Meet MARLENE CARSON

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful MARLENE CARSON. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with MARLENE below.

MARLENE, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
In the intricacies of my professional and personal life, I found myself emmeshed in the web of Imposter Syndrome. Its long, foreboding threads wove through the fabric of my existence, a relentless companion that whispered doubts about my competence and accomplishments. However, my journey to overcome Imposter Syndrome was not a mere battle; it unfolded as a profound exploration of self-discovery and resilience—a journey that led me from the depths of self-doubt to a place of authentic confidence.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Dr. Marlene Carson, Survivor of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, is a highly accomplished and sought-after author, speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate with over 30 years of experience in creating successful businesses and empowering nonprofits through the power of social enterprise. She is widely recognized as a leading expert in the field of anti-trafficking and has made significant contributions to the fight against this grave injustice.

Dr. Marlene currently serves as the Chair of the U.S. Advisory Council on Trafficking. A three-time recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented by the last three presiding presidents, she has been recognized by organizations for her tireless dedication and leadership. Her unwavering commitment to justice, her exceptional business acumen, and her profound impact on the lives of survivors and communities make her a highly respected and sought-after speaker and advocate. Dr. Marlene plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and strategies to combat trafficking and provide support to survivors.

In addition to her groundbreaking work in anti-trafficking efforts, Dr. Marlene has a proven track record of helping nonprofits thrive through innovative social enterprise models. She has successfully
launched and managed multiple businesses that not only generate revenue but also serve as platforms to support and empower survivors of exploitation. Her expertise in blending business acumen with social impact has garnered her widespread recognition and accolades.

Dr. Marlene’s session for empowering individuals and communities extends far beyond her work in human trafficking. She is a dynamic speaker who captivates audiences with her compelling personal story and insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and social change. Her engaging speaking engagements have inspired and empowered diverse audiences, from corporate conferences to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.

In her latest work, “Pimped – From Trafficking to Triumph,” she delves into the various channels of exploitation, emphasizing the significance of understanding and being aware of one’s surroundings, even within the confines of the church. Above all, the book is a revelation on effectively communicating sensitive information to your children as a crucial means of ensuring their safety—a truly eye-opening read.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Housing is absolutely my passion! I thoroughly enjoy guiding organizations on how to kickstart, maintain, and expand their housing programs. My journey into this field involved facing challenges head-on because no one was there to teach me the foundational principles of launching a housing program for survivors of trafficking. Taking a leap of faith, I began with what I knew and learned along the way, picking up on things that were both taught and caught.

In my experience within the nonprofit sector, I’ve discovered that the notion of obtaining a 501(c)(3) and gaining access to grants is somewhat of a myth. Contrary to popular belief, I’ve successfully secured substantial funding through the power of social enterprise, and I firmly believe it’s a more practical route.

Writing is a significant passion of mine. As an author, I cherish the freedom to shape and control my own narrative. This has proven to be immensely impactful in my journey towards wholeness. To fellow authors and speakers, I advocate for crafting your story before putting it out there. What you don’t share might be altered by others, reshaping your narrative in a way that doesn’t truly represent your journey.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Wow, in the past 12 months, I made the tough decision to close down my housing organization, experienced a heart attack, and found myself in a position where I had to prioritize taking care of myself—something I had never really done before. Throughout my life, I’ve always been focused on caring for others—whether it’s been my kids, husband, victims of trafficking, or those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

This period forced me to confront who I am, acknowledging the good, bad, and the ugly. Even as I faced the imposter syndrome, I was determined to authentically be myself. Falling in love with me became a personal mission, and, believe it or not, I started dating myself. I began doing things for my own well-being that I had never considered before, such as investing in my personal and professional development, losing weight, and devising a strategy to dismantle the lies I once believed about myself.

It’s been quite a journey—one that I’m committed to continuing as I walk this path of self-discovery.

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Image Credits
Image credits @Blastmovement

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