We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlene Goa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Charlene, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

At the tender age of 19, I embarked on a life-altering journey that would shape the course of my future. Leaving behind the familiar warmth of my beloved West African homeland, Ivory Coast, I set out to follow in my father’s footsteps and pursue my dreams in the United States.

Arriving in a new country—indeed, a new continent—without knowing English was daunting, to say the least. Yet, for me, it was the beginning of a grand adventure. I was ready to spread my wings and immerse myself in the academic world, just as my father had done before me.

This leap into the unknown proved to be a crucible for personal growth. It honed my confidence and ignited a spirit of adventure that continues to burn brightly in my life. Since then, I’ve explored numerous states across the US, each journey an opportunity to delve deeper into self-discovery, confront personal challenges, and embrace healing.

My travels have been more than mere sightseeing; they’ve been a celebration of diverse cultures, a chance to connect with people from all walks of life, and an exploration of the rich tapestry of American cuisine.

The transition demanded rapid personal development. I had to:

– Learn to fend for myself in an unfamiliar environment
– Adapt to a new way of life
– Master a foreign language
– Build a community from scratch
– Excel academically
– Navigate the complexities of womanhood without immediate adult guidance

This experience of accelerated growth became my touchstone, a well of strength I draw from when facing new challenges.

The spirit of adventure that took root during those early days has become an integral part of who I am. It manifests in my choices, decisions, and even my career path. When I left my corporate job to launch my coaching business and relocated from Florida to Phoenix, Arizona, I was once again answering the call of that adventurous spirit.

Today, this ethos of embracing the unknown permeates every aspect of my life—from my professional endeavors to my personal ministry. It’s a testament to the transformative power of taking risks and stepping boldly into new frontiers.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Charlene, the Intimacy Maven. My mission is helping women overcome the agony of heartbreak, develop a better understanding of who they are, and no longer be men-reliant.

Growing up in Africa, I witnessed a culture of mistresses where women were often objectified and seen as defective. This environment, coupled with my personal experiences of being cheated on and used by friends, led me to guard my heart fiercely. Ironically, this defense mechanism sometimes turned me into the very monster I was trying to protect myself from.

When I moved to the US, I decided I wanted to experience love. However, I found myself confronted by a wall because I didn’t know what love was—I had never seen a healthy relationship. After countless heartbreaks, I realized that at the core, it wasn’t a trust issue but a “not-enoughness” issue. I thought I was defective because my paternal family rejected me, so I selected mates or showed up in relationships to validate that “lie” that I was unworthy and undeserving of love.

I started my healing journey with countless carnal modalities and still felt a void, repeating the same patterns in different ways. It wasn’t until I relinquished my burden to the Lord that true healing began. In Him, I know who I am. I know that I am worthy, period. The closer I got to Him and knowing Him, the better I understood myself. Healing was a bonus.

Hence, I have vowed to help women heal after heartbreak and recognize their worth despite society’s matrix because we are wired to believe that:
– We are not worthy until chosen by a man
– We are women only if married with children
– We are women only if we abide by what society says of us

We internalize these false beliefs as truth and feel lost in life, unable to accept ourselves, connect with others, create intimacy, love, heal, or simply be. We think we’re defective and unworthy, so we discount ourselves to fit into that mold. We reject ourselves and end up miserable, sometimes stooping low to be intimate with men thinking they will choose us.

These beliefs lie at the heart of why we often repeat harmful patterns, choose similar partners despite outward differences, tolerate abuse, and engage in risky behaviors like sexual escapades and drug use. Ultimately, these actions are driven by a deep-seated desire to be chosen, loved, and accepted. Yet we want that from others but are incapable of giving it to ourselves, hence the perpetual heartbreak, disconnect, sorrow, and traumas.

My coaching services are holistic—we fight in the carnal realm but also in the spiritual realms. We care for mind, body, soul, and heart, as well as your environment. What sets me apart is that I allow the Spirit of God to use me to love and heal His people.

This is a journey of self-intimacy because once you know who you are, you heal as you accept yourself and past. And the closer you get to know God, the better you know yourself, stand up for yourself, and allow Him to heal you as you surrender it all to Him.

To potential clients and followers: My work is more than coaching—it’s a spiritual journey guided by faith. I believe that by knowing yourself deeply and connecting with God, you can break free from what has been breaking your heart for decades now. I am just your guide on your healing journey.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

When I first ventured into entrepreneurship, I was confident that my business education and entrepreneurial mindset had adequately prepared me for the journey ahead. However, I quickly discovered that starting a business involves far more than what we’re typically taught in school or anywhere else.

The reality of entrepreneurship hit me hard: it’s an emotional rollercoaster that demands you carry your own cross to succeed. What I didn’t anticipate was that the most significant battles would be internal—a test of mental and emotional fortitude before even tackling the practical aspects of business.

Here’s what I learned:

1. Emotional Resilience is Key: Starting a business amplifies your inner demons. You must confront and overcome these personal challenges to achieve success in your venture.

2. Mental Battlefield: The entrepreneurial journey is as much a mental and spiritual battle as it is a business one. Your mindset, your faith, and your emotional stability play crucial roles in navigating the ups and downs.

3. Self-Discovery Process: Building a business forces you to confront aspects of yourself you might not have been aware of. It’s a journey of self-discovery as much as it is about creating a successful enterprise.

4. Beyond Business Logistics: While business planning, financial management, and market strategy are important, they’re only part of the equation. Your personal growth and emotional intelligence are equally vital.

5. Be Prepared for the Unexpected: The challenges you face may not be what you anticipated. Be ready to confront personal fears, insecurities, and limitations alongside business obstacles.

To aspiring entrepreneurs, I offer this advice: Be aware, be alert, and be ready to confront your inner demons when starting a business. This personal battle often precedes—and sometimes runs parallel to—dealing with business logistics and financial hurdles.

Remember, true entrepreneurial success comes not just from mastering business skills, but from growing as an individual and overcoming your personal challenges. It’s a holistic journey that transforms both you and your business.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

After years of attending trainings and exploring various modalities, I’ve come to a fascinating realization: many of these methods, no matter how different they seem, trace back to the Bible. If you’re looking to take your business to the next level and experience true abundance, consider going directly to the source. By delving into biblical principles, you can gain valuable insights and unlock your potential for exponential growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fromheartbreaktoecstasy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theintimacymaven
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-self-intimacy-journey/id1735902090