Today we’d like to introduce you to Lawanda Holliman.
Hi Lawanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised in a home where work wasn’t just encouraged—it was expected, modeled, and honored. My parents, Clarence and Lilie Joseph instilled in my brother Clarence, my sister Thet, and me the principles of excellence, responsibility, and showing up well. I started earning my way early, babysitting before securing my first job in retail while still in high school. After graduating from Spring Valley High School in 1985, I continued my education at Columbia College in South Carolina.
But the real arc of my leadership story began when I enlisted and entered the Army as a Private First Class, trying to understand who I was, who I could become, and how to lead from wherever my boots were standing. While serving in an Army Reserve unit, I met a recruiter from the University of South Carolina. Because I had already completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, I was able to enroll in the ROTC program at USC, where I later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1989.
I didn’t begin with a senior rank or a big title. I began by leading small teams as a squad leader, learning to influence without authority, to inspire without rank, and to serve before I ever commanded. Over 26 years, I rose through each echelon of leadership and ultimately retired as a Colonel (O-6). That journey allowed me to see leadership from different vantage points: from the tactical ground floor to the strategic boardroom.
Even while leading Soldiers, executives, and technical professionals, one question stayed with me: What truly drives great, high performance leadership? That question fueled a lifelong pursuit of learning. Following college where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, an MBA from Liberty University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Ultimately, I completed a PhD in Organizational Leadership to intentionally merge the lessons I lived with the research that explains why they work.
Today, as the Founder & CEO of Design High Performance™, I help leaders build cultures, systems, and environments where high performance becomes the norm—not the exception. My work is an intersection of lived experience, academic rigor, and a deep commitment to seeing people lead with awareness, authenticity, and excellence at every level.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. My path, while successful, has had some obstacles that forced me to discover my strength. I juggled the weight of motherhood as a single parent (following a divorce after nearly 10 years of marriage). Then, there were the expectations of leadership, deployments, and the demands of higher education which often all happened at the same time.
I battled doubt, isolation, and the pressure to perform perfectly. But each struggle became a teacher. Every obstacle pushed me to grow stronger, more disciplined, and more self-aware. The adversity didn’t break me; it actually shaped the leader I am today. I truly believe that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord, my faith carried me through!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Design High Performance?
Design High Performance™ is a premier leadership development and organizational performance firm committed to making high performance the norm for individuals, teams, and cultures. Founded by Dr. Lawanda Joseph Holliman, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and leadership scholar, the company blends 26 years of military-tested leadership with advanced academic expertise to deliver world-class training and transformation experiences.
We specialize in:
Leadership keynotes, workshops, and corporate training
Executive coaching and leadership advisory services
High-performance culture design and organizational consulting
Proprietary leadership frameworks including the S.T.A.R.T.™ Framework
and the High-Performance Culture Blueprint®
Leadership assessments, retreats, and enterprise learning experiences
Books, digital curriculum, and faith-integrated leadership tools
What sets us apart is our fusion of precision, emotional intelligence, and evidence-based strategy. We don’t teach leadership as a concept. We teach high performance leadership as a disciplined practice that strengthens awareness, accelerates execution, and elevates culture.
Our brand is built on clarity, integrity, and transformation. We partner with leaders across corporate, government, academic, and faith-based sectors who are serious about growth, accountability, and sustainable excellence.
At Design High Performance™, we equip leaders to shift from potential to performance, from pressure to presence, and from survival to strategic impact.
This is leadership—designed with intention, delivered with excellence, and lived with purpose.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising about me is that I’m an introvert—and I lead by thinking out of both sides of my brain. Neuroscience shows that most people actually use both hemispheres almost equally, and that’s been true in my journey. My quiet nature helped me observe deeply, listen intentionally, and blend analytical thinking with creativity. That balance carried me through single motherhood, military leadership, and academic rigor. And through every season, it was my faith that anchored me. God used both the quiet and the complexity to shape the leader I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DesignHighPerformance.com
- Instagram: @LawandaBuilt4This
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawandaholliman
