La Tonya Roberts, CEO of Harmony Consulting Group, Fractional COO, and HR Consultant, is a dynamic executive with over 18 years of experience developing high-performing teams, generating seven-figure revenues, and fostering inclusive cultures. She helps small business owners of consulting and coaching firms across 30 countries in the government, commercial, and nonprofit sectors drive transformative change. She holds a BS in Global Studies, an MS in HR Management, and several prestigious certifications, including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Four Dimensional Change Management, and Project Management training. Roberts is also a Master Executive Coach with extensive credentials in employee relations and DEI.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up in a military household, living in multiple states and two countries. I knew at an early age that I liked solving problems and was very creative. My parents nurtured my curiosity by making sure I always had a book to read, and when I came to them with a problem, they didn’t solve it for me. Instead, they showed me how to be my own hero. I went to a vocational high school and obtained a cosmetology license. I enjoyed helping others. In college, I studied management science and global studies. I eventually landed a career in consulting at Booz Allen Hamilton, where I provided strategic planning, process improvement, and human capital consulting. I worked for a few other consulting firms, including Deloitte, before deciding to build out Harmony Consulting Group full-time.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you within to say, “YES, go for it!”?
I had been consulting for several years and learned a lot. I enjoyed what I did, but I also desired the flexibility to do the work that I liked and on my schedule. As a mom with two teenage daughters, I wanted to have more time with them before they left for college. For me, that meant becoming an independent consultant.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would like to see more support for women entrepreneurs. This includes financial resources, mentorship, and access to opportunities.
Women are a growing force in the workplace worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
I think women are taking bold steps to own their power and make their presence known. We are showing up authentically and not assimilating to masculine traits in order to prove that we belong. We use our voices to uplift, inform, and facilitate positive changes in leadership.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you have to be an active participant in your rescue. Meaning, you have the power to make things happen or not based on your mindset, actions, and willingness to try.
My motto is: “Find a way or make a way.”
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as a role model for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Invest time in getting to know who you are. What are your gifts? What do you enjoy and not enjoy? Understand how YOU want to show up in the world, not what others want for you. Then, build your career around who you are. You will be more fulfilled and make a greater impact.
