When you first meet Lea May you are automatically taken by her southern charm and grace, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface. Lea is a former assistant attorney turned entrepreneur. As a network marketing professional, and multiple business owner, she believes in the power of the side hustle. And if that isn’t enough she loves to substitute teach for an elementary school. Lea calls it a “multi-hyphenated life”. And I haven’t even mentioned that she is also a wife and a mother.
I first met Lea in Boston through mutual friends. We lost touch when her husband, Chris, a news anchor took a job in Philidelphia. Fast forward a few years, to a conference call when Lea introduced herself. Of course, I knew there could only be one Lea May with that sweet southern drawl, and we have stayed in touch ever since. Lucky me!
Now, because of Lea’s entrepreneurial spirit, and her success, she and her family have been able to move back to the city of Little Rock, Arkansas where she and Chris grew up. I would never want to compare Lea to an onion, but the more you peel back the layers, the more interesting it gets!
HERE IS MY INTERVIEW WITH HER
What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
When I was working as an Assistant Attorney General my boss told me to always be open to opportunity – but the part that stuck with me was when he said, remember to look closely because often opportunity doesn’t always come packaged as we might expect. And if you aren’t careful, you might miss it… and sometimes opportunity only knocks once.
What other women do you admire, and anything you want to share about them?
I admire my mom. She has been through so much the last 2 years and yet she chooses happiness every day. I also admire Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields- their decision many years ago gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and created a ripple effect in so many areas of my life. I will be forever grateful to them. I also admire Lori Bush. I have a tremendous amount of respect for her and she is the kind of woman you want to have the chance to align yourself with. She’s an incredible businesswoman and an incredible human being. And finally, I admire all the other women that are out there chasing goals and dreams daily. It’s not easy.
What app can’t you live without?
What is your favorite podcast and or book?
I love listening to Brendon Burchard. I have so many favorite books but right now I am reading “Building an Empire” by Brian Carruthers and just finished “City of Girls” by Elizabeth Gilbert. I like to have one business/self-development book and a book club read on hand!
What piece of advice would you share with other women?
Study the Law of Attraction… and practice it. Shift your mindset immediately to one of abundance… if you have a scarcity mindset, you will never reach your goals. Block out the noise and the opinions of others. When I make a business decision, I’ve learned to trust my instinct and gut first. Then, I seek advice and clarity from a handful of people that I respect. Beyond that, I do not let the opinions of others influence me. Learn to say no to the things and people that do not serve you. This is not being selfish, this is guarding and protecting your space and well being. Never miss an opportunity to speak belief into others. And finally, take care of yourself… true beauty comes from within.
What are you most grateful for?
My precious family.
Is there anything else you want to share with my readers?
Do not be afraid of change. Learn to lean into it. If you are being called to something new, I hope you find the courage to trust yourself and lean into the transformation. Be willing to make a difference– the kind that sets off a chain reaction. Because when you create a difference in someone’s life, you not only impact their life, you impact everyone influenced by them throughout their lifetime.
You can follow Lea @leabristermay
I feel inspired reading Lea’s interview. I love the advice from her former boss.