From Carbon Copy Contracts to CEO: What We Can All Learn from Lakeisha Robichaux

Written By Aggie And Cristy ProveHER

There’s something powerful about hearing directly from someone who has built a business from the ground up. Not just once, but multiple times. Lakeisha Robichaux is one of those women. A CEO, HR strategist, author, and deeply grounded leader, she joined us for a conversation that was honest, energizing, and packed with real-world wisdom.

Lakeisha is the founder of Chief of Minds, an organizational development and HR consulting firm now in its 11th year. But her story started much earlier. She has been building businesses since childhood, when she was handing out leaf-raking contracts to neighbors using carbon paper and grit.

Her path hasn’t been linear, but it has been deeply intentional. Here are a few of the takeaways that stood out from her episode.

Entrepreneurship Was Always in Her

From handmade flyers and custom purses to candy sales in middle school, Lakeisha was building and selling long before she had a business card. That entrepreneurial spirit never left her, even when she closed her first staffing company during the 2008 recession. At the time, she told her husband she was done. He told her she wasn't. And he was right.

The drive was still there. So when a new opportunity came, she approached it with a different mindset, and this time she built something that stuck.

"If You Build It, They Will Come" Is a Myth

Lakeisha admitted she once believed that if your product or service was good, people would automatically show up. But she quickly realized that visibility, relationship-building, and trust are just as critical as delivery.

She began to approach business development differently. She made herself visible, invested in relationships, and positioned her company as a partner, not just a vendor. That shift changed everything for Chief of Minds.

HR Is Not a Luxury. It’s a Foundation.

Lakeisha could not have been more clear: HR should not be an afterthought. It should be a core part of your business from the start.

Even before hiring your first employee, you should have an employee handbook and compliance frameworks in place. HR helps you protect your business, establish a healthy culture, and retain top talent. If you wait until things go sideways, it is already too late.

Don’t Hire People Who Think Just Like You

Lakeisha is intentional about hiring people who challenge her thinking. She does not want a team of mini versions of herself. She wants thought partners who bring different strengths and perspectives to the table.

That commitment to diversity is not just about representation. It is about growth. Having a team that pushes the business forward through different approaches and ideas creates real innovation and long-term success.

Work and Life Are Not Meant to Be Balanced. They’re Meant to Work Together.

Instead of chasing balance, Lakeisha embraces integration. She knows some days will require more from one side than the other, and she builds her schedule with that in mind.

She batches meetings, protects family time, and leaves room for self-care. That structure helps her show up fully for both her business and her family without burning out.

Faith Is Her Compass

Lakeisha is open about how her faith guides her. Every major business decision starts with prayer. She listens for guidance and moves when she feels aligned.

This spiritual foundation is part of what grounds her as a leader. It gives her clarity, strength, and the ability to lead with integrity through uncertain seasons.

What’s Next for Chief of Minds

After more than a decade in business, Lakeisha still feels like she is just getting started. In 2025, Chief of Minds is expanding its service verticals and leaning into how AI can support clients in becoming more efficient without losing their human touch.

Her focus remains on partnerships, results, and staying rooted in what makes her company valuable. Growth is important, but not at the cost of connection or alignment.

Final Thought

You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. You just need to begin, stay open to learning, and lead with intention.

Lakeisha’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from doing the work, learning from missteps, trusting your gut, and surrounding yourself with people who help you go further.

Whether you're hiring your first team member or navigating your next season of growth, this episode will give you something solid to hold on to.

Connect with Lakeisha Robichaux

Aggie And Cristy ProveHER

Aggie Chydzinski and Cristy O'Connor

Aggie Chydzinski and Cristy O'Connor are seasoned business veterans with a distinct focus on the realities of owning a small business.

Aggie, with over two decades of experience, excels in operational strategy and finance. Her primary mission? To empower and uplift women in business, providing them with the tools and insights needed to thrive in competitive markets. When not steering business transformations, she co-hosts a podcast, offering practical advice drawn from real-world scenarios.

Parallelly, Cristy's robust track record in achieving revenue growth speaks volumes. Her passion lies in working alongside women entrepreneurs, guiding them towards achieving their goals and realizing their business potential. Like Aggie, Cristy uses their joint podcast as another platform to engage, inspire, and assist.

In short, Aggie and Cristy aren't just business leaders—they are trusted allies for women navigating the challenges of business ownership.

https://proveHER.com
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