Biography

contact-lillianlambert

Lillian Lincoln Lambert speaks about the power of persistence, resilience, courage and morality in surmounting hurdles that prevent people from reaching their full potential.

As the first black woman to receive an MBA from Harvard Business School and a barrier-breaking entrepreneur in the mid 1970’s, she draws upon her varied experiences to show people how to use obstacles and barriers as stepping stones to higher levels of achievement and success. She understands the power of storytelling and uses her personal story to inspire audiences to dream big, act bold and pave their own paths. As a member of National Speakers Association, she continues to learn new techniques to inspire her audiences.

Her memoir, "The Road to Someplace Better: From the Segregated South to Harvard Business School and Beyond" was released by John Wiley & Sons in January 2010. It chronicles her journey as she struggled to find her place in the world, a journey that had many twists, turns and its share of roadblocks.

Born on a farm in the segregated South, she sensed that a better life awaited her. At the age of 18, she journeyed to New York City and Washington, DC to seek my fortune. After a few years of gutting out menial jobs as a maid and typist, she came to the realization that her journey was internal and that education would be her ticket to a new world. At the age of 22, with loans and scholarships she enrolled in Howard University and obtained a BA degree. In 1969, an era forever linked with the civil rights and burgeoning women’s rights movements, she earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. She did not set out to make history as the first African American woman to receive a Harvard MBA; she simply wanted a better life.

After Harvard, she founded Centennial One, Inc., a building maintenance company that was started in her garage with a few thousand dollars. For twenty-five years, she was President and CEO until the company was sold. Over those years, Centennial grew to $20 million in sales with more than 1,200 employees.

In 2003, Harvard Business School awarded her the Alumni Achievement Award, the highest award bestowed on its alumni. The award recognizes recipients for "their contributions they made to their companies and communities, while upholding the highest standards and values in everything they do."

In March 2010, Enterprise Women Magazine inducted her into their Hall of Fame, the magazine’s highest honor “reserved for women who have devoted a lifetime to building dynamic businesses or vital nonprofit organizations and giving back to the women business owners’ community in significant ways, making a tremendous difference in the lives of others”.

Some of her clients have included Virginia Commonwealth University, Bennett College, University of Richmond, Greens Farms Academy, Noble and Greenough School, Belmont High School, James River High School, American Business Women’s Association, Mississippi Bar Association, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and UBS Financial Services.

She serves on the Board of Visitors at Virginia Commonwealth University and Board of Directors for Harvard Business School African American Alumni Association.

She is an avid golfer and enjoys traveling, reading and listening to jazz. She is active in her community and sings in her church choir.
 

Testimonials

"Ms. Lambert is a gifted storyteller who knows the power of a story to make a point. Her spirit and drive are contagious."

Alisa L. Griffin, Business Analyst II
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

"Lillian's speech was very enjoyable. Terrific ideas and heartfelt stories that I will remember always."

Angela B. Creech, JD
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

"Lillian, thank you for such an engaging presentation filled with useful information that I can apply to my personal life and business. Your points were well presented through your stories."

Donna Rominiecki, Partner
Vmeals (Point & Click Meals, LLC)

"Lillian Lambert tells a compelling story of her rise from humble origins to making history as the first African-American woman to earn an MBA from Harvard. Her strength of character, sage advice, coupled with her no-nonsense delivery, will resonate on some meaningful level with everyone in the audience."

Bill Bussey, Provost
Noble and Greenough School

"Lillian's guiding principles are solid, inspirational and motivational. Her resume is impressive. Overcoming all kinds of obstacles, she has achieved success - academic (MBA - Harvard) and entrepreneurial. She embodies her principles. Excellent presentation!"

Dr. Clark Scanlon, Retired
Baptist International Board

"It's not just what Lillian has done that's inspiring, it's who she is. Thank you for both."

Mary Foley, Woman In Charge
Bodacious! Ventures

"Thank you, Lillian! At about 4:30 this morning, I finished reading your book. What a great, inspiring story! I’m really in awe of you and of all you’ve accomplished. You’re a wonderful role model, not only for African-American girls, but for all young people, regardless of gender or color! I’m honored to be able to call you a friend."

Charles O. Heller
Former Member, Dingman Center
University of Maryland

"I love Dream Big-Act Now! I have big dreams and will continue to chase them. It's nice to know that I'm not the only late bloomer."

Jill F. Reynolds, Business Owner
Party Perfect

"I just finished reading your book. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I loved reading about your family, your hard work to get through Howard and Harvard and the beginning and growth of your business. But it was the chapters on leadership that I wish I had been able to have in front of me when I was a manager."

Janice Robinson
Federal Government Manager

"I found your presentation useful and appropriate for our organization. You took the time to research our organization and the history of nursing."

Darnell Glass
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation

"I met you last week at James River High School and purchased your book. I finished reading it over the weekend and I must say I Loved your book. Thank you so very much for sharing of yourself to the world. I was very inspired by your testimony and I'm sure the book only touched the surface of all you endured on your journey to success."

Teshia Wright, Broker
Ivy League Realty, LLC

"The Daffodil Principle – planting one bulb at a time – took my breath away. You confirmed and reinforced many of my thoughts and activities to ensure success."

Alison W. Eckis, Employee Benefits Specialist
Straus, Itzkowitz & LeCompte

"I enjoyed hearing you speak. The speech was very inspirational. I would love to have you do a seminar at my business. I will be in touch."

Gayle Taylor, Vice President
Professional Training & Consulting, LLC

"Excellent presentation! As a 'very late bloomer', I am inspired to keep reaching, keep planning and enjoy the journey."

Rose Boeckman
Virginia Cooperative Extension

Lillian's Blog

Click Here to read Lillian's Blog, and follow Lillian on:

"The Road To Someplace Better!"

Join me on Linked-In

Lillian is a passionate speaker who understands the power of storytelling. Read More...

Lillian’s Author Pages

Read more about what Lillian is up to on her own author pages:

Lillian on Facebook

View Lillian's profile on Facebook.