Women in Business:
LeNetta Banks
Written by
Paul W. Sullivan
Special to the Advertiser
12:34 AM, Jul. 31, 2011|
LeNetta Banks believes each person's God-
given purpose in life is not optional.
The life coach and motivational speaker
puts that belief into practice by helping
others discover, and then achieve, their
goals. And the current downturn is not
slowing the former captain of the Air Force
Academy women's track team.
"A pink slip can be a permission slip," the
former 100- and 200-meter sprinter said.
In the midst of an Air Force reduction-in-
force, the Rochester, N.Y., native left the
service as a second lieutenant. She then
had to discover her own niche in the work
world. The journey concluded with the
founding of The LeNetta Banks Group LLC.
As a career coach and speaker, Banks,
32, uses her background as a Maxwell Air
University instructor, and years of
experience in human resources and
leadership training.
She also can thank another life coach who
helped her pinpoint her next move
following a departure from the Air Force in
2008.
"I was trying to find my passion," Banks
said. "It was very difficult to find a job, so I
said 'I'm going to make my own way.'"
Referrals helped her land her first clients,
who were primarily acquaintances. She
had them sign contracts so they knew her
services were not just talk among friends.
"One friend was a stay-at-home mom who
wanted to do more," Banks said. "It's all
about achieving a goal. I had to talk her
through and discover her passion."
Banks is accustomed to achieving goals
herself. She was the first African-American f
rom Rochester to graduate from the U.S.
Air Force Academy. She finished in 2001
in behavioral science and psychology,
and worked within the service.
She is currently completing her doctorate in
human services and holds a master's de
gree in human services and diversity stud
ies from Capella University. She also has
completed training to be an executive
coach through the College of Executive Coaching in Santa Barbara, Calif.
As a speaker and career strategist, Banks
zeroes in on defeating procrastination, en
couraging goal setting and boosting
productivity.
The mother of two shared more about her
business and plans:
Q: What do you do in life coaching?
A: I ask them where they want to be in 10
years and then go backwards. Then we
work out plans and strategies, and it is
similar to what we learned in war fighting.
How does hiring a coach help someone?
Hiring a coach gives someone
accountability. At the end of every call we
have a plan. Fear of failure or fear of
success can hold people back.
What do you like most about the job?
Actually seeing people achieve their goals.
They get to live their dream.
What did you teach at Maxwell?
I taught for three years. I taught the Air and
Space Basic Course. I taught leadership,
war gaming, team building and
communication skills.
Has working out of the Montgomery Small
Business Incubator helped you?
This has been great for people starting
here -- the ability to share and being in
the building with other businesses. I am a
member of the Chamber of Commerce and
the incubator is a natural fit.
How is the business going?
It's going well. I've added motivational
speaking, pulling from my training as an
instructor. And the Air Force Academy is a
leadership lab.
Who do you speak to?
I speak to small businesses and
conferences about increasing productivity
and achieving excellence. I also go into
schools as a role model, sharing my story
with younger people -- telling them there
is no excuse.
Do you have a website?
Yes, it's www.lenettabanks.com
Advertisement
Advertisement
