We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Belkis Clarke-Mitcham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Belkis below.

Belkis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

My story isn’t a fairytale; it’s more like a gritty novel with a twist of triumph. Picture a young girl, grappling with the shadows of childhood sexual abuse. That girl was me, groomed and betrayed, learning early that my value seemed tethered to pleasing others. In the heart of that little girl, where innocence should have flourished, lay the heavy shadows of abuse. I was lost in a world where trust was shattered by those who should have been guardians, not predators. Childhood for me wasn’t about carefree days; it was a maze of confusion, a training ground for pleasing others at the cost of my own voice, my own happiness, and almost my own life, for I had tried suicide several times.

As pages of my life turned, this pattern of seeking approval, of molding myself into what others desired, continued. It was a script the world wrote, and I played my part flawlessly. The years swept by, and I found myself wearing the mask of a journalist, articulate and composed, yet behind that mask was a soul still searching for validation, still haunted by the echoes of past betrayals. I was caught up in a cycle of bad relationship choices and bad life choices as a whole. Nothing seemed to work for me, and I felt beaten by my experiences. I longed to be chosen, longed for someone to see my value and love me for me. Everyone took and took but no one was giving back.

Then came love, or what I believed love should be – a marriage that promised to heal old wounds. But instead, it became a new battleground. The abuse, now not just emotional but physical, was a cruel reminder of my past. It was a cycle repeating itself, a pattern I thought was my destiny. But even in the darkest chapters, there’s a flicker of light, a sliver of hope. I just didn’t see it then. I felt that failing at marriage, even a bad one, was the worst thing ever. For me, that light of hope came after divorce, a painful yet liberating end to a chapter.

I had nowhere to go, no home, no job, and so feeling broken and ashamed, I went home to my mother. Standing amidst the ruins of my past, I found an unexpected path – education. I decided, with no money or any prospects of financial stability, to apply to go back to school. and I did. here, a bit of a fairytale occurred because a family friend came to me and said, you have so much potential. I want to help you. that individual paid all expenses for me to get my first degree. However, going back to school wasn’t just about degrees and academia; it was a quest to find myself. The classrooms and corridors of the university became arenas of self-discovery. Amidst linguistics and communication theories, I unearthed a strength I never knew I had. Graduating as valedictorian wasn’t just an academic victory; it was a personal revolution.

But the true test awaited. A secure, respectable teaching position was offered to me by the University. They gave me a fully paid scholarship to do my Master’s degree in Human Communication and then offered me a professor position. It was a safe harbor after the tumultuous seas. Yet, within me, a different voice whispered, a voice that had long been silenced – my own. In a moment that stunned even me, I said no to the predictable path. I chose the unknown, the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship, not as a journalist, but as a mentor, a guide for women who, like me, had been lost in their own life’s storms.

I decided to, after taking a chance on so many others, take a chance on myself.

This path was not lined with roses. It was a journey marked by financial strain, nights drowned in self-doubt, and an unending question – “Can I really do this?” I stumbled and fell, yet pushed forward. The world of business was ruthless, filled with false promises and costly mistakes. But every challenge was a lesson, a step closer to the person I was meant to be.

Then came the moment of truth – my first public speech. Standing there, sharing my story, I saw reflections of my past in the eyes of the audience. The connection was palpable. Each word I spoke, every emotion I shared, resonated, creating ripples of hope and strength. It was more than validation; it was a realization that my journey, my struggles, and my resilience had the power to inspire and empower.

But the story doesn’t end there. Amidst all the trials and tribulations, life had a beautiful twist in store – a love that was kind, pure, and healing. Today, I stand not just as a survivor, but as a wife to a man who adores me for who I am, a mother to wonderful children, and a beacon of hope for women traversing their dark tunnels.

Today, as I reflect on this journey, from the shadows of abuse to the spotlight of empowerment, I see that the greatest risk I took was not just starting a business or turning down a secure job. It was the risk of believing in myself, of giving my own voice the stage it deserved. This journey is a testament to the power of resilience, a beacon for those who are still finding their way out of their shadows.

As I continue to mentor and empower, every story I hear and every life I touch reaffirms that the risk was worth it. It’s a narrative that goes beyond me – it’s about every woman who dares to dream, to fight, to stand up for herself. It’s a story of taking risks, not just for the sake of change, but for the sake of discovering who we truly are.

Belkis, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Let’s sit down for a moment, you and I. Imagine we’re sharing stories, and I begin with mine – not just any story, but a journey that might echo parts of your own. I was born in the Caribbean, on the beautiful island of Saint. Kitts. In that tropical paradise, I grew up in poverty but with a rich desire for more from life. However, I became that girl whose voice got lost in the world’s noise, a girl whose early years were shadowed by experiences that no child should ever know. Yes, the pain of childhood abuse was my unwelcome companion, steering me down paths of self-doubt and people-pleasing.

But here’s where my story takes a turn, and perhaps, where yours might too. Amidst volunteering with women and girls who carried their own burdens, I saw my reflections in their eyes. Their struggles, their silent cries for help, resonated with my own past. It wasn’t a sudden revelation, but a slow dawning – a realization that my pain, my journey, could be a lantern for others lost in their darkness. It was in the trenches helping others that I realized this was what I wanted to do. So, I went on a journey to learn how to help others like me. I was a born wordsmith, a natural speaker, but I had to be trained in effectively helping women. so I became a certified master life coach. I read the books and did the seminars and training,

Now, picture me stepping onto a stage, not as a victim, but as a voice – a voice for empowerment and change. As an international speaker, my words aren’t just speeches; they are lifelines cast into seas of struggling souls. In corporate boardrooms or community halls, I speak not just to inform, but to ignite a spark of transformation. I engage in corporate wellness and communication sessions and help individuals find their voices, learn to speak up, break the chains of the past, and live empowered.

But my story isn’t just about the stages I’ve graced. It’s about the personal connections, the one-on-one moments where real change begins. Through group and individual coaching, I use a special approach I developed – the ‘SOS’ System. It’s not just a method; it’s a journey we take together, weaving through storytelling and interactive exercises, creating a tapestry of self-discovery and resilience.

You might wonder, what sets me apart in this world brimming with mentors and guides? It’s my ability to truly connect, to see beyond the words, and to understand the heart. This connection is a skill honed not just through professional training, like my stint with the U.S. Small Business Association’s Thrive program, but also through my academic pursuit in Human Communication, my training in life coaching and mentoring, and my training as a trauma-informed coach. My accolades, like being named ‘Most Successful Woman of the Year’, are markers along my path, affirming my mission.

But here’s the core of my story – my philosophy. It’s about transforming lived experiences into powerful lessons, about finding strength in vulnerability. I don’t just recite narratives; I transform them into pathways for mental wellness and empowerment. I ensure that this philosophy is echoed in the eBooks I write and the courses I design.

The true pride of my journey? It’s in being a loving partner and mother, in turning my past into a source of strength, and in guiding women to find their voice, just as I found mine.

So, as you read this, remember: my story is more than a series of events. It’s an invitation to you – to find your path, your voice, amidst life’s chaos. Let’s walk this journey together, turning your trials into triumphs, and discovering the unique melody of your life’s song.

Do you know why?

Because you deserve the very best!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The Lesson I Had to Unlearn: Seeking Validation from Others

One pivotal lesson I had to unlearn, which was both challenging and transformative, was the belief that my worth and identity were contingent upon others’ approval and validation. This belief, deeply ingrained in me, stemmed from a childhood marred by abuse, where pleasing others became a mechanism for survival and acceptance.

Growing up, this pattern of seeking external validation became a constant in my life. It was as if I was living multiple scripts written by others, never truly penning my own story. This continued into adulthood, culminating in an abusive marriage where I mistook control for care and submission for love. I was perpetually trying to be the person I thought others wanted me to be, losing sight of who I truly was.

However, the turning point came post-divorce, during my academic pursuits. University wasn’t just a place of learning; it was a sanctuary where I began to peel back the layers of my identity that were long buried under others’ expectations. Graduating as valedictorian wasn’t merely an academic achievement; it symbolized breaking free from the chains of seeking external validation. It was a testament to my inherent worth and capabilities, independent of others’ approval.

Unlearning this lesson wasn’t an overnight transformation. It was a journey filled with introspection, setbacks, and breakthroughs. As I embarked on my career as an international speaker and mentor, I realized that my voice had power, not because it echoed what others wanted to hear, but because it resonated with authenticity and self-empowerment. I shifted my focus from pleasing others to empowering myself and, in turn, empowering others.

Today, as I mentor women, I often reflect on this unlearned lesson. It serves as a powerful reminder that our value isn’t determined by how well we fit into the molds created by others, but by how authentically we live our truth. This realization is at the core of my message and my mission: to help women discover their intrinsic worth and forge their paths with confidence and resilience.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

The Cornerstone of Success: Empathy and Authentic Connection

In the realm of empowerment and transformation, where my work lies, success transcends the boundaries of mere training and academic knowledge. While these elements are undoubtedly vital, the true cornerstone of my success has been my ability to empathize deeply and connect authentically with those I aim to help.

This ability to empathize isn’t derived from textbooks; it’s born from the crucible of my own experiences. Having navigated the turbulent waters of childhood abuse, an abusive marriage, and the journey of rediscovering my own voice, I’ve gained an intimate understanding of the pain, struggles, and hopes that reside in the hearts of the women I mentor. This personal journey has endowed me with a profound level of empathy – a crucial tool in genuinely understanding and addressing the needs of my clients.

Furthermore, an authentic connection forms the bedrock of my approach. In a field where trust is paramount, the ability to establish a genuine, heartfelt connection is invaluable. It’s not just about sharing knowledge or providing guidance; it’s about creating a safe space where women feel seen, heard, and understood. This connection is what turns mere interactions into powerful moments of transformation.

In addition to empathy and connection, a pivotal element in my success has been the unwavering support from my husband. His belief in me, even during times when I doubted myself, has been a source of strength and encouragement. A strong support system, especially in a field as emotionally demanding as empowerment and mentoring, is like having a harbor in a storm. My husband’s support has not only provided me with a personal sense of security and love but also reinforced the importance of having someone who champions your dreams and stands by you through challenges. This personal experience underlines a message I often share: the power of supportive relationships in fostering personal and professional growth.

Additionally, resilience and adaptability have been instrumental in my success. The path I’ve chosen isn’t linear; it’s filled with uncertainties and challenges. Adapting, staying resilient in the face of adversity, and continually evolving my approach have been key to surviving and thriving in this field.

Lastly, my success is also a testament to the power of storytelling. As a master storyteller, I’ve learned that stories have the power to heal, inspire, and empower. By sharing my story and the stories of triumph over adversity, I’ve been able to touch lives in a way that goes beyond conventional mentoring.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.belkisclarke.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belkisclarke/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BelkisClarke
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belkis-clarke-mitcham/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCPhenRO
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BelkisClarke