In this episode of the Dunamis EQ Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Lavar Thomas, who shares his journey towards emotional intelligence and international leadership experiences. Lavar reflects on a difficult time in high school where he faced rejection from all colleges he applied to due to low SAT scores. This experience left him feeling defeated and uncertain about his future. Lavar also felt failed by the educational system and struggled to navigate it. Emotions such as rejection, the need for external validation, and the constant need to prove himself consumed him.
However, Lavar's perspective began to change when he realized that his feelings were tied to a negative narrative he had created about not being good enough and being perceived as a threat due to his background and where he grew up. Through maturity, therapy, and mentorship, Lavar started understanding and articulating his emotions, which marked the beginning of his journey towards emotional intelligence.
During the episode, Lavar shares a transformative experience of a student from Chicago who unexpectedly had a layover in Egypt. Witnessing the pyramids and seeing camels passing by overwhelmed the student and made Lavar realize the power of having a vision and pushing through setbacks. Lavar's own desire to go to Egypt aligns with the student's experience and solidifies his belief that his struggles and failures were leading up to the moment of being able to help others from similar backgrounds.
Lavar also discusses his decision to join the Peace Corps, inspired by a conversation with an advisor who had done the Peace Corps in Jordan. He saw this opportunity as a unique way to break away from societal expectations, find his purpose, and become the person he was meant to be. Through volunteer work in Rwanda, Lavar started an organization called LFW, aiming to make international experiences accessible to other black men and expand their perspective as global citizens.
The episode explores the training process for Peace Corps volunteers, the importance of on-the-ground experience, and Lavar's involvement in an international experience in leadership development program for young black men. Lavar emphasizes the importance of authenticity, problem-solving, and adding value as a leader. He believes that everyone has the potential to be a leader, and the seeds for leadership are within every follower.
In addition, Lavar discusses his own personal growth through therapy, the importance of belief in one's worth, and the impact it has on leadership. He shares how his self-concept changed dramatically, understanding that no test, job, or title can define his value. Lavar's experiences have shaped his leadership style and have led him to create impact by shifting narratives and helping others show up more boldly.
This insightful episode of the Dunamis EQ Leadership Podcast highlights the power of emotional intelligence, international experiences, and personal growth in becoming effective leaders. Lavar Thomas' journey serves as an inspiration to listeners, revealing the potential within each individual to overcome hurdles and create positive change in their communities and the world.
Connect with Lavar
www.lavarthomas.com
www.leadersofthefreeworld.org