Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Charisse M. Williams. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To explore Charisse Williams’ journey from law and nonprofit leadership to becoming a certified leadership and wellbeing coach. The interview highlights her work with women of color through her brand Everyday Yellow Sanctuary , her book The Joy of Thriving While Black , and her mission to help others reclaim joy, clarity, and purpose. 🧠 Interview Summary 1. Background & Career Path Charisse is a lawyer by training who transitioned into nonprofit leadership. Her coaching journey began after a donor offered to pay for her to receive coaching, which transformed her life. She now helps women of color overcome burnout and reconnect with their purpose. Quote: “That coach was transformative for me… it planted the seed that maybe I would like to be the guide I wish I had.” 2. Everyday Yellow Sanctuary A community for trailblazing women of color to find joy and support. Inspired by her color-coded calendar where yellow represents joy and fun. Trademarked the brand after a branding expert recognized its potential. Quote: “Every day there has to be yellow… even a moment of joy in every single day.” 3. Coaching Philosophy Coaching is a partnership to help clients achieve specific goals. Focuses on asking the right questions to help clients unlock their own answers. Emphasizes clarity, confidence, and joy as outcomes. Quote: “Where are you now? Where do you want to be? What’s getting in the way?” 4. Mental Health & Social Justice 2020 was a turning point for Black mental health awareness. Her book was inspired by the trauma of witnessing police violence and the need for joy as resistance. Quote: “I was literally having nightmares about encounters with the police… I saw the hashtag Black Joy… and I got a download: write a book called Thriving While Black .” 5. Age & Fear Charisse started her business at age 48 and encourages others not to let age be a barrier. Most of her clients are in their 40s and 50s, seeking transformation and fulfillment. Quote: “It is not too late and you are not too old.” 6. Burnout & Overperformance Burnout is common among women of color due to societal pressure to overperform. Differentiates high performance (healthy ambition) from overperformance (driven by unworthiness). Quote: “Overperformance is trying to outrun unworthiness… we need to do some unlearning.” 7. Dream in Color Visioning Framework A tool to help clients articulate what a meaningful life looks like across multiple dimensions: career, relationships, joy, spirituality, etc. Encourages intentional planning and action toward that vision. Quote: “Pain pushes until the vision pulls.” 8. Community & Accountability The sanctuary offers weekly check-ins, goal setting, and accountability. Research shows that writing and speaking goals increases success rates dramatically. Quote: “If you have a vision, a plan, and accountability, your success can go up by 95%.” ✅ Key Takeaways Coaching is transformative and helps unlock clarity and purpose. Joy is essential and should be intentionally cultivated daily. Mental health matters , especially for communities of color. Age is not a limitation —transformation can happen at any stage. Burnout is real , and overperformance is often rooted in deeper issues. Community support and accountability are powerful tools for growth. Intentional living through frameworks like Dream in Color can lead to lasting change. 📚 Resources & Links Website & Community : charissemwilliams.com/community Book : The Joy of Thriving While Black – available on Bookshop and other retailers. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
