Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawna Charles, Ph.D.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shawna, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is something I definitely picked up from my dad, who came over from Jamaica and really set an incredible example for me. He started with nothing, went to night school in New York while he was building a life here, and eventually opened his own business—Jamie’s Foreign Car Service, right in Manhattan.
Growing up, it was just amazing to see how disciplined he was. No matter the weather—rain, snow, sleet, or sunshine—he was up and out the door by 5:30 AM, suited up and ready to tackle the day. That consistency from him, day in and day out, really stuck with me. It wasn’t just about hard work; it was his dedication to providing for us and making sure he was doing something he cared about.
What really impresses me looking back is how his routine wasn’t just a routine. It was a commitment—a real demonstration of what it means to be dependable and disciplined. He rarely took days off, and that sort of dedication is what I’ve aimed to bring into my own professional life. It’s not just about the hours you put in but how you commit to them and the impact you make.
And, you know, it’s something that doesn’t just apply to work. It’s about how you approach life, how you commit to things—whether it’s a project, a cause, or relationships. It’s about showing up, not just physically but with your whole self, every single day.
That’s the kind of work ethic my dad instilled in me, and it’s what drives me in everything I do today.
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?
At CCG, we’re not just any communications agency. We specialize in what I like to call “360 degrees of communication.” That means we’re all about creating comprehensive strategies that encompass everything from media relations and coaching to production—all aimed at effectively reaching diverse audiences in business, politics, and legal spheres.
What we truly care about is informing people about issues that impact them and providing platforms where they can voice their opinions and influence decisions. This approach allows us to not just deliver messages, but also to engage and listen, creating a full circle of communication between our clients and their audiences.
I think what’s really special about our work is the impact it has—the work we do can affect lives now and for generations to come. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the immediate results of our efforts and know they will have long-lasting effects. This keeps our work exciting; it never gets stale or redundant because it’s continuously evolving and always inclusive.
As for our brand, the CCG way means being transparent, truthful, and above all, considerate of both our clients and the communities they affect. We take great pride in our delivery, ensuring it’s as inclusive and thoughtful as possible, respecting everyone’s language, culture, race, religion, and personal experiences.
On the horizon, we’re thrilled to introduce ‘The Utter Perspective,’ a new platform we’ve launched for sharing diverse news and insights about people, politics, and perspectives. It’s designed to be a community for voices that need to be heard. We’re also expanding into more tangible formats, like producing documentaries and videos that make our communications not just seen and heard, but felt—like making content accessible in Braille for those who need it.
That’s what CCG is all about—pushing the boundaries of communication to make a meaningful difference in the world and ensuring that we remain inclusive of all communities as we move forward.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three key qualities that have truly shaped my path: flexibility, active listening, and empathy.
Flexibility – This has been crucial, especially when you’re communicating with diverse audiences. Not everyone receives or processes information the same way. Being adaptable in how you deliver your message—whether it’s through speeches, radio ads, or even print—is essential. It’s all about tailoring your approach to meet different needs and contexts.
Active Listening – It’s simple but powerful. By truly listening, you can absorb and understand the information that’s being shared with you. This skill allows you to break down what you hear, decipher it, and then respond effectively. It’s about more than just hearing words; it’s about fully engaging with the speaker and the message.
Empathy and Sympathy – These are vital in communication and messaging. Not every message is going to feel good or be well-received by everyone. It’s important to approach communication with an understanding that even positive changes can have complex impacts on different people. Empathy means connecting with your audience on a deeper level, recognizing their emotions and perspectives, which is crucial for any effective communicator.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities actively. Be open to changing your approach based on feedback and the audience’s reception. Always take the time to listen—not just passively, but actively engage with the information you receive. And most importantly, strive to understand the emotional and human side of your communications. This isn’t just about having skills; it’s about building connections.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals to join us in crafting impactful communications. At CCG, we believe that diversity in experiences, perspectives, and skills not only enriches our work but also ensures it truly connects with a wide range of audiences. Whether it’s gender, cultural background, or professional experience, these factors all matter immensely in how we create and deliver our messages.
We’re particularly interested in collaborating with creative professionals at all levels—from seasoned experts to emerging talents. We value a variety of roles such as copy editors, project managers, graphic designers, speech writers, journalists, and more. In the realm of production, we’re always eager to connect with documentary writers, producers, and directors. These roles are crucial as they help us weave compelling narratives that resonate with our diverse audiences.
If you’re reading this and feel that your vision aligns with ours, I encourage you to reach out. We’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference through their work, who bring unique perspectives and who are committed to excellence in communication. We’re excited about the possibilities of what we can achieve together, and I look forward to exploring how your talents and experiences can contribute to our mission.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlescommgrp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlescommgrp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/charles-communication-group
- Other: The Utter Perspective Website – https://theutterperspective.com/
