An Inspired Chat with Dr Josephine Harris of Tacoma

Dr Josephine Harris shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Dr Josephine, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A moment that made me laugh was hearing my own voice clap back at that old impostor thought—like, “Girl, not today.” And I’m proud because I finally see myself the way God created me: capable, chosen, and growing every single day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Josephine Harris, but most people know me as Dr. Jo — a mental health expert, international psychologist, global speaker, and bestselling author dedicated to helping women break free from impostor syndrome and step boldly into their purpose. I’m the founder of Calming Minds PLLC and the creator of The F.A.V.O.R.E.D.™ Method, my signature framework that blends clinical psychology, faith, mindset, and real-life strategy to help women rise from self-doubt to self-leadership.

My work is special because it’s deeply personal. Years ago, I stood on a major stage, ready to deliver a talk — and completely froze. In that moment, an impostor voice whispered, “Are you supposed to be here?” That experience became a defining point in my life and the foundation for the movement I’m building today.

Through my therapy practice, coaching programs, journals, and the Calming Minds Academy, I help women navigate anxiety, trauma, leadership challenges, and the often silent battle with self-worth. I’m committed to creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to rewrite their stories.

Right now, I’m expanding my brand with new courses, a transformational group coaching experience, faith-based mental wellness tools, and a growing library of planners and journals that support emotional and spiritual alignment. Everything I create is designed to serve women who are ready to lead, heal, and elevate — not from perfection, but from authenticity.

At my core, I’m here to remind women that they are chosen, equipped, and absolutely worthy of every room they walk into.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a naturally compassionate and curious girl who believed in possibility without limitation. I was someone who loved deeply, listened closely, and carried a quiet strength long before I had the language for it. I wasn’t shaped by titles or expectations back then — I was guided by purpose, even if I didn’t fully understand it yet. And in many ways, I’m still returning to her… the version of me who was confident in her calling before life tried to convince her otherwise.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d tell her this: “Baby girl, you’re more powerful than you know, and nothing about you is a mistake. Don’t shrink to make others comfortable — you were built to rise.” I’d remind her that the fear she feels today will become the fuel for her purpose later, and that every setback, every doubt, every tear is shaping a woman who will lead, heal, and impact lives far beyond what she can imagine right now.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that what matters most to me is people — their healing, their growth, their peace, and their purpose. They’d say I care deeply about seeing women rise above self-doubt, walk in their God-given authority, and tell a new story about who they are. They know I value faith, integrity, and impact, and that I show up for others with the same heart I needed when I was fighting my own impostor battles. At the end of the day, they’d tell you I’m driven by love, purpose, and the belief that every woman is meant to live F.A.V.O.R.E.D.™, not fearful.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes — I could still give everything my best, even without applause. I’ve learned that purpose isn’t validated by praise; it’s validated by alignment. When you know you’re called to something, you don’t need an audience to do it well. I’ve had seasons where I showed up consistently with no recognition, no spotlight, and no cheering section — and those were the seasons that built my character and strengthened my faith. My best work comes from obedience, not approval. And honestly, that’s where the real confidence lives… when you can give your all simply because it’s who you are, not because someone is watching.

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