Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Johnson.
Leigh, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago, I have always been interested in business and how organizations use processes to manipulate inputs to create specific outputs. So even though I loved Chemistry and pursued it as part of my A-Level curriculum at my high school, Presentation College, San Fernando, I found other ways to remain connected to the business world. For example, I participated in Junior Achievement while in Sixth Form and also studied Management of Business for A-Levels, both of which were highly unusual for someone that was on the path to becoming an engineer.
Everything fell into place for me when I joined Union Carbide Chemicals in 2000 upon graduating from Vanderbilt University with my Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering. Within six (6) months of joining, they merged with Dow Chemical, and I was selected as part of a group that was taught the Six Sigma methodology and I became one of the youngest Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belts in the history of Dow Chemical at the age of 24.
I left Dow Chemical in 2011 and pursued my MBA at the CT Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston initially intending to follow my dream of owning my radio station, but while at Bauer I quickly discovered that I had a passion for Consulting and Entrepreneurship. After graduating and working as an Oil & Gas Information Technology (IT) Consultant in the Middle East (the United Arab Emirates and Oman), in 2015 I took advantage of the downturn in the oil market to start Livication Business Group, LLC to provide the small and medium-¬‐ sized businesses & organizations of the greater Houston area with the type of dedicated operations improvement and business consulting services typically only available to larger entities. This was truly a way for me to combine my two passions of Entrepreneurship and Business Consulting, and the idea became fully crystallized when I saw the lack of consulting attention afforded to small companies that are unable to hire large consulting firms to help them. Thus, Livication Business Group, LLC was born to level the playing field for these firms!
Since 2015 I have been working with several small businesses and startups in Houston and throughout the US, helping them develop their overall business strategy, performing market research, writing business plans, and preparing them for fundraising efforts. I have helped a non-profit go from one young lady’s dream, to become 501(c)(3) certified and impact young ladies internationally. I have also helped a theme restaurant validate its initial strategy and launch to become a solid business in its second year of operation.
I remain very active in the Houston entrepreneurial community, having served as an Energy Advisor & Mentor with the Houston Technology Center and as a Venture Lead with Fruition Technology Labs. I am currently a Subject Matter Expert with the Houston Area Urban League’s Small Business Development University, periodically delivering training and workshops on Business Pitching and Market Research. I am also the President of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Houston Chapter, and recently presiding over our successful efforts as the host chapter of the 2019 NBMBAA Conference and Exposition.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been smooth. The main struggle is always demonstrating my value to cost-conscious clients. Not every small business is able, or willing, to spend money on strategic support. The biggest lesson that I learned is that I cannot help everyone, so it is best to focus on those that see my value. One way that I increase my reach is by volunteering. The work that I do as a Subject Matter Expert at the Houston Area Urban League allows me to work with others in a structured environment, without extending myself beyond reason.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Livication Business Group – what should we know?
At Livication Business Group, our mission is to be a Trusted Advisor and problem‑solver for small and medium‑sized businesses, with a focus on helping owners support their communities by planning and executing responsible and sustainable growth through work process improvements.
We bring a wealth of experience to provide the following services to small and medium‑sized businesses & organizations in both the for‑profit and non‑profit sectors:
• Startup strategy (Lean Canvas & Business strategy)
• Technology‑Commercialization strategy
• Expense reduction & operations improvement
• Funding acquisition (loans, equity, and grants)
• General business advisory
We are known for our strategic plan development for startups (both technology and non-technology) and for our market research capability. We use data and information obtained from our research efforts to validate assumptions, uncover key factors, and guide entrepreneurs to successful launches. What sets us apart is our focus on the client good. We have never been afraid to show the client where the data suggests a different course of action that what they are pursuing.
We are most proud of providing feedback to more than 100 entrepreneurs and 200 pitches in three years as an Energy Champion, at the Houston Technology Center, Houston’s oldest technology accelerator. We helped entrepreneurs to overcome their fear of pitching to influential stakeholders, narrow‑in on what truly matters, and #OwnTheMoment in order to deliver winning pitches to anyone, anywhere, at any time to obtain the money and support needed to bring their ideas to fruition. Our efforts enable these Houston entrepreneurs to obtain $25,000 and larger investments from conservative funding groups by including personal stories and other strategies to make them stand out.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our ability to empathize with our customers is truly key to our success. At Livication Business Group, we have been in our clients’ shoes, so we understand their concerns and fears, and we provide them with the reassurance they need through data and sound strategy.
Pricing:
- Startup Strategy Consultation (2 hr session – $250)
Contact Info:
- Address: 10223 Broadway, Suite P 418
Pearland, TX 77584 - Website: www.livicationbusinessgroup.com
- Phone: (832) 930-3728
- Email: ljohnson@livicationbusinessgroup.com
- Instagram: @Livicationbiz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivicationBusinessGroup/
- Twitter: @Livicationbiz
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
