We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Dennis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, 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 quite the journey for me, especially in the realm of podcasting where I strive to amplify the voices and stories of Black Canadians. There’s this constant tug-of-war between feeling like I’m making a meaningful impact and questioning whether I truly belong in this space.
One particular moment stands out vividly in my mind: the time I reached out to Adam Ali from Everyday Hustle to discuss the importance of black fatherhood on my podcast. When he accepted my invitation, I was both ecstatic and utterly terrified. Here was someone I admired, agreeing to be a guest on my fairly new podcast. The weight of imposter syndrome hit me like a ton of bricks.
In that moment, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I wasn’t qualified or experienced enough to host such a discussion. Despite my passion for the topic and my dedication to amplifying these vital narratives, doubt gnawed at me relentlessly.
But then, I had to remind myself of the purpose behind my podcast. It’s not just about me; it’s about the stories I’m sharing and the conversations I’m facilitating. Adam’s acceptance wasn’t just a validation of my podcast; it was a validation of the importance of the discussions we were going to have.
In overcoming imposter syndrome, I’ve learned to lean into my purpose and the impact I’m striving to make. Each episode, each guest, is a step forward in amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. While imposter syndrome may still rear its head from time to time, I now recognize that it doesn’t define my worth or the value of my platform.
So, I embrace each opportunity to share these stories, knowing that despite the doubts, my voice and my platform belong right where they are – in the heart of these meaningful conversations.
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’m Michelle Dennis, born and raised in the vibrant city of Montreal. As an alumna of Concordia University, I graduated with a degree in Human Relations, which laid the foundation for my passion for understanding people and their stories.
After completing my studies, I made the move to Toronto, where the seed for my podcast, “A Shot of Melanin,” was planted. The idea stemmed from my desire to amplify the voices, stories, and accomplishments of Black Canadians. Too often, Canada’s rich tapestry of talent gets overshadowed by our neighbors south of the border. But hey, we’ve got greatness here too! From Daniel Caesar to Drake, The Weeknd to DVSN, and so much more, our country is brimming with talent.
“A Shot of Melanin” isn’t just about showcasing established figures; it’s about celebrating emerging talent as well. That’s why I’ve introduced a segment on the podcast called “Artist and Songs of the Month,” where I shine a spotlight on Black Canadian artists making waves in the music scene. Through this platform, I aim to not only entertain but also educate and inspire, making listeners aware of the incredible diversity and creativity within our own borders. Its about celebrating Black excellence and discover the next generation of Canadian icons.
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?
Throughout my journey, three qualities have been profoundly impactful: Authenticity, Adaptability, and Consistency.
Authenticity has been my guiding light, especially in the creative space. The more authentic I am, the more people gravitate towards me. It’s about being comfortable in my skin, and that authenticity attracts others and fosters genuine connections and collaborations.
Adaptability is another essential skill I’ve honed. In the ever-evolving landscape of content creation, things can change instantly. New platforms emerge, audience preferences shift, and even podcast episodes may take unexpected turns. Being adaptable means embracing these changes and turning them into opportunities for growth and learning.
Consistency, while often emphasized in content creation, goes beyond just regularly releasing episodes. It’s about consistency in my journey as a creator. Understanding my “Why” keeps me grounded and motivated, allowing me to consistently show up for myself and my audience. This dedication is reflected in the quality of work I produce and fosters trust and reliability with my listeners.
My advice for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these is; When it comes to authenticity just be yourself, the right people and/or organizations will naturally gravitate to you and will align themselves with you and/or your brand. When it comes to adaptability you need to be able to relinquish control. Being adaptable means that you will not be able to control the situation but learn how to pivot in uncertain times . Put yourself in situations where you will need to adapt, that way you will quickly learn how to do so. Meet people, and find a community of individuals who are like-minded and strive for the same things. This will enable you to learn to put yourself out there to be able to find yourself in creative spaces where you will have to adapt. Finally consistency , I find that in order to be consistent with yourself and why you create you need to pour into your cup. Take time to partake in self-care. I find when I take care of myself I can show up for my audience more importantly myself which will allow me to be consistent. So look into self-care and what that looks like for you. Whether that’s taking a solo trip, going to the spa, going for a swim. Whatever that is, do it because it will help you feel refreshed and focus so much that you will be consistent.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to my community for support. They’re always there to help me regain my focus and provide a calming presence when I need it most. Having a supportive community is crucial because life can throw so much at you. Knowing that there are people who have your back, ready to offer support and encouragement, makes navigating life’s challenges much easier. Whether it’s a shoulder to lean on or a calming voice to reassure me, my community is always there to help me through.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.Instgram.com/ashotofmelanin
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashotofmelanin
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/asom_podcast
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