An Interview with CEO and Inspirational Speaker Latrina Johnson

Facebook has become not only a place for social networking, but it has been a source of strength comfort and even inspiration. There are quite a few social networking sites around and typically you find so much negativity, foolishness and some downright perversion going on out there in cyber space. That is exactly why, it is a jewel to find people that keep it upbeat and Positive and this brings me to Latrina Johnson and the work she's doing with S.A.M.

If you don't know what SAM is, it means "Speaking Above Mediocrity" and is a global self-empowerment company that inspires, uplifts and empowers women all over the Nation. I recently reached out to Latrina to get more information on her role as CEO of S.A.M. and here's what she had to say:

A.C.: Welcome Latrina! I am so excited to be able to speak with you today and learn more about you and your Vision for the future.

L.J.: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to tell you more about Speaking Above Mediocrity. I am equally excited!

A.C.: I understand you hale from Shreveport, Louisiana. How was it growing up in Louisiana?

L.J.: I love Louisiana. I love my history in Louisiana. I have very strong ties to Louisiana; my entire immediate family still lives in Louisiana. The community in which I lived in would be classified as the inner city known as Cooper Road and later changed to Martin Luther King community. I come from a community that rains pride and endurance. Growing up as a teenager gunfire was a nightly occurrence and sadly many of my classmates were active in gang violence. I was honored to be captain of our cheerleader squad for my high school, Green Oaks and I remember schools that would refuse to come to our school to play basketball and while playing at another school one of my classmates shot another student from another school and I recall vividly walking pass the student that was shot while laying on the ground and seeing a glaze look in his eyes. That was a very sad moment along with many others. However there were plenty of joyous times. I was also honored to be crowned homecoming queen my senior year. Of all the awards and accomplishments I've ever received and will receive, this one will I always hold the dearest because the entire school chose who they felt exemplified the best qualities to represent not just our school, but our community and even to this day I think of their vote. Our bond from our community is great because oftentimes we were the only ones that believed and supported us. Many said we were worthless. But we understood we could rise above any negativity. Cooper Road a great community with brilliant and genuine lovely people.

A.C.: Were you reared in a Christian household?

L.J: It was my upbringing that affords me to stand as a strong, spiritual, determined, self-confident, relentless and humble woman that I am today. I am blessed to have Billy Johnson Senior and Linda Johnson as my parents. They instilled in me such strong moral values, integrity and character. They well equipped me for the challenges that this world holds. I honor and love my mom and dad very much, who will celebrate their 37^th year wedding anniversary this month! My parents always gave me love and support. They constantly told me I could do anything I put my mind to. They lifted any limits that the world could place on me. They taught me to be my own person, to make my own decisions and realize that choices have consequences. The greatest thing they ever did was to usher me into a relationship with God. They created an environment for me to get to know God. There have been many things in my life that I've encountered after departing my parents home that only God could bring me out of. Yes, I was reared in a Christian home, thank God!

A.C.: Tell me about the inspiration behind founding S.A.M.?

L.J.: I love people and am truly passionate about assisting others to become their absolute best. I know times can get hard and sometimes just down right painful and hopeless. I know because I've been there. I am living proof that trouble will knock on your door and sometimes take up residence. Bad things do happen to good people. But its how one chooses to respond that will determine an outcome of defeat or victory. I choose victory and will do everything with due diligence to ensure that my victory is realized.

A part of that victory is encouraging others to live a life consumed with success, victory, joy and accomplishments. I have so many women coming to me just needing a timely encouraging, powerful, life word spoken to them to change the course of their life. Just a word. Just someone to say, don't give up, I believe in you, you can do it. So I have chosen to Speak Above Mediocrity not only in my life but also in the lives of all those God place on my path. Life and death is in the words that you speak. I speak life!

A.C.: What kind of response have you received from women Nationwide regarding the seminars, training, workshops, manuals and mentorship that S.A.M. offers?

L.J.: Positive! It's remarkable! Some of these women I may never meet face to face, but to have the opportunity to impart greatness into their life is a privilege and honor that I hold sacred. Imparting God's wisdom into these women lives is apart of my destiny. I am created for this. Some women come to me depressed and ready to give up on life and hearing that I made a difference in their life is priceless. I use both spiritual and practical applications in every format to ensure these women successes.

A.C.: Latrina, can you share with our audience about the events that changed your life on. July 27, 2006.

L.J.: A gun was pointed at the temple of my head and I was told if I didn't do exactly as I was told to do, I would die. I'd never imagined encountering such a thing. For the first time in my life I truly realized the frailties of life, at any second I could die, my existence could be over. My entire life flashed before me and the words of my mother rang in my ears "Sometimes you have to forgive and just let things go". Everything that seemed overwhelming now became minuscule in comparison to no longer living. I truly learned to live each day as if it is my last, because reality is, it could be. Even in the midst of this situation God protected me and spared my life. The outcome could have been much more devastating, but I thank God in the name of Jesus for His angels protecting me. Now I make sure to live each moment fulfilling my purpose.

A.C.: That is such a testimony! Can you see how God used negative situations in your life to bring you to where you are now?

L.J.: The negative situations in my life have caused me to trust God with my everything. The negative situations have allowed me to be able to speak to my clients out of empathy, because I can relate out of personal experiences. Three consecutive companies that I was employed by all went out of business, so I am aware of what it is like to be gainfully employed then the next day to be totally unemployed. I've been there. I know what's it's like to be a first generation entrepreneur and walking it out in the dark. I know what it's like to totally step out on faith. God's word says, "All things work for our good." It doesn't mean that you won't have disappointments it just mean endure for the good.

A.C.: How can you be contacted for more information about S.A.M.?

L.J.: http://latrinaljohnson.webs.com/

SAM_SpeakingABoveMediocrity@yahoo.com
http://www.myspace.com/latrinaljohnson

http://www.youtube.com/LatrinaJohnson

360-283-9046

A.C.: Latrina, what words of inspiration would you offer those ladies out there that has suffered through homelessness, addiction or depression?

L.J.: It's NEVER too late to change the course of your life. You have the power within you to do so. It does not matter your age, your addiction, or your socio-economic status. How bad do you want the life that you dream of? How bad do you want to live a life filled with countless victories and freedom? Well now is the time to take that step of faith. Be bold and confident! Stand in your God given authority and make your dream your reality. When it seems too hard, do as I did....pray until God answers. I love you and I believe in you.

A.C.: I want you to know that it's been a pleasure getting to know more about you and your vision for the future. My prayer for you is that God would continue to strengthen and propel you to heights that you could never have even imagined! May God Bless you and Keep you and May He make His face to shine upon you and give you Peace.

L.J.: Thank you and God bless.