We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlie Marcol a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Charlie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned in school and why that lesson is important to you?
A new title that I’ve embraced is “Pivot Queen.” I read in an article that, “Pivoting lets people follow their passions, although with a new or renewed focus.” In my prior career that’s exactly what I learned to do. Pivot! There is power in pivoting. More times than not, we desire elevation, or a new outlook, but we get caught up in the emotional connections we’ve created, friendships we’ve forged, comfort levels, and the status quo. In my last role, I was head of this and expert of that. The “go-to” girl. What I didn’t lack were titles, but my peace was often forfeited. For years, I silently suffered because I was afraid to start over. Starting over looked scary and would require me to get out of my comfort zone; the zone that I secretly hated. So, I stayed there. “There” made my blood pressure soar, fluctuate in weight, and put a level of anxiety that no human being should feel about their place of employment. I literally dreaded Sunday evenings because I knew what Monday brought. I constantly told myself, “Great things are not birth from comfort zones,” to motivate myself. Somehow, it wasn’t enough. Year after year I found myself in a zone that I couldn’t escape. I could do my job with my eyes closed and was no longer challenged. Comfortability can look like thirty years on a job that doesn’t bring much fulfillment, sitting at the same desk in the same building with the same old people. Many of us stay on jobs because we think that’s what we’re supposed to do AND it’s nothing wrong with that if that’s your vibe, but that wasn’t for me. I knew there had to be more.
I often say, be careful when you pray. The universe listens to the desires of your heart and will reveal the plan in due time. Not our time. One thing we must remember is the universe is always working on our behalf. Even when it doesn’t feel good or it’s incomprehensible it’s still working in your favor. I thought the career that I dedicated so many years to, betrayed me. With tears in my eyes, I was left with no other choice but to pivot; HARD and immediately. Remember, I desired a change. I didn’t want the change to unfold the way it did. To be frank, I wanted to leave on my terms not theirs. I was working on my plan, but it wasn’t foolproof yet. Moreover, I didn’t know where to begin. My resume was outdated, networking changed, and the application process was long and arduous, but I was willing. Willing to take a chance on me with faith in every footstep. I had no other choice. Now, I was presented a Devine start. A start that I fervently prayed for. I had to realize that pivoting didn’t mean I failed, but more importantly I was free. FREE! We grow accustom to the mundane and forget about our personal growth. This new lease on my life was like the universe presented me with a license to live unapologetically and work on those dreams that I set to the side. I reclaimed my time and was able to promote my new children’s book, My Cool Crown without feeling guilt or a conflict of interest with the workplace. To the person that’s afraid to pivot, don’t be! Be willing to accept change and be open to new possibilities. Pivoting gives you the opportunity to reignite and reinvent yourself plus pursue that dream that keeps you awake at night. To my previous job, I say thank you! Thank you for the motivation.
Charlie, 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?
Welcome to the Charlie Marcol Show full of energy, life and valuable lessons! My story of transforming my own life from brokenness to believing is the inspiration behind my mission to teach others to do the same. I specialize in making painful conversations easy and have developed workshops that shift perspectives in the lives of many women and teens. Among the prestigious awards and honors, I AM a best-selling author who has hosted my own radio talk show, and has extensive experience speaking at numerous events, including the Texas Black Women’s Expo, We Are Girls of Texas, college campuses, galas, fashion shows, fundraisers, conferences, and more. I’ve been featured on Fox 26 News, The Redbook Magazine, Jet Magazine and on several radio talk shows and podcasts-– just to name a few. I’ve transitioned into a new career that allows me to do what I love; speak, travel & connect!
I live and play in the Houston area and have one amazing son, G. Outside of speaking, I enjoy working out, dancing, writing and mentoring the next generation. I am who I am only because of my faith! Without Him, I wouldn’t exist.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Support them, wholeheartedly. Support is not always in the form of currency, but it’s in the willingness. Will you share? Will you tag? Will you tell someone about me or my product? As creatives, we know when the support is genuine. We are quick to support people we don’t know (celebrities & influencers) and pass over the people in our on circle. Have that same energy for your creative friends.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
When my books are well received. My children’s book, My Cool Crown is getting rave reviews & that makes my heart smile. I wrote that book from a place of love. I envisioned the joy it would bring to those that read it. Yes making money is great, but I want my books to touch lives & make a positive impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamcharliemarcol.com
- Instagram: charliemarcol
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/charliemarcol
- Linkedin: Charlenette Jones
- Twitter: charliemarcol