We recently connected with Dr. Leslie Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Leslie, 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.
Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t an overnight transformation. In fact, it still creeps up sometimes, but it’s been a process of releasing the lies I tell myself about myself and learning to acknowledge my worth without hesitation. For years, I secretly questioned if sharing my successful moments was an act of ego and pride because I was taught to always be humble. I mistakenly internalized the idea of humbleness with the secret need to become an overachiever, to prove to myself my own worth without celebrating in front of the world. I silenced my voice in rooms where I belonged and downplayed my success to make others comfortable. But through prayer and intentional self-reflection, I now accept the truth, that I am qualified, not by perfection, but by purpose. One day I decided to show up in life fully, authentically, and unapologetically as Dr. D.
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 am Dr Leslie Davis, affectionately knowns as Dr. D. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Relationship Therapist, Speaker, and Founder of Eva Empowered, a new and bold mental health movement designed to help women break free from toxic cycles in relationships and develop healthy connections. My work blends clinical insight with lived experience, guiding women toward emotional healing, healthy relationships, and the courage to use their voices. What makes my work truly special is my authenticity—I am known for never being sugarcoated. My mission with Eva Empowered is rooted in the belief that when one woman heals her heart, we are all empowered. With a signature blend of real talk, heart, and empowerment, I remind women that their healing isn’t just personal—it’s revolutionary. Eva Empowered’s tagline, “Healing Her. Empowering All.” speaks to the heart of my purpose, and it starts with my own journey. You can find Real Talk with Dr. D on my YouTube channel, The Real Dr. Leslie.
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?
I have always been interested in relationship dynamics, since I was a little girl. Growing up as an only child and raised by a single mom, I was fascinated with my friend’s families and how they navigated challenging moments with each other. With the experience of being alone for most of my life, I also developed skills of listening and interpretation, which have both served me well as a psychotherapist. Lately I have become more interested in the art of listening to understand what’s not being said, and have enjoyed podcasts related to communication skills. Not only does the information benefit me personally and professionally, but I have been able to pass nuggets of wisdom to the client’s I serve as most of them struggle with communication in relationships. My advice to those in their beginning stages in their careers is to practice this skill. We gain more knowledge from being still and quiet. Overall, I believe one of the most meaningful qualities about me is my empathy. This is not something that can be taught. You either have it or you don’t.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Coffee has always been more than just my favorite drink—it’s comfort and often the backdrop to some of the most meaningful conversations in my life. Those who know me well know that when you see me, you see coffee. That’s why I would be absolutely honored to partner with a brand like Nespresso to help bring gentleness and approachability to mental health conversations, especially those that can be triggering or difficult to navigate. In both my professional work and personal life, I love incorporating coffee into what I call “Coffee Chats”—open, honest discussions that invite vulnerability and healing.
More recently, I’ve also been exploring how to bridge my passions for mental health advocacy and Brazilian jiu jitsu, a discipline I’ve trained in for nearly nine years. Often called “the gentle art,” jiu jitsu has taught me resilience, presence, and strength. But it has also opened my eyes to a gap in the conversation around the experiences of women in the sport—particularly those navigating issues like domestic violence, abuse, and harassment. There’s a pressing need to elevate these stories, and I believe that partnering with a thoughtful, community-driven brand could help create the space for that.
Whether over a shared cup of coffee or a moment on the mat, there’s immense power in gentle conversation. I’d love to help lead that dialogue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therealdrleslie.com/
- Instagram: @therealdrleslie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Real-Dr-Leslie/61574232226650/#
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlesliedavis/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drlesliedavis
Image Credits
Sherah Brickell and Dorian Brownlee
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