Charlene Ketchum is a confident woman who knows what she wants and goes after it without blinking.  Although we have never met in person, we are becoming fast friends.  We follow each other’s Instagram account, Keep It Tight Sisters, and SheConfidential.   Charlene Ketchum first came across my radar when she started commenting and sharing my posts. In doing so, she quickly became my top fan. A few months ago, she asked to interview me for her SheConfidential podcast. 

In addition to being entrepreneurs, Charlene Ketchum and I are passionate about empowering women to live their best life. Today, I introduce you to Charlene Ketchum, Warrior Woman and Founder of SheConfidential.

Tell us a little about yourself Charlene Ketchum

I’m passionate about helping others tap into their empowerment. We’re all born with a strong sense of self and unlimited curiosity. However, the traditional American education system, social practices, and dominant mindsets teach us to mute or minimize what doesn’t fit the mainstream narrative. As a child, I was outgoing and had a vivid imagination. Fortunately, the adults in my world (including teachers) encouraged my love of reading. They also helped to nurture my grand dreams for my future. This formed the basis for my confidence to explore ideas and things that piqued my interest. Indeed, this confidence has been a key part of my growth and success.

Charlene Ketchum have had an amazing career journey.  Tell us about your career path, and how you got to where you are now

I did not have a traditional career path.  I’ve worked in medical publishing for nearly 20 years and have been a licensed attorney for about ten years.  Additionally, I’ve worked in the private, public, non-profit sectors in addition to being an entrepreneur.

My first job was at an ice cream parlor.  I was 14 years old and wanted to have my own money. It was a fun job, and it taught me how to manage people with different dispositions and motivations. I also learned how to prioritize responsibilities and balance work with the rest of my life. Those were skills that served me well a few years later when I went on to work in a pediatric emergency department. Because of my first two jobs, I learned that no paycheck was worth my peace of mind.  I learned the importance of knowing when to fall back and step up, even in crises.

After college, I secured an entry-level position with an international health sciences publisher. I completed both a master’s program and law school while I was there. Once I finished law school, I was seriously burned out. Furthermore, I had to decide how to prepare for the bar exam while working full-time. After a period of prayer and consulting with mentors, I resigned from my full-time corporate job.  Then, I started an editorial services consulting firm.  With God’s grace and the support of my village (that included family, colleagues, friends, folks at the beauty shop, my trainer, neighbors – everyone I regularly encountered), I passed the bar exam on my first try.   

I never worked in a law firm.  Instead, I started my legal career volunteering with a non-profit agency in my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.  Eventually, I was hired full-time to provide legal representation and services to returning citizens and youth clients.

2020 was a pivotal year.  I reflected on how I wanted to maximize the impact of my gifts and purpose, and SheConfidential was the result. So, what is SheConfidential?  SheConfidential provides empowered Black women with the resources, support, and community they need to design the life they desire. We reach women through our podcast, blog, and online community (launching this winter).

SheConfidential is grander than everything I envisioned for me as a little girl. It is the culmination of everything I’ve ever done and is a synergy of my best and brightest ideas and passions. I’m so thankful. The adventure is just beginning.

Charlene Ketchum what are some of the professional accomplishments of which you are most proud? 

All of my proudest professional moments are related to being brave and embracing discomfort for growth opportunities. I am not afraid to try new things and I always speak up and ask to be included. In doing so, I have been able to take on projects and roles beyond what was expected of me. I had the faith and strength to resign from my corporate job and start my own business. Finally, I’m proud that I was willing to invest in myself and be open enough to start SheConfidential.

Charlene Ketchum as a female leader, what is one significant barrier that you faced in your career? How did you overcome it or are trying to overcome it?

I approach barriers as growth opportunities. In doing so, I can discern if a situation is compatible with me. I advocate for myself and remove myself from environments where I do not feel valued or respected. The boldest and most impactful thing I can do is exercise my right to decide where I want to be. And that includes my place of employment. I do, however, recognize that this is a privilege that many women do not have.

Tell us about a time that Charlene Ketchum failed

I reflect and learn; therefore, I cannot fail. Situations in which the intended outcome is contrary to what I was seeking helped me identify where I may need to delegate or gain further development. So, I lean on my strengths. I accept that I won’t be a pro at all things.  However, I can be a pro at identifying the things that are for me.

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your lifetime?

Leadership requires serving those you are charged to help as well as those you are leading. Being humble and having the discernment to identify and develop talent in others are also important.

Which woman has had the most significant impact on you as a Warrior Woman?  Why did you choose her?

There are too many, so I can’t choose just one. I’ve been fortunate to have many female managers and leaders. Each of them taught me something valuable about leadership and personal development. Most importantly, they showed me the importance of establishing boundaries.  I also learned to prioritize everything outside the work over the work. Life outside the office is what matters most.

Who are some of your female mentors?  How have they contributed to your success?

The female managers I’ve had allowed me to blossom in my confidence and professional skills. They include Loren Wilson, Nancy O’Brien, Lisl Williams, and Maida Coleman. These women are some of the most talented, brilliant people I’ve ever known. Yet, they were able to step back and let me discover my shine. During my childhood and college years, Julie Greenspoon also poured into me quite a bit. My female mentors are the real MVPs!

Define a “Warrior Women.” What are some traits that you think a Warrior Woman should possess?

Warrior women are empowered women.  They seek to leave a positive imprint on the world. Their imprint can be as simple as not doing any further harm to the degree that they can control their impacts. Desirable traits include confidence, humility, introspection, empathy, compassion, boldness, faith, and a love of people.

How do you encourage and lead other women to be Warrior Women?

I encourage and lead other women by helping them define and design their best life. It’s also important to bring women together so that we can support and encourage one another.

What career advice would you give to the next generation of Warrior Women?

My advice is for them to find what brings them peace and joy. And once you do so, then nurture, monetize it, and protect it.

What are some of your hobbies?  What do you do in your downtime?

I enjoy listening to music.  At any given time, the genre depends on my mood. I’m a big reader. My favorites are fiction and true crime. I also write personal essays and short fiction pieces. I may explore publishing something in the future. However, for now, I do it because I enjoy it. I also love traveling.

If you could have dinner with one famous person—dead or alive—who would it be?

Prince or Oprah Winfrey.

Tell us about your self-care routine Charlene Ketchum

I dance (in private) every day. Regular massages are essential. I’m getting more into yoga. I take my vitamins and drink lots of water. journaling and repeating positive affirmations are also important. I laugh at myself a lot more. Saying no without explanation has become easier. And I shower my circle with love just because it feels really good to do so.

Charlene Ketchum In what areas do you struggle the most in your self-care?

Sleep. I’m constantly juggling a lot, so I frequently don’t get as much sleep as I should. I’m learning to give myself more grace.  I try to have a firm cut-off time to shut things down and go to sleep.

Charlene Ketchum name one song on your playlist that keeps you motivated

Aretha Franklin’s “How I Got Over” from the Amazing Grace album.

Charlene Ketchum what book are you currently reading (give author and title)?

“Eloquent Rage” by Brittney Cooper.

Charlene Ketchum what’s your go to comfort food?

Salmon, if I’m being good. Pizza, if it’s a treat day.

Charlene Ketchum What’s your biggest shopping vice?

I’m not a big shopper. Instead, I tend to splurge on experiences like traveling.

Charlene Ketchum What’s your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is to spend a month hopping around Africa with stops in Morocco, Tanzania, Namibia, and Zambia.

Charlene Ketchum what would you like to share about your family life?

I’ll end with a story about my mom and I that will explain a lot about my family. I have always been very independent. When I was around six or seven, we lived in downtown St. Louis and my school was a few blocks down the street from where we lived. I insisted on walking to school by myself. I’ve told people that my mom let me walk to school by myself when I was very young for many years. A couple of years ago, I mentioned this to my mom, and she denied letting me walk to school alone. I vividly remembered walking by myself because it was something that made me very proud at the time. My mom laughed and said, “You thought you were walking alone, but I was behind you the entire time.”

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you enjoyed this interview with Charlene Ketchum. I think that you will also enjoy learning about our other warrior women such as Nettye Johnson, Danielle Agyemang, Bettina Giles-Byrd, Denise Octavia Smith, and Leisha Mckinley-Beach. 

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