also deeply intertwined with her relationship with her husband, Andre. She fondly recalls how Andre, a handsome “hunk of chocolate,” encouraged her to pursue higher education instead of settling for a career as a cosmetologist. His support and belief in her potential played a crucial role in her success.

“My husband said, ‘No, you’re going to college,’” Lethia shared. “And every time I would ask him, ‘Take me out on a date,’ he would say, ‘Sure, after you study for the SAT.’ He made me record all of the Greek and Latin root words, suffixes, and prefixes and listen to the tape for like a year. But it’s because of that hard work that I put in that when it came time to take the SAT, I scored a near-perfect score.”

Is Video More Your Speed? Then Check This Out…

 

This dedication to self-improvement and the support of her husband helped Lethia secure a full-ride scholarship to college, setting her on a path to success. Today, Lethia and Andre are celebrating over 31 years of marriage, and their partnership continues to be a source of strength and inspiration.

Lethia’s career trajectory took a significant turn when she was mentored by a VP at State Farm as part of their fast track to senior management program. After two years of mentorship, her mentor encouraged her to pursue a career in speaking and writing, recognizing that Lethia was destined for something greater than what the corporate world could offer.

“My VP level mentor looked at me and said, ‘Lethia, you’re much bigger than any opportunity State Farm could ever offer you. I mean, you were meant to speak and to write books.’ And I was like, ‘What?’” Lethia recalled. This conversation ignited a fire within her, leading her to incorporate her company and eventually leave her corporate job to become a full-time professional speaker.

Since then, Lethia has never looked back. Her faith and determination have seen her through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. “In either season, I’ve learned to trust and to really have faith that I’m on the right path,” she said. “The gifts God has given me and the path He has set me on has to be sufficient to provide for my family.”

Lethia’s success as a speaker and branding expert is rooted in her ability to master her craft. When she decided to focus on personal branding, she purchased every book on Amazon that had the words “personal branding” in the title. This commitment to mastering her field has earned her a reputation as one of the top brand gurus in the world.

“I think that a lot of people struggle because they try to become a master of everything,” Lethia explained. “I needed to become an expert. I needed to become a specialist, not a generalist. And that was the motivation for me to really choose a lane.”

Choosing a lane has allowed Lethia to hone her expertise and deliver powerful results for her clients. Whether she’s working with corporate professionals or entrepreneurs, Lethia helps her clients build magnetic brands that attract the right audience and drive success.

In her book, “Your Brand Influence: The Art and Science of Building an Influential Personal Brand,” Lethia outlines the seven E’s for building an influential personal brand. These principles guide individuals through the exploration of their identity, the mastery of their expertise, and the effective communication of their value in the marketplace.

 

 

For entrepreneurs, Lethia has developed the Magnetic Brand Framework, which helps them understand how their life experiences, expertise, and demographics can be packaged and monetized. By focusing on their unique value and target audience, entrepreneurs can build brands that resonate with their ideal clients.

Lethia’s dedication to her craft, her faith, and her clients has made her a sought-after speaker and coach. Her passion for helping others succeed is evident in everything she does, from her speaking engagements to her one-on-one coaching sessions.

As Lethia looks to the future, she is excited to continue her work with women of faith in business, helping them incorporate their faith into their branding and marketing strategies. “I’m seeking to work with people who love the Lord, who desire to incorporate their faith as part of their foundation for really elevating their business,” she said.

Lethia Owens’ story is a powerful reminder that success is not about where you start, but about where you’re willing to go. With faith, determination, and a commitment to continuous improvement, anyone can build a magnetic brand and create a life they love.

For those interested in learning more about Lethia’s work, her resources, or her upcoming events, visit LethiaOwens.com.