We recently caught up with Lesleigh Mausi, M. Ed., an award-winning educator, entrepreneur and professional angler. She is VP of The DOME Group LLC – a live music concert promotions company, VP of ATAP Logisitics – a luxury transportation company, and Vice President of the Ebony Anglers Foundation, a 501c3 teaching youth the fundamentals of fishing, boating and outdoor living. She and her husband Sulaiman Mausi co-authored the book, “The Power of Us: How to Win in Marriage and Business – Passion, Pain, Truth, Faith,” helping couples successfully navigate their partnership in marriage and entrepreneurship.
FWM: What does being “sovereign in all seasons” mean to you right now?
LM: The idea of being sovereign for me means to embody grace, discipline and assurance of who I am, what I stand for and owning every bit of that. It’s a state of being that one just has to grow into. It’s not a destination because sovereignty is a journey in itself. It continues to take me through seasons in life and business– whether I’m in a season of growth, success, rest, challenge, or transition – and whatever seasons are to come. Having self-awareness and taking ownership of my decisions helps me walk boldly in my sovereignty during those seasons.
“During COVID, my teammates and I founded the Ebony Anglers, the first female, Black competitive deep-sea sportfishing team. Since then, we’ve been competing nationally, and most of the time we are the only women of color.”
FWM: How has your leadership evolved across the different seasons of your life?
LM: As an educator for 24 years, I went from leading children, to leading departments to consulting whole teams of schools. Each season stretched me to grow from a more hands-on style, to transformational and then to a more strategic approach. This is where I grew the most, developing young leaders, empowering them with autonomy and becoming secure in my leadership to trust their lead when it best suited our shared vision.
With my live music and concert promotions company, I became both the student and the leader, sharing leadership with my husband, but stepping up or back, depending on which situation my style was best suited for.
Personally speaking, my leadership within my home is in the midst of an evolution.
Personally speaking, my leadership within my home is in the midst of an evolution. My parenting style has had to adapt as my sons have gotten older. Now at 24 and 20 years of age, they do not need the same level and style of mothering that they did at 14 and 10. This season of “empty nesting” has again required me to show up differently, and is maturing the way I engage with them. Once again, I’m stretching, and am finding a stride that develops both them and me.
FWM: What are you currently building or leading that you’re most excited about?
LM: I’ve been developing my career as a professional deep-sea angler over the past 5 years. During COVID, my teammates and I founded the Ebony Anglers, the first female, Black competitive deep-sea sportfishing team. Since then, we’ve been competing nationally, and most of the time we are the only women of color. This past April we won our first international sportfishing tournament in Barbados. You never know what will bite the end of your line: it could be anything from the smallest Spanish mackerel or a Mahi Mahi to the largest sailfish or blue marlin. It is a constant fight that could take hours with something you cannot see, and the uncertainty fuels anticipation and mirrors the resilience we need to have in life. That feeling when you finally reel it in proves there is nothing you cannot conquer.
While some might view the phrase “you’re a lot” in a negative light, I’ve decided that, ‘hell yes, I’m a lot’. In fact, I’m MORE than enough. And you should be, too.
FWM: What is a confidence or mindset shift that has helped you sustain your vision?
LM: I was once told that I was “a lot.” I sat with that statement for a while, and decide to really unpack it. I peeled back all of the layers that make me who I am, and began to recognize the attributes that make up my WHOLE woman. Yes, I’m a business woman, a mother and a wife. I’m also an author and an educator. I’m a musician and a speaker. I’m a listener and a friend. I’m a caregiver and a brain surgery survivor. I’ve learned to honor ALL of who I am, and it’s beautiful. It’s exactly who God made me to be. Once I began seeing my goals and vision from this confidence shift, it fueled me even more. I walk bigger. I take up more space. My presence is unapologetic. While some might view the phrase “you’re a lot” in a negative light, I’ve decided that, ‘hell yes, I’m a lot’. In fact, I’m MORE than enough. And you should be, too.
FWM: What encouragement would you give to another woman navigating transition or uncertainty?
LM: My parents instilled in my sister and me the belief that everything was and is in Divine Order. They taught us to say it when faced with any situation or decision that seemed overwhelming. Transitions can feel that way, so starting with “Divine Order” in mind keeps us from ruminating in worry, and reminds us that what’s to come will work out for our good.
Navigating times of uncertainty is an art, and it does require consistency.
- Spend time in stillness to quiet the chatter.
- Pray about your NEXT from a point of clarity.
- Purge your spaces of clutter to make room for whatever is to come.
- Nurture your temple.
- Feed your spirit.
- Get into your Word.
And finally, find contentment right where you are. Show God your gratitude for your NOW… and watch it unlock your answers and opportunities.
FB: @LesleighMausi
IG: @LesleighMausi
