Sometimes, it takes a single moment of clarity to realize you’re meant for something more. That’s exactly what happened for Dr. Raymona Lawrence, a full professor turned nonprofit operations leader. In this episode of the Ops Authority Podcast, I sit down with Raymona to explore her transformation through the Director of Operations (DOO) Certification. She opens up about the pivotal moment she realized she was an operator all along, and how the certification helped her build a career that finally felt aligned. If you’ve been craving more impact, more clarity, and more confidence in your operations career, this conversation will show you what’s possible.
Meet Dr. Raymona
As Director of Operations at the Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence is responsible for leading operations across clinical, research, and administrative teams. With more than 15 years of experience in systems leadership and grant management, she ensures effective implementation of strategic plans, oversees key state grant portfolios, and supports cross-functional coordination across FSCDR’s programs and locations.
Dr. Lawrence has also held key leadership roles such as Director of Research for the Sickle Cell Community Consortium and academic leadership positions, including Director of the Office of Health Equity and Community Engagement and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association (jGPHA). She has mentored faculty through the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD) and served as teaching faculty for the PRIDE-FTG (Functional and Translational Genomics) Program. Across all of her roles, Dr. Lawrence brings a systems-driven approach to improving operational efficiency, research impact, and health outcomes, particularly for individuals and families living with sickle cell disease.
Redefining What It Means to Be an Operator
Dr. Raymona never called herself an “operator”; she was a professor leading multimillion-dollar research, mentoring students, and driving academic initiatives. But something felt missing. After discovering the Ops Authority, she realized her love for systems, strategy, and problem-solving was exactly what defined an operator. This episode explores how naming and owning your natural skill set can lead to major transformation.
Making the Pivot from Academia to Operations
With over 15 years of experience in public health and research, Dr. Raymona felt a deep longing for something more. She wanted to stay in the world of sickle cell disease but operate from a place of alignment. Enter the DOO Certification. With the support and structure of the program, she transitioned into a leadership role that allowed her to merge her passion for healthcare with her love of systems and operations.
Frameworks That Deliver Results
One of the key takeaways from Dr. Raymona’s story is the power of frameworks. She shares how the Strategic Mapping Model not only helped her deliver immediate ROI but also gave her the confidence to lead across HR, financials, SOPs, and strategic planning. These aren’t just theories; they’re tools you can implement right away to drive change and growth.
Confidence, Community, and Clarity
The DOO Certification isn’t just a course. It’s a transformation. Dr. Raymona highlights how the accountability, expert guidance, and a community of like-minded women propelled her forward. She emphasizes that the support system is unmatched and that anyone ready to find their next-level self should jump in without hesitation.
“Regardless of what my CV said, this was the best training I’ve ever done. It gave me the frameworks, the language, and the confidence to lead.” – Dr. Raymona Lawrence
Weekly Ops Activity
Write out 3 things you’re amazing at, but haven’t fully owned in your business. Then share which one you’re finally ready to lead with.
Connect with Dr. Raymona:
Website: https://thesystemsboutique.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/drraymonahlawrence
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raymona.h.lawrence
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