Meet Carlos Wallace

We recently connected with Carlos Wallace and have shared our conversation below.

Carlos, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
In my book, “Life Is Not Complicated – YOU ARE,” I recounted an experience from my fourth-grade year. It marked the first time my peers officially elected me as a leader. Despite facing stiff competition from four opponents, I emerged victorious as the next President of Junior Historians at Joe Wright Elementary.

I was deeply honored by the trust and confidence placed in me through the vote. It was undoubtedly one of my proudest moments to date. However, the following day’s photo session to announce the new staff turned out to be less than ideal. Momma had dressed me in a crisp white shirt, which unfortunately did not photograph well. The image published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress barely showed me, with the white shirt standing out conspicuously.

Returning to school on Monday, I endured ridicule and laughter from my classmates. It was disheartening, to say the least. However, when I arrived home, my mom sat me down and shared a simple yet powerful message: “YOU’RE DARKER BECAUSE YOU’RE BETTER!” Those words resonated deeply with me.

From that day forward, I embraced my darker complexion with pride. It was a pivotal moment that shaped my confidence and self-perception. I realized that my worth was not determined by external appearances but by the strength of character and integrity within. That moment planted the seed from which my confidence has continued to grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Whenever I am called upon to recount my journey, I pause. How does one encapsulate a life in perpetual motion? It’s not that I lack words; rather, I firmly believe that my narrative is a continuous evolution of growth and maturation. Each dawn brings a fresh start and an opportunity to refine past endeavors or embark on new ventures—a philosophy instilled in me by generations past.

Raised by a mother who epitomized resilience and determination, I inherited a legacy of perseverance. She, an esteemed collegiate athlete, I was born shortly after a triumphant basketball game, her tenacity undeterred even in the throes of labor. Her unwavering resolve and refusal to succumb to adversity became the cornerstone of my character.

In the quiet sanctum of my grandfather’s chambers, I imbibed invaluable lessons in integrity, fairness, and the sanctity of the law. His legacy, alongside my grandmother’s unwavering commitment to family, instilled in me a deep-seated reverence for principles and familial bonds.

As a fifth-generation railroader, I am driven by a legacy steeped in hard work and determination. My uncle Rube, the first black railroad conductor for the Missouri Pacific, exemplified the spirit of perseverance that has guided my path.

Embracing the expectations set by those who paved the way before me has been both a privilege and a weighty responsibility. From managing a paper route at the age of 11 to traversing the globe during my tenure in the Navy, my upbringing in small-town Jacksonville, Texas, remains an enduring source of grounding and pride.

My journey has yielded three published works— “Life Is Not Complicated, You Are,” “The Other 99 T.Y.M.E.S: Train Your Mind to Enjoy Serenity,” and “Why Sell Lies When The Truth Is Free”—each a testament to the lessons learned and experiences gained along the way. Additionally, I have ventured into filmmaking, producing the family film, “A House Without a Father.”

Life, I’ve learned, is an ongoing gift, a responsibility to pay forward the blessings bestowed upon me. And as I continue to chart my course, I remain steadfast in my commitment to uphold the values instilled in me by my ancestors.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Embarking on my writing and filmmaking journey was fueled by a mix of reasons, but mostly by the pressing need to resist complacency amidst adversity. After enduring a three-year period of joblessness, reinstated shortly until retirement, life’s unpredictability hit me hard. It reshaped my outlook, reminding me of the fleeting nature of our existence. My decision to pick up the pen stemmed from a deep-seated desire to immortalize my experiences (encouraged by my girlfriend now wife), ensuring they transcend my own lifetime. I firmly believed that my story had the power to uplift, inspire, and motivate others. Though the process of penning my first book was far from easy, the gratification it brought was immeasurable.

“Life Is Not Complicated” has far exceeded my wildest dreams, touching countless lives in profound ways. But it was a pivotal moment—a student confiding in me that my book had pulled them back from the brink of suicide—that truly cemented my purpose. It revealed the transformative power of words and reaffirmed my commitment to making a positive impact.

Embedded within my journey are three guiding principles: 1) staying true to yourself, 2) respecting the process and the wisdom of those who came before, and 3) making everything you do matter. Yet, the road to realization is filled with challenges—financial burdens, time constraints, and the silent detractors who secretly wish for our failure.

My journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, courage, and an unwavering commitment to one’s beliefs. And as I continue navigating life’s twists and turns, I remain steadfast in my determination to leave behind a legacy defined by resilience, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of purpose.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to my partner—my wife. She’s not just my number one motivator, but also my critic and cheerleader. We’re a team, and her support is invaluable. I can’t emphasize enough her talent and her knack for crafting compelling, relevant human-interest stories. Her company, Million Dollar Pen, Ink., has edited, written, and published fifteen best-selling books, including my three. And let’s not forget her successful children’s book series, “You Have a Superpower: Mindi PI Meets.”

But her talents don’t end there. Liz is also an exceptional stand-up comic, having headlined at venues like the Houston and Arlington Improv, as well as stages in New York and Montreal. As a motivational speaker, she’s a force to be reckoned with, advocating passionately for women’s rights, empowerment, and mentorship.

I’m constantly learning from her wisdom and generosity. She’s always there with her time, creativity, and invaluable counsel, serving as an unwavering source of inspiration. More than anything, Liz is my steadfast supporter and one of the most enthusiastic cheerleaders I’ve ever known. And she does it all with sincerity, expecting nothing in return.

She truly is a rare gem in my life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photo credit: Aaron “Step” Wallace Photo credit: Liz Faublas-Wallace

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,