We are excited to announce that Lakeshia Highsmith is our feature MogulMoxie Maven for August 2021!
Keep reading to be encouraged, inspired, and empowered by our virtual chat with Attorney Highsmith, a principal of Bandwidth Development Group.
At MogulMoxie® we believe in the value of both formal and informal education, so let’s start here. Tell us about your formal or informal educational background.
I am a first-generation college graduate. Throughout my journey, I attended public schools, and continue to advocate for students with similar backgrounds. Success is not driven by where you have been educated, but what you choose to do with the learnings you have received.
What does ambition mean to you? What role has it played in your life?
Ambition from my perspective is continuous learning, achieving goals, and ensuring others have similar opportunities. I have always strived to be able to take care of myself and my family.
What does faith mean to you? What role has it played in your life?
When I look back over my life and experiences, I would be ignorant to not see the role God has played. My father, who passed away in 2012, would say that God has had his hand on me, I did not grasp the concept at the time, but now realize how even when my faith was floundering, God’s grace and mercy sustained me. In essence, my life, like so many others, is a testament, which strengthens my faith.
Tell us about your company and/or career.
During 2020, in the midst of the global COVID pandemic, I was approached by a few friends about starting a development company. We are all native Baltimoreans who have a shared passion for increasing opportunity in the city in which we grew up. My background is in law, human resources, and compliance. I have worked and held leadership positions for a major law firm, Fortune 200 hospitality company, and tech start-up. As a busy corporate executive, the idea of forming a viable development firm seemed daunting, and quite frankly I did not think I would have the time. I begrudgingly accepted, despite my feelings of having limited bandwidth. Thus, Bandwidth Development Group was born.
My partners and I have individually been involved with a number of real estate deals, but collectively bring a wealth of experience and tenacity for changing the development game in the city of Baltimore. Our vision is to transform and empower communities, using our ability to build and foster relationships in the city. We provide commercial and residential development and business consultancy services with a keen ability to provide practical solutions in an evolving real estate landscape.
Tell us about a typical day in your work life.
Nowadays, I begin the day by walking my puppy, Rocco. Yes! I got a Covid pet. I enjoy being out in nature early in the morning, as it affords me the opportunity to spend some quiet time enjoying God’s presence. When I am being really good, I get in a workout on the Peloton bike with some weight training mixed in. Sometimes, I struggle with routine and have been really focused on getting back to a routine of fitness and a healthy diet, as I am more productive and just feel a lot better.
Tell us about what motivates you and why.
I am motivated to be impactful and purposeful with my life. I realize that time is not standing still and not promised. Therefore, I am motivated to enjoy life now, by traveling, spending time with friends and family, and giving back to others.
Have you ever struggled with confidence and/or courage in your business/career?
I have always been viewed as outwardly confident, despite not always feeling that way internally. I have been able to overcome feelings related to a lack of confidence over time and with maturity. I realized none of us are perfect, and even if I fail, it is not the end of the world, and life goes on.
Success, I believe is driven by preparation and experience, but you can’t be afraid to take risks in life, otherwise, you will miss out on great opportunities.
Tell us about one of the toughest things you’ve had to do in business and/or your career and what you learned from it.
The hardest thing is walking away from deals, people, or opportunities when you know they are not advantageous or to your benefit. I have learned to trust my instincts, that quiet voice, as it is rarely wrong.
What can you share about increasing and/or managing cashflow to help our readers?
I think money will come, it is beneficial to continue building solid relationships, increasing your value and expertise in order to reap the longer-term benefits. I also think businesses should always be thinking outside of the box for opportunities to increase revenue as things are always evolving.
What’s your favorite word and why?
Perfect. It is my response when things are just right. It reminds me of God’s perfect plan and timing.
What have you accomplished, created or built that makes you the most proud or brings you the most joy?
I am most proud of the long-lasting relationships that I have built that are not based on what I can do for them or have done, just genuinely accepting of me, and my flaws.
What honors, awards or other recognitions have you received for which you are the most grateful and why?
I am grateful to have been able to serve as a Board leader for a DC Charter School, mentor to younger professionals, and guest speaker at numerous conferences and events as a subject matter expert.
What’s coming up in your business or career that you want our readers to know about?
Stay tuned for more BDG updates as we launch our brand and business.
How can our readers keep up with you?
Keep up with all of the great things happening at our company on our website at www.BandwidthDevelopmentGroup.com
We hope you have enjoyed learning about Lakeshia’s journey and are inspired by her wisdom. Share this interview with at least 7 people to keep the positive vibes and inspiration going.
