Meet Charlese Milford

We recently connected with Charlese Milford and have shared our conversation below.

Charlese, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey in itself. As an indie author, podcast host, and master life coach, I often found myself questioning my abilities and worthiness, especially when I looked at the achievements of others in my fields. However, there were a few key strategies that helped me push through these doubts.

First, I embraced the concept of lifelong learning. I reminded myself that no one starts as an expert. Each book I wrote, each podcast episode I produced, and each client I coached was an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of seeing my early efforts as inadequate, I reframed them as necessary steps toward mastery.

Second, connecting with my audience played a crucial role. Receiving feedback from readers, listeners, and clients helped me see the tangible impact of my work. Knowing that my books and podcasts were reaching international audiences and making a difference in people’s lives validated my efforts and diminished my self-doubt.

Additionally, focusing on the success stories of my clients, especially the one who overcame the trauma of police brutality, reinforced the value of my coaching. Seeing their progress and resilience reminded me that my role as a coach was significant and impactful.

Lastly, I practiced self-compassion and mindfulness. Recognizing that everyone experiences self-doubt at times allowed me to be kinder to myself. Instead of comparing myself to others, I celebrated and learned to enjoy my journey with less focus on my destination.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As an indie author, podcast host, and master life coach, my journey has been diverse and fulfilling. I’ve had the privilege of writing and publishing eight books that have reached audiences around the world, and my podcast has similarly connected with international listeners. Each project I undertake is driven by a passion for storytelling, personal growth, and making a positive impact on others’ lives.

Currently, I’m working on finishing several books that are in progress. Writing has always been a way for me to explore different perspectives and share meaningful narratives. Each new book is an opportunity to delve into fresh ideas and connect with readers on a deeper level.

In addition to my writing, I’m revamping my podcast to focus more on true crime, specifically highlighting the cases of missing Black women and children who have not received a lot of media attention. This shift is incredibly important to me because it aligns with my commitment to bringing marginalized voices and stories to the forefront. By shedding light on these cases, I hope to raise awareness and contribute to the broader conversation about justice and equality.

What excites me most about my work is its potential to inspire change. Whether it’s through a compelling book, a thought-provoking podcast episode, or a transformative coaching session, I aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on my audience and clients. Each success story, whether it’s a reader who found solace in my words, a listener who felt seen and heard, or a client who overcame significant challenges, fuels my passion and drives me forward.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the upcoming releases of my new books and the launch of the revamped podcast. These projects represent the next chapter in my journey, one that continues to be defined by creativity, advocacy, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

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?

Reflecting on my journey there are three qualities and skills that have been particularly impactful: resilience, empathy, and effective communication.

The first woulf be resilience. The path to success is rarely straightforward. There were numerous setbacks, rejections, and moments of self-doubt along the way. Resilience helped me to persevere through these challenges. My advice to those early in their journey is to view obstacles as opportunities for growth. Each setback is a learning experience that brings you closer to your goals. Cultivate resilience by setting small, achievable milestones and celebrating your progress, no matter how incremental.

Secondly is having empathy. Understanding and connecting with others on a deep level has been crucial, especially in my coaching practice. Empathy allowed me to truly listen to my clients and understand their experiences, which in turn helped me to provide more effective support and guidance. For aspiring authors, podcasters, and coaches, developing empathy involves actively listening and being present in conversations. Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes and seek to understand their perspectives and emotions. This will not only enhance your personal relationships but also enrich your professional interactions and content.

Lastly is effective communication. Whether through writing, podcasting, or coaching, being able to convey ideas clearly and compellingly is essential. This skill has allowed me to share stories that resonate with a wide audience and to provide valuable insights to my clients. To improve your communication skills, focus on clarity and authenticity. Write regularly, seek feedback, and continuously refine your craft. Public speaking or joining a writing group can also be beneficial in honing your ability to express ideas effectively.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to be patient and persistent. Developing these qualities and skills takes time and practice, but the effort is well worth it. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers, stay open to learning, and remain true to your passion and purpose. Your unique voice and perspective are valuable, and with resilience, empathy, and effective communication, you can achieve great things.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Currently, I am facing two significant challenges: time and exposure. These challenges are somewhat interconnected, as balancing my full-time job with my aspirations of becoming a full-time author and podcast host requires careful time management. On top of that, gaining more exposure for my brand is crucial to reaching my goals.

Time is a constant constraint. With the responsibilities of my full-time job, working on my books and podcast can be challenging. I need to prioritize my reality while nurturing my dreams, which sometimes means my creative projects have to take a backseat. Additionally, I’m a new grandmother to a beautiful little girl named Amiri Ni’Ajah, and I have a second grandchild, Hariya Symone, on the way in October. Balancing family commitments with my professional ambitions adds another layer of complexity.

To address the challenge of time, I am focusing on effective time management strategies. I set aside dedicated blocks of time for writing and podcasting, even if it means working late nights or early mornings. Prioritizing tasks and setting achievable goals for each week helps me stay on track. I’m also learning to delegate and outsource tasks where possible, freeing up more time for creative work.

Exposure is another significant challenge. To overcome this, I am actively working on increasing my brand’s visibility. This involves leveraging social media platforms, engaging with my audience through regular updates, and collaborating with other creators and influencers in my niche. I’m also exploring opportunities to participate in interviews, guest posts, and speaking engagements to expand my reach.

Additionally, revamping my podcast to focus on true crime and highlighting the stories of missing Black women and children is a strategic move to attract a broader audience and generate more interest in my work. By addressing underrepresented issues, I hope to create compelling content that resonates with a larger audience and garners more attention.

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