We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Candice Miles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
CANDICE, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business came from one of the wildest, most emotional seasons of my life. I had just broken up with my boyfriend earlier that year, and it felt like everything was shifting. So, like many women do after a breakup, I had my Angela Bassett Waiting to Exhale moment and decided to get my hair chopped off into a Halle Berry 90’s cut—letting go of the old me in more ways than one.
A few months before, I bought a business journal, and something inside me said to write down the date I would quit my job: March 31, 2023. I didn’t know why, but I wrote it anyway. Then, later that year, I was streaming Transformation Church and Mike Todd said, “Some of y’all aren’t gonna be working that same job by the end of Q1 next year.” I froze. It was like he was reading straight out of my journal!
But just as I was coming to terms with the idea of making the biggest faith move of my life, things took an unexpected turn. One of my employees made an emotional decision after I held them accountable, and it led to a 4.5-month investigation at work. I was caught in the storm, and it was exhausting—especially as a Black woman, with no other Black women in leadership roles to look up to. That’s when the statistic hit me: less than 5% of us hold executive roles. We’re out here struggling to even get into the room, let alone be heard.
Even in the chaos, I kept showing up for my team, mentoring new managers, and guiding them with what I had learned. The crazy part, I thought I was going to open a dance studio for teen girls, helping them find their identity and self-love. But through that investigation, I realized something much bigger. I wasn’t meant to just teach girls—I needed to create something for Black women in leadership. Women like me who felt alone, overlooked, and undervalued.
So, I took that leap of faith and quit my job without a backup plan. I wasn’t forced out—I chose to build what I needed when I first started. And that’s how my business was born—a culturally relatable leadership coaching space for first-time managers, especially Black women in corporate. We’re not just surviving anymore; we’re thriving together. I knew this would work because I was solving a problem so many of us face but no one talks about. We’re not just asking for a seat at the table—we’re building our own!
CANDICE, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For folks who don’t know, allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Candice Miles, but you can call me Coach C. I’m all about empowering Black women to find their voice and shine in the corporate world! After spending years navigating both corporate and startup environments, I realized that many women like me often feel lost or overlooked. That’s when I knew I had to create something special.
At No Gap Consulting, I offer a range of services designed to uplift and support first-time leaders. My main offerings include monthly group coaching subscriptions, corporate training, development workshops, custom road trips, and confidence-building dance classes yes—you heard that right—confidence-building dance classes! I believe that movement is a powerful way to express ourselves and build confidence. Who says we can’t have fun while we’re learning?
So, what problems do I solve? Many of my clients struggle with feeling undervalued, navigating office politics, and finding their footing in leadership roles. They often tell me they wish they had someone to guide them through the challenges they face. That’s where I come in! I help them build their confidence, develop their leadership skills, and create a strong network of support. I want them to know they’re not alone on this journey.
What sets me apart from others? I bring a unique perspective as a Black woman who has walked the same path. I understand the hurdles we face, and I’m passionate about creating a safe space for us to thrive. I focus on culturally relevant strategies that resonate with my clients, and I believe in the power of community. Together, we can break down barriers and redefine what success looks like for Black women in corporate America, finance, and tech leadership roles.
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve made in the lives of my clients. Seeing them gain confidence, take on new challenges, and truly embrace their leadership potential brings me so much joy! I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is all about creating a supportive community where we lift each other up. My mission is to empower Black women to own their own identity as they are stepping into leadership for the first time.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was that I shouldn’t use my voice. When I first transitioned into corporate, I was super excited to make my mark. But then, things started to change. My boss would send me messages during meetings, telling me to speak up or reminding me that what I had to say wasn’t what the meeting was about. Sometimes, it felt like they were feeding me the words I should say instead of letting me express myself freely.
With all that pressure, I began to lose my confidence and forgot how powerful my voice really was. I even started to feel like I didn’t have anything valuable to contribute. Over time, I felt like I was shrinking instead of growing.
This struggle showed up in my business, too. When I network with folks who just talk to hear themselves speak, I sometimes catch myself holding back. It’s like that old habit of not using my voice creeps back in. But I’ve learned that my voice matters! It took time and effort, but I had to remind myself that I deserve to be heard and that my experiences are valuable.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely! There are a few resources that have really shaped how I think about management and entrepreneurship. One of my all-time favorites is “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book is a gem! It teaches you to be impeccable with your word, not to take anything personally, not to make assumptions, and to always do your best. These agreements have helped me stay focused and grounded in my leadership journey.
I also love listening to podcasts, especially those by Trent Shelton and Mel Robbins. Trent’s motivational talks really push you to get out of your comfort zone and go after what you want. And Mel Robbins? She’s a powerhouse! Her tips on taking action and overcoming self-doubt have been super helpful in building my confidence, especially when I’m working with clients.
Then there are the sermons by Sarah Jakes Roberts and Mike McClure Jr. Their messages about resilience, faith, and purpose always light a fire in me. They remind me that it’s okay to face challenges and that there’s always a way to rise above them.
And the one that was a real game changer, Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by 50 Cent is a must-read! His story is a real testament to perseverance and grinding through tough times. It’s not just about grinding; it’s about working smart and being strategic in your moves.
These resources have given me tools and inspiration to keep pushing forward, whether I’m coaching someone new in their leadership journey or building my own business. They’ve taught me that it’s all about mindset, resilience, and never being afraid to chase after your dreams!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nogapconsulting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nogapconsulting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/No-Gap-Consulting/61552991669137/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-p-miles-mba-3293a2102/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoGapConsulting
