Welcome to Spotlight Hustle, the weekly newsletter where we celebrate Black women who rise above challenges, reinvent themselves, and lead with purpose.
From being called “English girl” in St. Vincent to rebuilding her confidence after career setbacks, Lydia McDowell’s journey reminds us that resilience is not about perfection — it’s about persistence.
South London Roots, Global Vision
Lydia McDowell grew up in South London, the youngest in a large Caribbean family, surrounded by laughter, structure, and love. Her childhood was joyful, and though she was the baby of the family, she insists she wasn’t spoiled — though her siblings might say otherwise.
Her mother was her greatest role model: kind but firm, endlessly curious, and always learning something new. Even in retirement, she enrolled in courses and found joy in growth. From her, Lydia inherited her deep love of learning and self-improvement.
But when she was 11, her world shifted. Her parents moved the family to St. Vincent, and for the first time, Lydia felt like she didn’t belong. Her British accent set her apart, and being called “English girl” everywhere she went chipped away at her confidence.
Even worse, she went from being a top student in the UK to struggling in school. “I felt so stupid,” she recalls. “I could have given up — but I didn’t.”
Instead, she worked harder. Within a year, she was first in her school and seventh across the island. It was a comeback that would shape her forever.
When she returned to the UK a year later, she once again had to adapt — this time as the “Vincy girl.” Those early experiences taught Lydia resilience, empathy, and the art of belonging anywhere.
Career & Calling
Lydia began her career in administration, working her way through project coordination and management in sectors from education to IT.
But something deeper called to her.
Years earlier, she had experienced the power of coaching during a difficult period in her life. Her coach, Caroline, helped her find clarity and confidence when she needed it most. “Almost 20 years later,” Lydia says, “I still think about her. That experience changed my life.”
That spark eventually became her calling. Today, Lydia is a coach, speaker, and event MC, helping women find their voice, speak with confidence, and lead with authenticity.
Her MC journey started unexpectedly through Toastmasters International, where she found her voice and her stage presence. Hosting events came naturally, and what began as opportunity became passion.
Her first hustle? Baking Caribbean Christmas cupcakes. She loved it — until it became about production instead of passion. The lesson stuck: “Sometimes money isn’t worth losing the joy.”
Challenges & Resilience
Lydia’s biggest test came when a contract role ended abruptly, leaving her without work and shaken by unkind words from others. Her confidence plummeted.
But instead of giving up, she took a leap of faith. She decided it was time to build something of her own.
“I told myself I had to try. If it worked, great. If not, at least I’d tried.”
She sought counselling, rebuilt her confidence, and poured her energy into her business. Within a year, she was mentoring care-experienced young people and coaching global corporate clients.
It was the comeback she didn’t see coming — and one she’s deeply proud of.
Mindset & Motivation
Faith is Lydia’s anchor.
When things get tough, she reminds herself that storms are seasonal. They pass.
Her biggest “why” is clear: she wants every woman to know she belongs.
“No woman should have to shrink herself or stay silent because of fear or doubt. I know that feeling — and I want to help others rise above it.”
Her mindset has evolved too. She used to question whether she had the right to charge for her work. Now she knows her worth. “I’ve learned to own my value,” she says, “and that’s been the biggest transformation.”
Identity & Representation
Lydia sees representation not as an image, but as an impact.
“As a Black woman, I know how much responsibility comes with how we’re seen,” she says. “But for me, it’s not about the color of my skin — it’s about the quality of my work and the integrity of how I show up.”
She stays grounded by focusing on gratitude, humility, and alignment with her values. “I can only be myself,” she says simply. “That’s my anchor.”
Routines & Practical Hustle
No two days are the same for Lydia. Between her coaching work and her role as a caregiver for her parents, she’s learned to embrace flexibility as a strength.
Her day often starts with reflection and gratitude, then moves into coaching sessions, content planning, or hosting engagements.
She invests in herself through Spanish lessons and regular gym sessions, both of which energize her in different ways.
Her focus habits:
- Writing down priorities and reviewing them daily
- Working in 50-minute focused blocks with breaks
- Classical piano music to get in the zone
And her favorite boundary? Turning off phone notifications. “Game changer,” she laughs.
Wisdom & Advice
If Lydia could talk to her younger self, she’d say:
“Do you. Don’t let other people’s expectations shape your life.”
Herth to bust: “Follow your passion.” Lydia believes passion alone isn’t enough. “Follow what you’re good at and build passion around that.”
Her advice to women in business is simple but powerful:
“There’s space for you. You just need the right support and community — and you don’t have to do it all alone.”
Looking Ahead
Lydia’s vision is clear.
Her legacy is about helping women rise without shrinking and speak without fear.
She’s dreaming of extending her MC portfolio, delivering a TEDx talk, writing a book, and living in a Spanish-speaking country for a while to sharpen her language skills.
And she’s excited about what the Women in Digital Business community represents: a space to grow, collaborate, and refine her brand.
Rapid-Fire Round
- Coffee or tea? Herbal tea only
- Morning person or night owl? Night owl
- One word for this season? Exciting
- Book or podcast you love: Mel Robbins
- Mantra: Everything happens for a reason
- Favorite physical activity: Walking or weight training
- Biggest discipline hack: Turning off phone notifications
Why We’re Excited
Lydia McDowell is proof that confidence can be rebuilt, voices can grow louder, and setbacks can become setups.
Her story is one of quiet courage, contagious calm, and unstoppable purpose.
She’ll be joining us at the Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women Summit — and trust us, you’ll want to hear her speak.
Grab your free ticket today.
Seats are limited, but the stories you’ll hear will stay with you forever.
Here’s to rising, speaking, and showing up fully.
Responses