Episode 46: Paving New Pathways
An interview with Latasha Ferguson
Latasha shares her in-process story of paving new pathways personally and professionally.
The Seeds
Name: Latasha Ferguson
Where do you call home: That question is so loaded for me— as a military child who traveled a lot– I’d say anywhere with family is home and currently, it’s Orlando, FL.
Relationship Status: Married
Season of Work: Director of Instruction– train, coach, and supervise school principals
Hobbies: Laughing A LOT (is that a hobby?), reading, traveling to eat with friends, running
Jesus Journey: I’ve been in church since birth, and was a PK but really knowing and experiencing Jesus deeply for myself (going beyond head knowledge and into heart change) did not happen until I was in college. There were seeds planted through prayer by family members throughout my childhood years. I always share that in the dark season of young adulthood, my dad loved me right back to Christ.
The Branches
Latasha, you popped on to “Engage & Encourage” with Olive Us Sister Tasha Jun back in June 2023 and it was a rich conversation. We talked about belonging and shared our individual experiences as mixed-race women following Jesus and living in America…what a joy that was. What was that conversation like for you?
That conversation was one I will never forget. To be able to bring my full self to a conversation with two sisters who get where I’m coming from was so good for my soul. I don’t always get the opportunity to share my experiences fully in certain spaces. Having had that opportunity through the IG Live you facilitated was everything. It was further confirmation that I was not alone in this mixed-race journey.
Latasha, we chatted on the subjects of community & belonging on your podcast “Overcome to Become.” In leadership regardless of the space MUCH needs to be redeemed. Would you agree? What are some areas of leadership you think need to be “made new” in our society?
Such a good question– there are so many things that I could speak to. What comes top of mind is the deep and immediate need for leaders to lead from the inside out. We cannot lead people to places we are unwilling to go and we cannot require them to do things we will not do ourselves. Also, we cannot ask them to be something we are not. How we are when the doors close at home, is the type of leader we are. We’ve got to step back and do what I call the “heart work”-- check our motives and roots.
Second, I would say if you do not like or care about people, you should not be leading. We have too many leaders that are in it for a title– that is true in the private, and public sectors and the church. If we are not growing our people, if we don’t leave organizations/churches/businesses better than we found them (more than just the bottom line), and if we are unable to build a culture that is good for people where they can be their full selves and belong– we should not be leading. Our leadership should ooze– loving God and loving people.
Third, we’ve got to get away from this thought that you’re only a good leader if you sacrifice your well-being for the cause. We cannot lead well if we are not well–period. We’ve got to stop praising and putting people on a pedestal who are sacrificing their families, their health, their spiritual life, never going on vacation, never resting, etc. This is not how God is calling us to lead. We’ve got to get off the hustle bandwagon and lead like Jesus did.
Lastly, we’ve got to put more women in positions of leadership– especially women of color. Let’s state the facts. Let’s own them. If we are women at the table, let’s scoot over and make room for others. Let’s advocate. Let’s help one another.
I titled this episode, “Pathing New Pathways” because that is WHAT you’re doing Latasha! How have you been paving new pathways in your: mind, body, spirit, parenting, and leadership?
I’m a recovering overachiever– for the longest time I felt like I had something to prove and that was my fuel. I achieved a lot on that fuel until I no longer could– it ran out. So for the last 5 years or so I have been paving new pathways in my mind, body, spirit, parenting, and leadership. I am learning to hold my plans loosely and not be so controlling (whew– saying that out loud makes me cringe). I am planning things around my family instead of leaving them on the outs while I go and be great by myself. Also, putting God first, like actually putting him first, especially when I just don’t want to or don’t agree with his responses or plans. All in all, I am discovering a new and better way to lead. Leading in a way where I don’t risk my well-being and live this pretend life that is great for public consumption on social media but a wreck in real life behind closed doors. Leading at home well means more to me than anything. It’s been a whole process and I’m still on that journey.
Who have been the permission givers…the caller “outers” and “uppers” who have encouraged you to pave NEW pathways?
As I look back, God has been nudging me all along. I can see his warnings and gentle pushes. My husband was the one a few years back who was brave enough to really call me out and up on two different occasions. Both were strong wake-up calls that I needed. He did not shy away from really speaking up about the state of our marriage and how it was going to dissolve if things didn't change. Then when I was struggling through a transition, he encouraged me to see a therapist for the first time— that was life-changing. My mom has a way of snatching me out of the pits. She’s a dreamer and a prayer warrior. My sister-friends have been huge encouragers. My favorite sister is my biggest cheerleader. Most of all, my four girls. When I look at them, I want to be better as a leader. I don’t want them to experience the same things I did as a new leader. I want them to learn how to lead well by watching my life. Oh, and they don’t mind telling Mom exactly how it is or is not– ha! Along with unsolicited clothing advice.
Not too long ago (Feb 2023) you created a space for Black Women called “The Mahogany Table.”You describe “The Mahogany Table” as a place where the “Onlys” always have a seat at the table. Share with Olive Us the meaning and mission behind “The Mahogany Table.”
Because of my journey as an “only”, I have never been more determined to unapologetically advocate, champion, and create spaces for black/brown women professionals and leaders. The mission of Mahogany Table is to provide spaces where black and brown women “onlys” can embrace their full identity, find community, and learn how to go beyond surviving to flourishing.
Every woman who attends our events or gatherings will know that wholeness and joy are attainable, they are seen, they are valued, and they belong.
What was it like to hold the first Mahogany Table gathering? Share some of your takeaways.
I had never experienced a gathering like that before. I am not going to lie, I was a little nervous. I didn’t have a blueprint or template to follow. I was leaning into the leading of the holy spirit and the guidance of friends. The night was a collective “sigh”--- women were letting things out that they had not said out loud in years or ever. The laughter (without being worried about how loud), the tears that brought healing….So many takeaways from that night—
It affirmed that we need more spaces like this.
These women had been walking around for years with these stories and experiences in their hearts but no one to share them with who could relate.
Gathering doesn’t just happen by chance– we must be super intentional.
The longer we stay apart, the less work we can get done. We can do more together.
We really, really need each other.
What’s at stake if we as women don’t pave NEW pathways and create tables in our places and spaces for one another?
There’s so much at stake. The gap is going to continue to widen. The lies and stereotypes about women and how we don’t know how to get along will gain more strength and will continue permeating into every part of our society. There will still be a severe lack of WOC in key leadership roles. WOC will continue to be placed in roles with no training or mentorship. Bottom line: Nothing will change. We cannot wait for men to make a way for us. We cannot wait for our non-BIPOC peers to make a way for us. We have to bond together. We’ve got to shake off this “there can only be one of us attitude”. Put differences aside. Step on the enemy’s head and choose to celebrate and create opportunities for other WOC. Our girls are depending on us to lock arms. We need to show them what women coming together looks like and the power we have collectively. We need our sisters– we need each other.
For the Olive Us sister who doesn’t see themselves as a leader, trailblazer, or entrepreneur…they believe they’re too young or too old to pave new pathways how would you encourage her today?
From the least likely leader whose past is broken and messy, if God can use me, he can use anyone. If you are breathing, you still have a purpose. All of us are in positions of influence–titled or not. Even if it is just one person that God is calling you to lead— lead that person well. Don’t wait for a title. Don’t wait to grow older or leave it for the young folks to do it. We need women of all ages, backgrounds, and races to step up and lead. Sis, stop asking God to let someone else do it.
No, he is asking you to do it. God is purposely calling each of us beyond our comfort zones into the unknown because he knows we will have to lean totally into him to do what he is calling us to do. Keep your foot out of the comparison trap and take that next step forward. Go lead, sis.
Olive Us was created for women to share their in-process stories and be reminded they’re connected through Christ and not alone. Why is this important?
I was watching the Netflix series, “How to Live to 100”. There was one statistic that resonated so deeply— loneliness can steal 15 years from a person’s life. This is a very sobering fact. The only antidote is community and friendship. Olive Us is doing just that. It is bringing women together and reminding them of their connectedness.
One of the first things Jesus did was gather a community. He was a great example of what we should be doing. His community was far from perfect. It was messy but necessary. He empowered them to do the work together. It is impossible to do this work God is calling us to do alone. We were not created that way and we will struggle if we insist on doing it all by ourselves. Every time I share my story with another sister, I can feel parts of my heart healing even more. I also can feel my courage rising when I hear that my sharing has helped her in her journey.
The Olive Tree
Finish these statements:
God is…my redeemer.
We Pave New Pathways because…the next generation needs a new way.
‘Olive Us’ are better when… we dare to bother each other— make up in our minds that we will not do this life alone.