We were lucky to catch up with Roscoe Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Roscoe, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
1. Personal Reflection: Impostor syndrome hit me hard, making me question my abilities and achievements. The first step for me was acknowledging it and reflecting on when and how it surfaced in my life.
2. Faith as the Anchor:
My Christian faith became my anchor. Scriptures like Philippians 4:13 became my mantra, reminding me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Prayer became a powerful tool in overcoming self-doubt.
3. Identity in Christ:
Understanding my identity in Christ was a game-changer. I focused on verses that spoke about being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and embraced the truth that God created me with purpose.
4. Support Systems:
Surrounding myself with a supportive community played a crucial role. Whether it was church friends, mentors, or family, having people who believed in me and encouraged my journey was indispensable.
5. Cultural Context:
As a black man, I navigated through imposter syndrome with an awareness of the societal expectations placed on me. Embracing my cultural identity became an integral part of my self-acceptance.
6. Celebrating Small Wins:
Learning to celebrate small victories was key. Every achievement, no matter how minor, became a reason to express gratitude and acknowledge that I was making progress.
7. Gratitude Practices:
Practicing gratitude became a daily ritual. Counting my blessings, both big and small, helped shift my focus from perceived inadequacies to the richness of what I’ve accomplished.
8. Mentorship and Guidance:
Seeking guidance from mentors who had faced similar struggles provided practical insights. Learning from their experiences and applying their advice contributed significantly to my growth.
9. Authenticity in Community:
Being real about my struggles and triumphs with close friends created an environment of authenticity. It’s liberating to know you’re not alone in the journey.
10. Encouragement to Others:
To those facing imposter syndrome, I’d say: You are not defined by your doubts. Trust the unique gifts and talents God has given you, surround yourself with positive influences, and remember that your journey is a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Sharing my story is a reminder that God’s grace is sufficient, and in our weaknesses, His strength is made perfect. Together, let’s embrace authenticity and dispel the shadows of imposter syndrome with the light of faith and self-discovery.
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?
I am the founder and CEO of Roscoe Robinson Enterprises, LLC. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst of change by providing high quality products and services that empower multi-cultural communities globally. Currently, the services I offer is motivational speaking for at-risk students, professional development for educators, and coach for speakers who want to make more impact and income. With motivational speaking, I am a trained social emotional learning specialist. I help at-risk students to overcome mental roadblocks to maximize their confidence and increase their academic performance.
My master’s degree is in education, and my professional background is in the non-profit leadership sector. Therefore, it was a natural transition doing the businesses I do now. I am passionate about seeing people walk out their God given talent. At first, it was difficult raising the capital, so I had to invest from my savings into my business. I have been able to speak internationally in Jamaica, Nigeria, Canada, England, and Barbados, because I took a leap of faith!
Moreover, I recently founded the non-profit, Roscoe Robinson Foundation. Through the Foundation’s first initiative, we will meet the basic needs of children in Jamaica through resources such as clothing, toiletries, and educational materials. I am looking forward to accomplishing incredible things to reach the lives of these youth, who I have been praying about for many years.
I have worked with at-risk youth in poverty for over 10 years, and God put it on my heart to start the Roscoe Robinson Foundation to reach at-risk youth in the U.S and across the world. Our mission is to give hope to youth who are living in poverty through the provision of food, clothing, healthcare, and education. Our goal is to ensure that each child we work with has an equal opportunity to succeed.
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?
Resilience and Perseverance:
The ability to bounce back from setbacks and persist in the face of challenges has been crucial. Developing resilience helped me navigate obstacles, learn from failures, and stay focused on long-term goals despite inevitable hurdles.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability:
A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability has played a key role. Staying curious, being open to new ideas, and adapting to changing circumstances have allowed me to stay relevant in my field and seize emerging opportunities.
Effective Communication and Relationship Building:
The skill of effective communication, both verbally and in writing, has been instrumental. Building strong relationships, whether with colleagues, clients, or mentors, has contributed to a supportive network and facilitated collaboration. Clear and open communication has been vital in navigating professional interactions and fostering positive connections.
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?
Experienced Public Speakers and Coaches:
We are eager to collaborate with seasoned public speakers and coaches who can bring valuable insights, expertise, and diverse perspectives to enhance our programs. If you have a passion for helping speakers thrive and make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Education Advocates and Youth Mentors:
Our commitment to youth empowerment in schools is a core aspect of our mission. We are interested in collaborating with educators, mentors, and organizations dedicated to fostering the personal and professional development of young minds. If you share our vision for empowering the next generation, let’s explore ways to collaborate.
Tech and Innovation Enthusiasts:
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, we recognize the importance of leveraging technology and innovation. If you are a tech expert or innovator passionate about enhancing the reach and effectiveness of public speaking, we’d be excited to explore collaborative opportunities.
Event Organizers and Networking Platforms:
We see great value in connecting with event organizers and platforms that facilitate networking opportunities for public speakers. Collaborating on events, workshops, or online forums can amplify our collective impact. If you’re involved in event planning or networking initiatives, let’s discuss how we can collaborate to create engaging experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: iamroscoerobinson.com
- Instagram: roscoejrobinson
- Facebook: RoscoejRobinson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roscoe-robinson-7841228b/
- Youtube: RoscoejRobinson
