Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Hampton.
Hi Natasha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for the opportunity to reintroduce myself. I am Dr. Natasha Hampton, ICMA-CM, a highly driven woman, self proclaimed re-engineerer of thought and an unapologetic phenom who was born to break barriers. Something many may not know about me is, I was very unintentional in my start. I was a young single Mom with a family to support. One day while sitting in Red Lobster, I’d get a beep (yes on a beeper, lol) that would change the trajectory of my life and shape my career. I couldn’t and didn’t imagine at the time the birth of High Heel Leadership had begun.
I started my public sector career in 1997 and stomped my way through the ranks in 5 sometimes 5.5-inch stilettos to lead local governments in the states of Florida and North Carolina. However, and, what’s paramount to recognize is there would be no start without incredible women along the way that groomed, encouraged, cheered, assisted, and advocated for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My cobbler was able to retire from all the soles he’s had to repair because of steep cracks, nails, blades, and uneven pavers I’ve walked. So no, the road was certainly not a smooth one. Of course, you have the good ole boy’s club, single parenthood, and, financial struggles.
But then you have those struggles that cut deep like same-sex sabotage or the S factor as I’ve coined, being looked over for promotional opportunities, sexual harassment, fighting rumors, and self-doubt. This, all while trying to maintain me as a person and a woman; because life, self, and hormonal changes are continuous.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Today I am thrilled to earn a living providing profitability strategies, human asset management, and business operation solutions to local governments as a Senior Consultant with Imagine That Performance, LLC, and as CEO of HHL Management and Consulting, Inc. I’ve also crossed over from developing current leaders within organizations to developing future leaders in universities as an adjunct professor in the schools of Business and International Business Management at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens and Atlantis University in Miami.
I’m also in the start-up stages of developing a nonprofit to address and bring awareness to the rise of suicides by women in executive leadership. Specializing in leadership and process-driven profit solutions, I’m most proud of the great teams I’ve been able to build and be a part of. To have reached the levels of success I’ve been able to achieve is only because of the relationships built with co-workers, colleagues, staff, and mentors.
I’m known for the power I walk in and the accessory called red bottoms primarily featured to adorn that power. What sets me apart from others? We are all uniquely and wonderfully made first and foremost. The difference between myself and others however is I, with absolute fierceness, boldness, style, and passion, own mine! And that’s #highheelleadership.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My mental health, spiritual growth, and my children matter most to me. When my father passed in 2019, I was confused, scared, and unprotected for the first time in my life. This period was the most difficult because it seemed everything was beginning to become unhinged. Then, I lost my mother in December 2021 and it was as if I had come face to face with my mortality. I at 51 years old felt absent of direction.
Only then did I realize how much my life depended on a deeper spiritual connection with the Highest and self-care above all else. Today my mental health and spiritual growth are literally how I manifest the strength to tackle the day. Moreover, being able to talk with and see my children makes it all make sense. Nothing matters to me more!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.natashahampton.
com - Instagram: www.instagram.com/
natasha_highheelleadership and www.instagram.com/ highheelleadership - Facebook: www.facebook.com/
highheelleadership - Twitter: www.twitter.com/
natasha_HHL - Youtube: www.youtube.com/
highheelleadership
Image Credits
The Echelon Consulting Firm and Ashley Riley of Riley Creations
