Meet Charlene “da Brand Misfit™” Brown

We recently connected with Charlene “da Brand Misfit™” Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Charlene “da Brand Misfit™”, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

I credit my experience in tech for shaping my ability to communicate effectively. Working in tech requires an intense focus on details—whether it’s explaining how to use a system, troubleshooting an issue, or exploring new tools. That same attention to detail is essential in everyday communication.

The key lesson I learned? Keep it simple. Strip away jargon, technical complexities, and high-level terms. Instead, focus on the core concept. Communication barriers start to disappear when the emphasis is on the outcome—what needs to happen, why it matters, and how to get there.

Whether I’m speaking with clients, peers, partners, or stakeholders, the goal is always the same: clarity. Everyone involved should walk away understanding not just the information, but also their role, their next steps, and how their voice was heard in the process.

To achieve this, I rely on multiple techniques: clear explanations, visual aids like screenshots, structured breakdowns, and frameworks that simplify complex ideas. Effective communication isn’t about showcasing expertise—it’s about ensuring understanding.

At the heart of it all, communication becomes most effective when it’s rooted in clarity. When discussions are drawn out or muddled, it’s often because the core issue and desired outcome aren’t clearly defined. By focusing on these two elements—what’s being discussed and the ultimate goal—conversations become more productive, and solutions come together faster.

Ultimately, what made me a strong communicator was learning to break things down, remove unnecessary complexity, and prioritize clarity above all else.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I love simplifying tech for my audience and clients. So often, I work with business leaders and CEOs who label themselves as “non-techie” because the world of tech feels convoluted and overwhelming.

There’s a ton of jargon, too many buzzwords, and a constant flood of new tools.

My job? Remove that language barrier. Strip out the Tech Speak™ so they can focus on what truly matters—the issues they’re facing, the solutions they need, and how tech can support them on that journey.

What excites me the most is seeing the transformation in my clients. They start off feeling disconnected from tech, assuming they need to be hands-off. But through our work, they realize they don’t need to know how to build the tech—they just need to understand how to use it to serve their business.

That shift is powerful.

It empowers them to make informed decisions, own their choices, and leverage tech as a strategic tool rather than something they fear or avoid.

I bring my clients into the process, guiding them to see not just what tech does, but why they’re choosing certain solutions. Because there is no one-size-fits-all in tech.

Every business is different. Every brand has its own vision. The key question isn’t what’s the best tech?—it’s what’s the best tech for you? How does it align with your business goals, both now and in the future? How does it help you build your brand and legacy?

That’s why I launched my 3-day miniseries, From Dusty to Evergreen—to support business leaders creating long-term strategies around their tech choices. I believe in finding evergreen solutions, not just chasing trends. Members of da Misfit Squad™, my learning community, get exclusive access to this series along with other learning experiences. They can register seats for their teams, participate in monthly Q&As, and join events designed specifically for them. I also host a private podcast for members only, where I share deeper insights and strategies.

At the core of everything I do is a simple belief: tech is a tool. Either you control it, or it controls you. My mission is to guide business leaders (and their teams) as they shift from being used by tech to using tech with confidence.

When you pair the right strategy with the right tools, the sky’s the limit. And that’s what keeps me excited about the work I do—supporting CEOs and leaders as they build brands, create legacies, and use tech on their terms.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, three key qualities stand out as essential to my growth: perseverance, patience, and a deep love for learning and exploration. These weren’t just traits I picked up—they became the foundation of how I navigate challenges, embrace new opportunities, and continually evolve.

Life is filled with setbacks, detours, and unexpected turns. But I never let obstacles define my path. Did I feel disappointment? Absolutely. But I refused to let that stop me. Instead, I learned how to pivot, adapt, and find new ways forward. The ability to shift gears creatively and explore alternative solutions became one of my greatest strengths. Every roadblock was an opportunity to refine my approach and strengthen my resolve.

Patience is more than just waiting—it’s about understanding why something is happening and allowing the process to unfold. I’ve learned to pause, evaluate situations from different viewpoints, and avoid rushing decisions. Whether in business or personal growth, patience allowed me to gain clarity, make better choices, and recognize that everything—even challenges—serves a purpose in my development.

At the core of everything I do is an insatiable curiosity. I love discovering new ideas, concepts, and adventures—whether that’s learning new skills, tackling complex problems, or exploring different ways of thinking. More importantly, I’ve learned that even difficult experiences hold valuable lessons. Every challenge, success, and failure has been a stepping stone, teaching me resilience, emotional intelligence, and the power of self-expression. Learning isn’t just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about embracing the process, even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’re in the early stages of your journey—whether in business, personal growth, or leadership—here’s what I’d say:
1. Find the learning moments in every experience. Even if they’re not obvious right away, every situation holds lessons that can shape your future.
2. Understand that life doesn’t happen to you—it happens for you. Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, view them as stepping stones toward something greater.
3. Stay committed to your vision. Don’t let external negativity or internal doubt derail your progress. You deserve the life and success you’re working toward.
4. Develop patience with yourself and others. Growth takes time, and meaningful progress doesn’t happen overnight. Trust the process.
5. Embrace the joy of learning and exploration. Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. The more you learn, the more doors you’ll open for yourself.

At the end of the day, perseverance, patience, and a love for learning are not just skills—they’re mindsets. They shape how you approach life, overcome challenges, and ultimately create the future you want.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Success is never a solo journey. While individual effort and resilience play a huge role, the people around you—the ones who support, challenge, and uplift you—make all the difference. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a few key people in my life who have helped me overcome challenges, develop essential skills, and navigate the ups and downs of my journey.

My parents were my first teachers. They instilled in me the importance of kindness and the understanding that no one is an island. Success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about knowing when to lean on others and when to offer support in return. They taught me that strength isn’t about doing everything alone but about recognizing the power of collaboration and community.

For nearly four decades, my college and corporate friends have been a constant source of strength. They’ve shown me what it truly means to have a village—people who not only celebrate your wins but also stand by you through your mistakes. They gave me the space to grow, to stumble, and to learn without judgment. More than just friends, they became my mentors, my accountability partners, and my advocates.

Through them, I learned the value of genuine relationships—ones that go beyond transactions and are built on mutual care, trust, and shared experiences. They reminded me that success isn’t just about business strategy or career moves; it’s about having people who believe in you, who push you to be better, and who remind you that failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the process.

Starting a business—especially when it wasn’t originally part of your dream—can be overwhelming. I’ve experienced moments of doubt, uncertainty, and exhaustion. But having my support system allowed me to navigate those moments without feeling like I had to have all the answers.

Sometimes, success isn’t about solving every problem immediately—it’s about having a space where you can process, reflect, and be vulnerable without fear of judgment. My village provided that for me. They helped me advocate for myself when I didn’t yet have the confidence to do so, and they showed me what true self-care and community support look like.

If there’s one lesson I’d share from my experience, it’s this: Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and believe in you—even when you struggle to believe in yourself.
• Build relationships that go beyond surface-level connections.
• Find a community that nurtures growth, not just success.
• Allow yourself the grace to make mistakes, but also the discipline to learn from them.
• Create a safe space—not just for yourself, but for those around you.

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you have beside you on the journey. And for that, I’m forever deeply grateful.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jay Perry of Jefe Media (main profile photo)
Sean Thomas Allen (photo in white banner with teal top)

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