Inspiring Conversations with Latia Vaughan of The UNetwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Latia Vaughan.

Hi Latia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.

It is an honor to share with you today. Thank you so much for having me.

Ok, let’s dive right into it! I’ve told this story before, however, my hope is that every time I share it… it helps someone different each time to push further and to believe greater.

With that said… this part of my journey began around a time when I went through so many transitions in such a short period of time; I felt lost because my life was a whirlwind. I was a new wife, and a new mommy, I left my corporate job, and we just moved to a new state to begin our life together, then I had the nerve to dive right into the world of entrepreneurship! And, during those transitions, I kept asking myself…

“Who am I now?” Everything that was familiar to me was gone. And, it felt like the majority of the things (at that time) that I THOUGHT were the foundation that I stood on… were yanked from underneath me like a rug.

All of the things that made me feel like “Latia” was now a memory… And, I was in anguish trying to sow the pieces of my life back together.

I didn’t know who I was and what role to play, because for years I defined myself by what I “did,” not based on who I was. Big lesson. And, then one day I had an epiphany… “You are not lost, you are rediscovering yourself.” That is when I wrote my best seller – RE: DISCOVER U “Dare to Evolve”

See, the purpose is not a “one-trick pony.” There are levels and layers. This means with every level you are aspiring to, evolution is required.

We must rediscover who we are at this moment. And, with each new stage and season, we are in discovery, another layer to our purpose is revealed and another level to our life is unlocked.

From that revelation, everything changed. I realized… We evolve. Our dreams evolve. Our thought patterns evolve. Our relationships evolve. Our desires evolve. Our perspectives evolve. Our entire beings were designed and created to evolve! And, wherever there’s evolution, the opportunity for expansion presents itself.

See, no one taught me how to evolve. No one sat me down and said… “Latia, what you are experiencing is normal. This is just a part of your evolution. Lean into this moment.”

And, since that awakening, “The Dream Pusher” emerged. Latia Vaughan “The Futurist” that has been igniting, and impacting Fortune 500 Companies, business owners, and individuals for over 15 years emerged.

As an African American Woman Futurist, there are only a very select few within North America. I’m talking about less than 1% (including me on record). And, I must say that I am truly proud to stand with these world-changers and trailblazers.

I have dedicated my life to helping people and businesses find their STICKY! I have dedicated my time and experiences to helping people make great decisions concerning their future. And, through transformative work, coaching, and immersive and power-packed LIVE experiences, I am here to help others shape and create the future they want to see!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Smooth? That’s funny! I don’t think I’ve ever come across an entrepreneur who has had a smooth journey.

So, within my profession and entrepreneurial journey, there are several areas I can speak to regarding obstacles; However, my passion right now is confronting the lack of diversity within the “Futurist” landscape.

See, for those who may not know, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives a very general definition of the term Futurist: fu·​tur·​ist
1: one who studies and predicts the future, especially on the basis of current trends
2: one who advocates or practices futurism

We essentially look at history, current trends, signals, industry insights, research, and several other factors to present multiple future scenarios that can occur. We speak to the possibilities. Literally! And, from there, help provide guidance, and solutions or navigate innovations to shape a new future, or to prepare them for the future that is to come.

Right now our industry profession is heavily and overwhelmingly white-male dominated (40-50 years of age) And when you have corporations such as Google, IBM, Proctor and Gamble, Nasa, Facebook/Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, even the Department of Defense… hiring futurists to consult and speak to what could be next… more voices of diversity are needed and very necessary within this context.

See, when it comes to the conversation concerning “The Future”… We have the future of agriculture, technology, education, economics, business, culture, climate change, science, space, arts and entertainment, medicine, web-3, the surge of AI… and more! And, more black and brown men and women should be a part of those very conversations that are shaping the future. We have experience, expertise, and perspective that are essential for creating a colorful future for generations to come!

And, I am here to bring awareness, contribute my insight, and then open the doors for other women and women of color to step into this world of strategic thinking and future foresight.

As you know, we’re big fans of The UNetwork. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As the Founder and CEO of The UNetwork… We use intelligence, industry insight, and intuition to drive INNOVATION!

As a Keynote Speaker, Futurist, and Author, I create immersive LIVE experiences, and provide advisory services and coaching for corporations, small businesses, and individuals.

I am also truly excited about the platform we are building to bring new voices, innovators, inventors, and storytellers to the stage. This platform is the future. (For more information, just send us an email). This movement is going to be explosive!

To be honest… One day I realized that I was playing too small. That there was a way that I could serve humanity in a greater way. And, I had to swallow the fact that I was playing it “safe” because I was afraid of being a disrupter.

From that moment I decided to take my 15+ years of experience in evolutionary leadership development, mental health advocacy, marketing, branding, and professional development, to help to foster profound discovery, drive innovation, and show businesses and individuals how to access, activate, accelerate, and achieve their highest potential. The limitless life.

And, as a result of that life-changing decision; celebrities, CEOs, religious leaders, homemakers, creatives, and everyday dreamers around the world have collided at the intersection of success and fulfillment because of our transformative work and dedicated push. I am beyond grateful and humbled by the impact we’ve made so far… and I am even more excited and in anticipation for the impact we will make in the future!

Who else deserves credit for your story?
My Creator deserves the credit! I’m so grateful to God for the gifts given, the insight, the foresight, and for the boldness to use what was placed inside of me for this moment in history. Nothing will be wasted. Nothing.

Wait… Did I tell yall that I am a wife and a mommy of FIVE?!!! Whew!

My family is my world! And, as far as I’m concerned, if I end up impacting the world more than my own home, I’ve done something wrong.

Words truly cannot express, nor describe how blessed I am to have such an amazing family and a husband who not only loves me… but supports me and believes in me and believes in what I am building to help others. I have a husband who is a certified musical genius in his own right, and yet, he is not intimidated by my greatness; but rather we help support, advise, challenge, and push each other further into greatness! Married, going on 12 years now, and we’ve learned so much about ourselves and each other during this journey!

And my babies?! They definitely keep us on our toes. Being a mother has been one of life’s greatest teachers. But, overall I think they are going to keep Ernest and me young forever! (or, so we hope) lol.

I am so very grateful for God, my family, my friends… and even my mentees and clients, who have also become my extended family! My PUSHERS! They are all a part of my tribe. They keep me grounded, they keep me guessing, they keep me inspired, and they are my reminders of why I have to stay the course with this mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: latiavaughan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latiavaughan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latia.vaughan/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latia-vaughan-4a08a921/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LatiaVaughan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@latiavaughan
• Other: https://www.latiavaughan.com/speaking 

Image Credits
Chris “GoodKnews” Cardwell, Trish Baier, and Shon Gibbs Imagery