We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlie T. Savage a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charlie T., so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a single mother raising two incredible black boys, I’ve often found myself in situations where I’m the only one in the room who looks like me. In the past, my nervousness about being the only one used to hold me back. I allowed my fear to dominate my thoughts, inhibiting my growth and impact.
Then just a few years ago, I had a profound turning point when I read “The 50th Law,” a book co-authored by rapper 50 Cent and author Robert Greene. This book on strategy and fearlessness spoke to my soul. It taught me that allowing fear to overtake my thoughts was akin to allowing it to hold me back. It was like a wake-up call, urging me to break free from the shackles of self-doubt.
I realized that I should embrace the fact that I was the only one in the room. It was in those moments that I was a rare gem, a diamond among the coal. I had a responsibility not only to myself but to represent for all those who weren’t yet able to be in my place. The weight of this responsibility filled me with purpose and determination.
My effectiveness and success in these circumstances are deeply rooted in self-confidence and empathy. I’ve come a long way in terms of self-assurance. I used to feel like an outsider, but now I see these situations as opportunities to shine a light on the unique perspective I bring to the table.
I’ve realized that my voice matters, and I actively listen to others, valuing their perspectives and respecting their experiences. My role as a mother has added an emotional layer to my journey. I am not only driven by my professional aspirations but also by the burning desire to set an example for my boys. I want them to see that diversity is a source of strength, and I’m determined to be that living example.
This motivation fuels my resilience, helping me overcome challenges and work towards creating a more inclusive environment. So, when I’m the only one who looks like me in the room, it’s not just about professional growth; it’s about being a role model for my children and leaving a profound, positive impact on the world.
My unique experiences as a mother and a professional make me stronger, more passionate, and more determined to contribute to a diverse and inclusive society. I’ve come to understand that it’s not about how people look at me; it’s about how I feel about myself and the difference I can make. I carry my responsibility and my purpose in my heart, and it drives me every day to break through barriers and uplift those around me.
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?
Hey hey! So I am Charlie T. Savage, a Navy Veteran and New Orleans native, and I am the Founder of “Charlie Bit Me Joints.” What I do is a passionate exploration of the black female experience through thrilling and hilariously unique visual literature. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to wear many hats in the entertainment world, from being the Executive Producer and co-creator of “URIEL” in collaboration with Nikky Productions to leading as the Executive Producer of “ALL THINGS CONSIDERED,” a compelling play that delves into the healing journey of a thirty-something black woman as she unravels unconventional relationships and family secrets.
One of my most thrilling projects is “THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED,” a spine-tingling audio thriller produced by Brooke B Productions. This gripping piece follows a Black Louisiana woman as she uncovers the chilling presence of a notorious serial killer. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and how it can immerse listeners in a gripping narrative. I’m incredibly proud of this project, and it’s something that truly showcases my dedication to creating compelling narratives.
Beyond my creative endeavors, I take pride in being the Producer of the quarterly professional sit-down, “The P.I.O.V.T Panel,” hosted at Theater 68, with the wonderful Geronica Lee Moffett as our panel moderator. It’s a unique platform that encourages thought-provoking discussions on “learning and working while working.” We’ve had esteemed guests, including luminaries like Dan Lauria from “The Wonder Years” and Rocky Carroll from “NCIS,” sharing valuable insights. This space has been a place of inspiration and growth, where professionals come together to learn from one another.
“The P.I.O.V.T Panel” continues to be a source of inspiration and knowledge-sharing for professionals. It’s a unique initiative that highlights the importance of continuous learning and growth in one’s career, even while juggling a busy work life. I encourage everyone to join us and tap into this valuable resource.
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?
In a significant part of my journey, I faced a tough time when a project that meant the world to me went through a series of heart-wrenching rejections. This wasn’t just any project; it was the result of my unwavering passion and dedication. I can still recall a night when tears streamed down my face, my mascara smudging, and I felt like seeking revenge on those distributors for their false promises. It was like the world wasn’t quite ready to embrace what I had poured my heart into. To add to my misery, I thought I was wearing waterproof makeup, and it ended up ruining my good pillowcases.
Amid the hardships and a relentless string of disappointments, I discovered an incredible well of resilience within myself. It was the ability to bounce back, even when the path ahead seemed treacherous and the outcome uncertain, that became a defining characteristic. I learned to persist with unwavering determination, even when the odds seemed overwhelmingly against me.
Understanding the value of connections and the power of collaboration were crucial lessons in my journey and significantly contributed to the ultimate success of my projects. These connections weren’t merely professionally beneficial; they became my lifelines, my own person Bat signals, providing support, inspiration, and a wealth of opportunities.
For those embarking on their own journeys, my advice is this: Embrace setbacks as an integral part of the creative process. Develop the strength to endure adversity and hold fast to your vision, even when faced with rejection. Embrace the power of empathy by understanding the experiences and perspectives of others. Lastly, never underestimate the impact of building a network and collaborating with fellow creatives. These connections are more than just professional contacts; they can be your secret weapon in challenging times, offering support and opportunities.
Looking back, I wish I had known earlier that resilience, unwavering belief in your work, and the power of empathy and collaboration are the very lifeblood of one’s journey, making it enriching and fulfilling.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I found myself in the middle of trying to work on a laundry list of endeavors all at once, not always considering whether each of them truly aligned with my goals. The deadlines were looming, emails piling up, and the stress was starting to feel real familiar. On top of it all, I had to juggle the responsibilities of being a mother to my two, let’s call it spirited, boys.
One fateful day, the universe decided to test my limits and my gangster. My younger son, who had just discovered his artistic talent, decided to transform our living room into a masterpiece with my good gel pens. I think I was more upset he used my good freaking pens! I’m sensitive about my writing utensils. If that wasn’t enough, my older one, the ever-curious explorer, had scattered his Legos all over the floor apparently building a town that would bring Godzilla to its knees. As I rushed through the house trying to balance work and home, I ended up stepping on those tiny, sharp Legos. My kids pulled out the swear jar on me after that painful experience.
In the midst of the Legos and ink-covered walls, I had a choice. I could either really lose my cool, shout, and add more chaos to the situation, or I could take a deep breath, wash my mouth out with soap and find a way to navigate the madness. I chose the latter.
As I hopped around with my foot throbbing, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. I realized that life, like my living room floor, can sometimes be a minefield. And that’s perfectly okay. In that moment, I learned the valuable lesson of just taking a deep breath, finding a moment of peace to relax, and getting my thoughts together.
This situation made me stop and think of ways to avoid being overwhelmed, and one of those ways is saying no. Saying no to things that don’t serve you can drastically change your world. It allows you to focus on what truly matters and aligns with who your future self will be, rather than being pulled in a hundred different directions.
So, my advice for those overwhelming times, especially to my fellow women who often find themselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, is to remember that in a world where we often strive for perfection, don’t forget that sometimes, it’s the Lego minefields and crayon-covered walls that make the best stories. Embrace the chaos, find the humor, and keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Charlie-Savage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlie.t.savage/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlieisavage/
