Owning Your Seat at the Table with Lorra Brown
Owning Your Seat at the Table: A Conversation with Lorra Brown
Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Industries
There’s something powerful about a woman who refuses to shrink. A woman who steps into spaces where she’s the only one and makes her presence known. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Lorra Brown, has done throughout her career.
On this episode of Rooted in Your Confidence, I had the privilege of speaking with Lorra Brown, founder of LBE Consulting and a leading tax and finance expert with over 15 years of experience. Lorra has worked with major companies like Brinks and UPS, guiding them toward financial success. She now empowers entrepreneurs—especially women—to master their numbers, take control of their finances, and thrive in business.
But her journey wasn’t easy. Lorra didn’t just take a seat at the table in male-dominated industries—she fought for it. And she’s here to tell us how.
From Union Leader to CEO: Lorra’s Journey
Lorra’s story begins in an industry where women were almost nonexistent—the union world. That really resonates with me because I know what it’s like to walk into a space where no one looks like you, where you feel the weight of proving yourself every single day. For women in male-dominated industries, this is a reality we live. But just like Lorra, we don’t just want to be present—we want to be heard, valued, and respected.. She was the first woman to sit on her union’s bargaining committee, negotiating insurance and wages alongside men who had never seen a woman in that space before.
“Women were not sitting on the bargaining committee. I was the first woman to help with negotiating our own union insurance. It was just me learning how things worked, figuring it out as I went, and finding my place at the table.” – Lorra Brown
She climbed the ranks, eventually landing CFO and CEO roles, proving that she not only belonged but that she had the knowledge, the grit, and the leadership skills to excel.
The Challenges of Being ‘The Only One’
Walking into rooms full of men wasn’t easy. Lorra had to find mentors, even when that meant learning from men who didn’t always understand her experience.
“I had to seek out male mentors, but the challenge was that I started to pick up how men acted. They tend to be quick thinkers, very to-the-point, and not always compassionate. So, I became strict and cut off my natural empathy, which I later realized was a strength, not a weakness.” – Lorra Brown
Being surrounded by men who told her to “toughen up” wasn’t always encouraging, but she stayed the course because she knew she was paving the way for other women to follow.
Navigating Fear & Taking Up Space
Lorra shared how fear and self-doubt can creep in, especially when you’re the only woman—or the only woman of color—in the room.
“I’d sit in rooms with professors, top litigators, and I’d think, ‘Am I even supposed to be here?’ But then I’d remind myself—yes, I am. I’m here to learn. I’m here to grow. This is my space, too.” – Lorra Brown
She emphasized that many women in male-dominated fields feel the pressure to overprove themselves, but the key is owning your space with confidence and not waiting for validation from others.
“You don’t just want to have a seat at the table—you want to have a voice at the table.” – Lorra Brown
The Power of Self-Allyship & Speaking Up
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was the importance of self-allyship—standing up for yourself when no one else will.
“Continue to be you. Do not let anybody change who you are. You have to speak up for yourself because no one else is going to do it for you.” – Lorra Brown
For generations, women were taught to depend on others—especially men—for validation and permission. But times have changed. Women now have the right, the power, and the responsibility to advocate for themselves and each other.
Owning Your Leadership & Impacting the Next Generation
Lorra is passionate about paving the way for future generations—especially for young women of color.
“I have a daughter, I have granddaughters. I think about them with every move I make. What kind of world do I want them to walk into? It’s still going to be tough, but if I can make it even a little bit easier for them, then I’ve done my job.” – Lorra Brown
Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder for yourself—it’s about building a path for others to follow.
How Women Can Take Control of Their Future
Lorra’s advice for women looking to step into their power?
✅ Know your value. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. ✅ Learn how to navigate the system. Play the game strategically. ✅ Find the right mentors. But stay true to yourself in the process. ✅ Don’t wait for permission. Take up space. Speak up. Go after what you want. ✅ Set boundaries. You don’t have to share your whole life to be respected at work. Lorra shared how, early in her career, she felt pressured to be open about her personal life just to fit in with her male colleagues. But over time, she realized that setting firm boundaries earned her more respect. I’ve seen this myself—when I stopped oversharing and focused on owning my space, I found that people took me more seriously. Your personal life is yours to share on your own terms.
“You get to control your own narrative. No one else. How you show up, how you move—that’s all up to you.” – Lorra Brown
Lorra’s Next Steps & How to Connect
Lorra is continuing her mission to empower women in male-dominated industries through financial education, mentorship, and leadership coaching. Here’s how you can connect with her:
🌎 Website: www.lbeconsulting.com
📲 Instagram & TikTok: @TheTaxCEO
📘 Facebook: LBE Consulting
🎤 PAST Event: Empowerment Brunch in Dallas, January 5th, 2025She’s also launching a financial literacy program in April 2025, so stay tuned for more ways to learn from her expertise!
Final Thoughts: Stop Shrinking & Start Owning Your Space
This conversation with Lorra Brown was a powerful reminder that as women in male-dominated industries, we don’t just deserve a seat at the table—we deserve to be heard, valued, and respected.
So, to every woman reading this:
🚀 Stop shrinking.
🚀 Stop waiting for validation.
🚀 Start taking up space. What’s one way you can take up space this week? Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, setting a boundary, or stepping into a leadership role—drop a comment or send me a message and let me know how you’re showing up for yourself!Because when you believe in yourself, advocate for yourself, and own your power, you don’t just change your own life—you change the world for the women coming after you.
Loved this conversation? Follow, share, and tag another woman who needs to hear this! 💪🏽🔥
Listen to the Full Episode:
🎧 Rooted in Your Confidence – https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453130/episodes/16643727
