Dr. Lencia L. Marshall is an ordained minister, author, scholar, international speaker, and Navy veteran.
A mother of four and wife of almost twenty years, Dr. Marshall is a dynamic leader who uses her unique ability to connect with people and push them into their next. She has redefined the traditional approach to retreats and has been consistent in using her gifts to empower people from all across the globe, having spoken to crowds in Kenya, London, Dubai, Italy, and Greece, to name a few.
This past June, Dr. Marshall was awarded a Presidential Lifetime Achievement award signed by President Joe Biden and was recently nominated for an Honorary Doctorate degree in Humanitarianism. Having just released her recent book, The Wounded Healer, Lencia was also named one of the 23 Women to Look Out for in 2023 by Sheen magazine.
N’DIGO recently Dr. Marshall to learn more about her career in empowerment and leadership, her recently released book, The Wounded Healer, and what constitutes the Grind & Grace Experience.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Dr. Lencia L. Marshall?
Dr. Lencia L. Marshall: Dr. Lencia L. Marshall is the epitome of strength. Picture starting out in business, running in quicksand, and still winning the race; that’s me. I hold many titles, such as wife, mom, minister, CEO, etc, but determination to please God and serve His people supersedes any title.
As a child, what did you dream of doing for a living?
Interestingly enough, I wanted to be an anesthesiologist. I am so far from that dream! *laughs*
How did you make your way to being a transformative force in the realm of leadership and empowerment?
I made my way to being a transformative force in the realm of leadership and empowerment by accident. I just kept my head down, being authentic and teaching others what I knew, and it just happened. My goal wasn’t to be the best; it was to be better than I was the day before.
Please tell us about your recently released book The Wounded Healer?
The Wounded Healer is centered around my life traumas. People see me now and have no idea how I got here. I realized that nothing that I go through in life is personal to me. Therefore, it was my duty to share my ugly truths so that others can see that no matter what you go through, you can always turn it around. You have to CHOOSE to not let your trauma control you! We are overcomers by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimonies, therefore we have a duty to share our stories. The Wounded Healer has hot tea and coffee, LOL, but every person, male and female, can relate to the different seasons and see themselves in some of my stories.
What’s the overall message you want readers to take from the book?
I want people to take away from the book that they can be their own goal! We live in the age of social media and everyone wants to hashtag #relationship goals, #bossgoals, but become your own goal! Your story matters, but your then is not your now! When I was going through the trauma, it felt horrific, but looking back, I can say, not only did I make it out, I made it out not looking like the hell I went through. That’s the goal!
Can you shed a little light on what the Grind & Grace Experience is exactly?
Grind & Grace Experience is the safe space for ministry and marketplace leaders to be taught and trained but also rejuvenated. Most ministry leaders and high-performing professionals never get a break. The saying is “Who ministers to the minister?” and that is so real. No matter what we do in life, the journey is hard. It’s even harder when you are leading people, personalities, fighting with imposter syndrome, tired but people still need you, being the strong friend but not having a strong friend, etc. Grind & Grace Experience curates amazing experiences where these leaders can get filled and go serve with a pure pour.
Having to juggle your work and various projects and real life and everything else, how do you maintain your mental health and self-care?
Whew! Honestly, my husband keeps me in line. He is my measure. He knows when I need to sit down somewhere, and he comes with his authoritative voice and makes sure it happens. LOL, I use to define self-care as getting my nails and hair done. Now, my self-care is sitting in a quiet space and allowing my mind to rest. That may not seem like much, but when I tell you my brain never stops, even in my sleep, that mindful rest matters!
Name three of your favorite books that mean the most to you.
The Message version of the Bible.
Permission to Prosper by Dr. Gicele Wray-Lindley.
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
That I am an introvert. I even have social anxiety sometimes. People see me speaking, preaching, and teaching and think I am an extrovert. Uh NO! That is the strength of God that gets me through those times.
Best advice to aspiring writers?
Don’t overthink it. JUST WRITE! It doesn’t have to be pretty or make sense initially, but get it out. If you want to get it out quickly, use a voice recorder and have someone transcribe it. People think it takes a year to write a book, but I help people write books in 30 days IF they are truly ready to put in the work.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“I AM ENOUGH!” And I have to remind myself multiple times a day! I can’t give out beyond who I am. Love me or hate me, but I am enough.
What’s next for Dr. Lencia L. Marshall?
So, here is the exclusive on what’s next for me…I am starting The Wounded Healer podcast. We will discuss church, culture, relationships, and all the taboo topics! Also, I will be taking “Intimate Conversations with the Wounded Healer” on an international tour. In 2024, Grind & Grace Experience will be cruising out of Athens, Greece, to parts of Greece and Croatia, with a VIP shopping experience in Venice, Italy, for a limited number of people.
For more information on Dr. Lencia L. Marshall and Grind & Grace, please visit www.grindandgrace.info.
