Already a natural empath, LaShaundra Randolph grew up in a home with not one but two educator parents, so her given instincts to help others seemingly naturally took a skew towards education.
For more than two decades, the Chicago native has worked in higher education and program leadership in addition to using her spare time to be a global trainer with Bundle. Randolph currently works with the National Society of Leadership and Success as Manager of Education Instruction & Deployment where she is instrumental in helping the organization, now with more than two million members across its almost nine hundred chapters, in its mission to help students achieve personal growth and career success while empowering them to have a positive impact in their community.
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Order of the Eastern Star, Randolph is known for her warm and collaborative style that focuses on community. She is known amongst her circles as The Connector because, as she puts it, “if you talk to me about your goals, I’ll already be thinking about who you need to meet and how to help you get there. That’s what fuels me. I love watching people walk boldly into their purpose.”
N’DIGO recently sat down with the dedicated educator to learn more about her work, her motivation, and how she rebounded after initially being kicked out of college.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is LaShaundra Randolph?
LaShaundra Randolph: I’m a purpose-driven leader, a lifelong learner, and a proud advocate for personal and professional growth. I strive to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Three words family and friends would use to describe you are…
Resilient, Thoughtful, and a Visionary.
What profession did you dream you’d have as a child?
I thought I’d be a pediatrician. I was always nurturing, loved helping others, and had a deep desire to make people feel better. That passion to care and support never left, honestly, it just took shape differently through education and development.
How did you start your path into education?
My path into education began with my parents, who were both teachers (my mom taught K-12 and my dad taught high school). I learned from them that teaching was more than delivering content; it was a passion for helping others realize their potential. Along with the influence of my church mother, who led us in Girl Scouts and choir, I knew early on that I wanted to be as impactful as the people who poured into me. I started mentoring and training early in my career, and over time, that evolved into formal roles in learning and development. It was never just a job for me; it was a calling.
Please tell us about the National Society for Leadership and Success.
The National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS) is the largest accredited leadership honor society in the United States. Its mission is to build leaders who make a better world by providing members with several specialized programs, training, resources, and a supportive community to help them reach their potential.
What are some of your day-to-day duties as Manager of Education Instruction and Deployment?
Overall, I work directly with students and do lots of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly. I meet one-on-one with students to help coach them through their coursework, answer their questions, review assignments, and give feedback that hopefully makes them feel supported and motivated on their leadership journey. I’m also one of the instructors for the Advanced & Executive leadership courses, which is such a rewarding way to help learners take their skills to the next level. On the program side, I work with my colleagues to update course materials, create digital engagement projects that build community, and track how students are doing so they have everything they need to succeed. It’s a mix of teaching, mentoring, and teamwork, and honestly, I love every bit of it.
What are three principles or ideals you try to abide by in your work?
· Lead with empathy and focus on how I can be of service
· Strive for excellence, not perfection
· Stay rooted in purpose because remembering my “why” helps me make decisions that have real impact and meaning.
How do you balance your work and personal life and practice self-care?
I protect my peace by setting boundaries, scheduling downtime just like I would a meeting, and being present wherever I am, whether that’s with my team or with my loved ones. I’ve also learned the power of saying no. A mentor once told me, “No is a complete sentence,” and that’s stuck with me. I’ve learned to say no without guilt and yes with intention.
Can you share one book that has really impacted your life?
‘More Than Enough‘ by Elaine Welteroth was a game-changer for me. Reading her story felt like sitting down with a big sister who’s been through it all; navigating career, identity, and self-worth while still managing to shine with grace and grit. It was more than just a memoir; it was a mirror that reflected the parts of myself I was still learning to embrace. Her words reminded me that my journey, with all its twists and turns, is valid and valuable. I don’t have to wait for anyone else to validate my worth. I already am more than enough.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was actually kicked out of college and told by the president of the school at the time that I wasn’t “college material.” I was shocked, but I remembered a quote from a sermon my cousin preached that has stayed with me for years: “Your words don’t define who I am.”
I went back, finished my degree, and graduated from that very same school. That experience shaped my heart for students who feel counted out. While scholars often rise on their own, true impact comes when you lift up the student who doesn’t yet see their own potential—and speak life into them until they can.
Best advice or words of wisdom?
Stop playing small. You weren’t made to shrink for anyone’s comfort. Take up space, speak with power, and move like you know your worth: because you do. This is your life, your story, and no one else gets the pen.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Purpose is an anchor in the chaos.”
When everything around me feels unsteady, that truth reminds me to return to what’s real. Purpose steadies the soul, quiets the noise, and keeps me tethered to what truly matters.
What’s next for LaShaundra Randolph?
I’m building a passion project that fuses leadership, wellness, and social impact because we need more spaces where people are empowered to lead with purpose and power. This isn’t just a project for me, it’s a movement. I’ve trained audiences around the globe, spoken on small stages and in arenas, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that when we rise, we don’t rise alone. We pull others up with us. This next chapter is about impact, legacy, and shaking the table. And trust me, I’m just getting started.
For more information on the National Society for Leadership and Success, please visit www.nsls.org, and connect with LaShaundra Randolph on LinkedIn and Instagram
