Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to CW Allen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
CW, 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.
I would honestly say that overcoming imposter syndrome is a daily routine I embrace. I am not always successful, but I fight for an accurate view of my creative endeavors and self-worth. This past year, I began therapy to address my struggles feeling like an imposter. No matter what opportunities I’ve earned and did well with, I still would find myself believing it was a fluke. I have grown tremendously, and I believe I am who God made me to be. The marathon continues.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a faith-based author and creative who desires to inspire people to love wholistically through
thought-provoking storytelling. I have always been a storyteller, and it wasn’t until a recent job opportunity that I realized it was a real career I could step into!
My most recent project is a multi-media series called “Lion.” In The Lion, I created a fictional character who is a hip-hop artist based out of Chicago. As we peer into Lion’s story, we are given a first-hand account of how fame and trauma are not a harmonious duo. The latest portion of Lion’s Story was delivered as a short film, “I AM LION” and takes us on a journey of seeing how unchecked mental health struggles can lead to life-changing consequences.
Stories like Lion’s remind me that I was put on this earth to encourage people as they avoid unnecessary pitfalls and discover their God-given purpose.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As I think about my journey, I would say that there are three qualities that aid me most in my work. The first quality I am grateful for is the ability to be a learner. As a creative, I am always learning about different types of people, systems, technologies, methods, and ways to communicate in our current times. When creatives stop being willing to learn and evolve, they stop being relevant.
The second quality that has had the greatest impact on my journey is discipleship/consistency. I choose to write when I’m on writer’s block, work out every day, love those around me well, and live authentically in my faith. Without discipline, I hope for a good outcome without developing the muscle memory I need to execute well.
The final quality I have valued most on my journey is learning how to be a helper. That sounds crazy in today’s world, but I love to see people win. Helping others allows me to sharpen my skills and better humanity. I have learned so much and been gifted with opportunities that would have been impossible without being willing to help others.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I believe the most impactful thing my parents have done for me was to allow me to walk with them. Often parents are secretive with their kids as they live their adult lives but my parents weren’t.
Before my father passed, we shared at a banquet, and he shared how I impacted his life as a son. I was blown away to see how proud I made him. My father allowed me to walk with him through some of the most challenging times in his life. I watched him leave addictions and grow in his faith. At my college graduation and wedding, I knew that I was one of my father’s dreams that came true, and he was one of mine. I prayed for him for years, and finally, I got to watch him find peace in areas he struggled with for decades.
My mother has been in AA for 27 years, and I am so honored to see her journey unfold over the years. She has inspired me to fight even when It feels hopeless. I remember her calling my grandmother’s house to tell me she would be gone for a while while she did rehab. I remember her getting clean and buying us a home. A few years ago, she gave me one of the best gifts I have ever experienced; she told me it was an honor to have me as a son.
I am just grateful for the people my parents are/were. They aren’t perfect but they are perfect for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: thecwallen@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thecwallen
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecwallen
- Twitter: @thecwallen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecwallen
Image Credits
Frank Gill Jr
Yolanda Chioma Folatomi of Imagery By Chioma LLC
Alfred Soboyejo IV for A-Star Media Services LLC
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