Today we’d like to introduce you to LaKesa McGraw.
Hi LaKesa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started with a leap of faith and a deep desire to help people grow. I began my career in Human Resources, where over the past 11+ years, I’ve had the opportunity to support employees and leaders across talent development, employee relations, training, and systems implementation. Along the way, I discovered that my true passion sat at the intersection of people, purpose, and leadership.
That passion led me to become a certified life and leadership coach, an author, and an inspirational speaker. Writing and self-publishing my first book was a pivotal moment; it gave voice to my experiences, lessons learned, and the belief that growth often comes from the most uncomfortable seasons of life.
Today, I’m the founder of Inside of Y.O.U., LLC, where I combine my corporate HR expertise with coaching, training, and speaking to help individuals and organizations develop strong, authentic leaders. Whether I’m working on large-scale HR initiatives, leading a workshop, or coaching one-on-one, my mission remains the same: to help people unlock what’s already inside of them and step confidently into their next level.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has been filled with lessons, setbacks, and moments that stretched me far beyond my comfort zone. I’ve faced self-doubt, burnout, and seasons where I had to rebuild my confidence while still showing up for others. Balancing a demanding HR career while pursuing coaching, writing, and speaking required sacrifice, discipline, and a lot of late nights.
There were also moments of rejection and uncertainty, ideas that didn’t take off right away, doors that closed, and times when I questioned whether I was truly ready for the vision I felt called to walk in, but each struggle refined me. Those experiences strengthened my leadership, deepened my empathy, and reminded me that growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.
Looking back, the challenges weren’t detours; they were preparation. Every obstacle helped shape the clarity, resilience, and purpose I carry into the work I do today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I help people and organizations grow from the inside out. I’m an HR leader with over 11 years of experience, a certified life and leadership coach, author, and inspirational speaker. Through Inside of Y.O.U., LLC, I specialize in leadership development, training, and coaching that blends practical workplace strategy with personal growth.
I’m known for connecting structure with humanity, helping leaders build skills, confidence, and clarity without losing authenticity. What I’m most proud of is the impact: supporting people as they find their voice, step into leadership, and navigate meaningful transitions.
What sets me apart is lived experience and authenticity. I don’t just teach theory; I help people create real, sustainable change by focusing on who they are, not just what they do.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that growth requires honesty, starting with yourself. You can’t evolve while pretending, shrinking, or holding on to what no longer fits. Once I learned to trust the process, release the pursuit of perfection, and show up as my authentic self, everything began to fall into place. Purpose became clearer, resilience grew stronger, and I realized that the very things I once tried to hide were often the source of my greatest impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: insideofyoullc@gmail.com
- Instagram: KoachKey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkintoyourgreatness
