We had the good fortune of connecting with Lalisa Sweat, Attorney at Law and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lalisa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success was understanding the market and understanding what the community desired. Once I was able to identify the needs within my industry, I was then able to find a solution to those needs and build a platform surrounding my industry’s needs. Success goes beyond simply being able to say that you do not work for another. Instead, success allows you to expound on your creativeness and think critically about creating solutions to problems within your industry. With that said, the most important factor that has contributed to my success is fully understanding the concept of creating solutions to problems and pivoting from that mindset.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

It took a while for me to come up with a true brand identity. I struggled in this area because I was good at many things and naturally, built businesses surrounding my various talents. I did not want to be known as just the “the attorney,” “the credit guru,” “the content creator,” or “the realtor.” I was more than just those things, I was a brand.

Last year, I had an epiphany that essentially changed the way I looked at entrepreneurship and ultimately changed my perspective on life. In October of 2021, I left a position within Corporate America, specifically at Credit Suisse, to become my own boss. As pretty as the title “Boss” may sound, it comes with challenges but it also comes with rewards. After starting my first business, iAM Financially Poised, in April 2020, I realized that I was so much happier with working for myself and in November 2021, decided to officially “Dropout” of Corporate America.

I came up with the name The Corporate Dropout, to signify who I am as a brand and as an entrepreneur. I also decided on this name because it served as motivation for those who inspire to “Dropout” of Corporate America and begin a life of entrepreneurship. Coming up with my brand identity allowed me to pivot all my businesses because it introduced a way for me to fully provide a background of who I am and how dropping out aided me in establishing the following businesses:
iAM Financially Poised (established April 2020)
Credit University (established March 2021)
Green Diamond Business Solutions (established January 2021)
The Content Bar (established August 2021)
Corporate Dropout Outsourcing (established December 2021)
Lalisa Sweat, Realtor (established February 2022)
The Law Office of Lalisa Sweat (established April 2020).

The journey of getting to where I am as a serial entrepreneur was tough, to say the least. There are many rules, guidelines, and exceptions that are not taught in school. However, I took my downfalls as life lessons and continued to push forward. Being an entrepreneur is not easy, but it comes with many rewards. Not to mention, it allows you to get your MBA in practice.

My takeaway is to follow your dreams. Being a dropout isn’t always negative and can have the opposite effect of what you may think. Further, being a dropout can put you in positions and rooms that you would not have otherwise sat in. With that said, I, Lalisa Sweat, am The Corporate Dropout and I am hopeful every time you see my name, it motivates you in more ways than one. And while I am The Corporate Dropout, under that umbrella I am also the BOSS of several businesses.

So trust me, you can do whatever it is you put your mind to. Simply keep PUSHING.

I am hosting a tea party, Bosses Sip Tea™ to empower, encourage and network with other lady bosses on August 6, 2022 in Charlotte, NC! Please feel free to join us!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Because I am such a homebody, it’s a little difficult to answer this question, but I will try my best. If I had someone visiting, one of the restaurants I would take them to Phat Eatery for dinner! I love seafood and Malaysian food is uniquely one of a kind! We would then go to Lost and Found for some drinks and finally relax and catch up at The Woodhouse Day Spa.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, there are so many individuals and organizations that contributed to my overall entrepreneurial success. One person in particular that I would like to give a special shoutout to, is my childhood best friend, Romira “Mira” Young. Mira if you are reading this, I want to take the time to give you your flowers. Since the day I came to you and told you I wanted to become an entrepreneur and focus on helping my community, you undoubtedly supported me with no hesitation. Mira welcomed me into her entrepreneurial space and grind, and taught me the most important concepts of being an entrepreneur. I have been able to avoid numerous pitfalls because of her guidance and mentorship and ultimately would not be here if it was not for her gentle pushes.

To everyone else that have poured into me and contributed to my overall entrepreneurial success, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Website: https://linktr.ee/thecorporatedropout

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theecorpdropout/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalisa-sweat-esq-b811a0106

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweat.lalisa

Image Credits
Photographer: Gasen Pierre

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