Meet Leigh Larie

We recently connected with Leigh Larie and have shared our conversation below.

Leigh, 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.

Imposter syndrome? Oh, honey, I know it well. That sneaky little voice whispering in your ear, telling you you’re not good enough, not smart enough, not experienced enough. It’s a real struggle, especially when you’re constantly pushing yourself to grow and step into new spaces.

For years, I battled those feelings of self-doubt. “Am I on the right path? Do I really belong in these rooms with all these accomplished people?” I’d look around and think everyone had it more together than me.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned: those feelings are normal. It’s okay to feel like you don’t have all the answers or that you’re still learning. In fact, if you’re constantly surrounding yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, you’re probably right where you need to be!

My turning point came when I decided to actively pursue growth in all areas of my life. I started connecting with people I admired, folks who I thought had the knowledge and experience I craved. And guess what? I discovered I had something to offer them too!

Those conversations shifted from me seeking guidance to me sharing my own insights and expertise. It was like a lightbulb went off! I started to internalize the positive things people saw in me, and that “fake it ’til you make it” attitude morphed into actual manifestations.

Now, I own my expertise. I’m a teacher, a leader, and a passionate advocate for my community. But I also know I’ll always be a student, eager to learn and grow. That’s the beauty of it—there’s always something new to discover.

Take my podcast, Dirty Roses Podcast, for example. I jumped into that world with zero (perceived) experience and no connections. But I had a vision, a passion, and a whole lot of determination. I took what I knew from my radio days and my marketing background, did my research, and built my network. Two years later, I’m hosting a notable podcast, I’m consulting for other podcasts, collaborating with amazing people, and even getting offers to co-host new shows. Talk about a glow-up!

The same thing happened in my non-profit career. I started out feeling completely out of my depth, surrounded by CEOs, seasoned activists, and community leaders. But as I shared my ideas and perspectives, I realized I had valuable knowledge and insights to offer. Now, I’m the one being invited to those boardrooms as a subject matter expert. It’s incredibly humbling and empowering.

If you’re ambitious and always striving to learn, imposter syndrome might always be lurking in the background. But trust me, it gets easier to manage. See it as a sign that you’re pushing your boundaries and stepping outside your comfort zone. And remember, with a clear vision and an action plan, you can turn those feelings of self-doubt into fuel for your journey.

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?

Okay, so let me fill you in on what keeps this mama busy! By day, I’m all about empowering Black families at the Black Parent Initiative here in Portland Oregon. I coordinate everything from support services and workshops to epic community events and family experiences. Think resource fairs, parenting classes, and good vibes all around. And of course, I handle the marketing and comms to make sure everyone knows what we’re about.

The best part? I get to use my creative side (thanks to my marketing and media degrees!) to uplift my community. I’ve poured my heart and soul (and maybe a few sleepless nights!) into creating unique experiences that not only educate and support families, but also bring them joy. Seeing those families go from stressed to empowered is what fuels my fire. It’s about building genuine connections and creating a ripple effect of support that extends beyond our programs.

But let’s be real, being everything to everyone can be draining. So, I had to find my own outlets for joy and creativity, which led me to the podcasting world! Dirty Roses Podcast is my baby – a passion project turned platform for healing, self-discovery, and some seriously real talk about dating, sex and relationships on every level. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m just getting started.

Think live events, speaking engagements, consultations, and even some books in the works! (Yep, this girl’s got stories to tell!) We’re talking merch, collaborations, and all kinds of exciting opportunities. So, if you’re looking to connect, promote your brand, or just share some good vibes, hit me up!

Oh, and did I mention I’m a single mama with two amazing boys in the home? They’re my world, and I’m dedicated to supporting their dreams (they’re athletes!), being present, and teaching them about hard work, chasing their goals, and giving back to the community. I want them to grow into strong, intelligent, and emotionally aware Black men.

And speaking of empowering young people, I’m also a mentor with Les Femmes Inc. (a debutante program). It’s all about supporting young Black ladies in their journey to womanhood—college, career, life goals, the whole nine yards. We’re talking sisterhood, philanthropy, and creating a safe space for them to flourish. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about.

So yeah, I’m a busy bee, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s all about making a difference, spreading joy, and empowering others to live their best lives. And that’s what makes it all worthwhile. And if any of these ventures excites or interests you – holla at me!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, there are a few things that REALLY helped me level up in life:

Owning My Voice and Telling My Story: Let me tell you, learning to speak my truth, unapologetically, has been LIFE-CHANGING. Whether it’s through Dirty Roses Podcast, or in my work with Black Parent Initiative, I’ve realized the power of sharing my experiences, my struggles, and my triumphs. It’s not always easy to be vulnerable, but it’s so worth it. My advice? Don’t be afraid to let your authentic self shine through. Your story matters, and it can inspire and empower others.

Building Genuine Connections: Okay, so this might sound like a no-brainer, but building REAL relationships has been key to my success. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards. It’s about forming genuine connections with people who inspire you, challenge you, and support your growth. My advice? Show up authentically, be a good listener, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire. You never know what amazing opportunities might come from those connections.

Embracing Continuous Learning: Listen, I’m a lifelong learner, always trying to expand my knowledge and skills. Whether it’s taking a course, reading a book, or just having deep conversations with folks who know more than me, I’m always looking for ways to grow. My advice? Never stop being curious. Embrace challenges, step outside your comfort zone, and never stop investing in yourself. The more you learn, the more confident and empowered you’ll become.

So, there you have it. Own your voice, build genuine connections, and never stop learning. Trust me, these are the keys to unlocking your full potential and creating a life you love. Now go out there and make some magic!

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?

Yes, absolutely! I’m always looking for amazing people and organizations to collaborate with. Here’s the lowdown on who I’d love to connect with and how we can make some magic happen:

For Dirty Roses Podcast (the Entertainment Side):

Businesses and Brands: If you’re looking to reach a diverse and engaged audience, advertising or sponsoring Dirty Roses Podcast is the way to go! We’re talking about folks who are passionate about love, relationships, personal growth, and all things fun and entertaining. We are also looking for brands that have the same target audience of 25-50 year old Black women AND men. So if you’re a clothing brand, food or beverage company, an author, in the intimate product industry, or offer wellness services or products, this is for you too. The list is limitless and we are open to all conversations!

Storytellers: Got a juicy story about love, relationships, healing, or just life in general? We’re always on the hunt for fascinating guests with unique perspectives to share on the podcast.

Music Creators: I’m always looking for fresh beats and dope music to feature on Dirty Roses Podcast. If you’re a musician or producer with a sound that fits our vibe, let’s connect!

Podcasters: Let’s cross-promote, guest on each other’s shows, and spread the love!
Event Collaborators: Hosting a live event or need an engaging host or MC? I’m your girl!

For Black Parent Initiative and Les Femmes (the Community Side):

Philanthropic Organizations and Foundations: Let’s join forces to support Black youth and families and create positive change in our community.

Businesses and Corporations: Interested in DEI initiatives or supporting culturally-specific programs for families? Black Parent Initiative is your go-to partner.

Speakers and Facilitators: We’re always looking for dynamic individuals to share their expertise on topics related to parenting, youth mentorship, and community empowerment. As well as, I’m ready and available to speak and facilitate workshops or trainings for your organization.

Youth Mentorship Programs: Let’s collaborate to create even more opportunities for young Black girls to thrive through Les Femmes.

Need Consulting?
Whether you’re a podcaster looking to level up your show or a non-profit organization seeking guidance, I offer consulting services to help you achieve your goals.

Ready to Connect?

Dirty Roses Podcast:
– Email: [email protected]
– Social Media: @LeighLaRie and @DirtyRosesPodcast on all platforms
– Website: DirtyRosesPodcast.com

Black Parent Initiative:
– Email: [email protected]
– Social Media: @BPIpdx on all platforms
– Website: www.thebpi.org

I’m all about collaboration and creating something amazing together. So, if you’re vibing with what I’m putting out there, don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s connect and make some magic happen.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Sims Photography

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