Why You Should Stop Trying to Control What Happens Next - Charlynda Scales - Ep. 150
Send us Fan Mail Charlynda Scales is a decorated U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, serial entrepreneur, and impact strategist whose career spans national defense, food entrepreneurship, and community economic development. She has directly influenced over $5 billion in federal acquisition programs and raised more than $5 million in philanthropic capital for inclusive entrepreneurship. When her grandfather's 1956 barbecue sauce recipe came into her hands, she did not just preserve a family leg...
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PlayerFM Charlynda Scales is a decorated U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, serial entrepreneur, and impact strategist whose career spans national defense, food entrepreneurship, and community economic development. She has directly influenced over $5 billion in federal acquisition programs and raised more than $5 million in philanthropic capital for inclusive entrepreneurship.
When her grandfather's 1956 barbecue sauce recipe came into her hands, she did not just preserve a family legacy — she turned it into a national brand. Mutt's Sauce has been featured by Shark Tank's Daymond John, landed on QVC, and become a symbol of what happens when purpose meets execution.
A Harvard Kennedy School and Dartmouth Tuck graduate, TEDx speaker, and published author, Charlynda brings audiences something rare: the discipline of two decades in uniform and the lived reality of building a business from scratch.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Speaking highly of Charlynda
05:15 Tessa Robinson and Lauren Hope
09:02 Revisiting a past conversation
12:42 Representing TikTok SOAR at Military Influencer Conference (MIC)
15:55 Networking and access opportunities
16:46 Arriving at the Marriott event
20:03 Appreciation moment with Charlynda
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Episode Quotes:
“Do not be afraid to walk in every room that looks terrifying.” (8:07)
"One conversation can change the game.” (8:45)
“Space in your calendar doesn’t always need to be filled immediately.” (14:35)
“Your pain can be someone else’s progress.” (18:19)
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People and Names mentioned in the episode:
Tessa Robinson
Lauren Hope
Brunella Costagliola
TikTok
-
Charlynda's Resources:
Website: https://www.charlyndajean.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlyndajean
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlyndajean
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Podcast Summary:
Charlynda Scales discusses her journey, and her impact within the military and veteran community. The episode is recorded during the Military Influencer Conference (MIC), highlighting the growth and unique spirit of the event.
Key Topics & Highlights
⬛ Meaningful Connections and Service: Charlynda Scales emphasizes the importance of authentic connections within the conference and the broader veteran community, noting that one meaningful connection can be life-changing 10:59.
⬛ Personal Growth and Vulnerability: She opens up about her journey as a mother and professional, sharing advice for her younger self on overcoming social anxiety and the significance of asking for help and being open to support 08:08, 09:35.
⬛ Amplifying Others: Charlynda Scales describes friends and colleagues like Tessa Robinson and Lauren Hope, unpacking their influence and the hypothetical TED Talk she would give about them, focusing on the theme, “fix your fricking life” 07:10.
⬛ Impact of Storytelling: She underlines the power of sharing stories, reiterating, “your pain can be someone else’s progress” as both a personal mantra and advice for others 10:24, 18:19.
⬛ Conference Evolution: MIC’s transformation from a small gathering to a 4,000-person event is discussed, with Charlynda Scales highlighting the culture of "access" rather than gatekeeping, where attendees are eager to share opportunities and lessons with one another 15:55, 16:55.
⬛ Notable Moments
- Charlynda Scales expresses pride in balancing her professional life with raising her son, and reflects on letting go of unnecessary worries 01:47.
- She discusses her current projects, including being a TikTok SOAR program ambassador for veterans and spouses, and her ongoing commitment to authentic, values-driven collaborations 12:42.
- The conversation closes with Charlynda Scales expressing gratitude for the community, reiterating the value of honest storytelling, and the role of Passing The Torch as a resource to empower listeners 19:10.
This episode is a testament to the power of community, vulnerability, and service, offering inspiration for anyone seeking connection and purposeful growth.
Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin
More Amazing Stories:
Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure
Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way
Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel
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00:00 - Speaking highly of Charlynda
05:15 - Tessa Robinson and Lauren Hope
09:02 - Revisiting a past conversation
12:42 - Representing TikTok SOAR at Military Influencer Conference (MIC)
15:55 - Networking and access opportunities
16:46 - Arriving at the Marriott event
20:03 - Appreciation moment with Charlynda
Charlynda Scales is a decorated U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, serial entrepreneur, and impact strategist whose career spans national defense, food entrepreneurship, and community economic development. She has directly influenced over $5 billion in federal acquisition programs and raised more than $5 million in philanthropic capital for inclusive entrepreneurship.
When her grandfather's 1956 barbecue sauce recipe came into her hands, she did not just preserve a family legacy — she turned it into a national brand. Mutt's Sauce has been featured by Shark Tank's Daymond John, landed on QVC, and become a symbol of what happens when purpose meets execution.
A Harvard Kennedy School and Dartmouth Tuck graduate, TEDx speaker, and published author, Charlynda brings audiences something rare: the discipline of two decades in uniform and the lived reality of building a business from scratch.
-
Timestamps:
00:00 Speaking highly of Charlynda
05:15 Tessa Robinson and Lauren Hope
09:02 Revisiting a past conversation
12:42 Representing TikTok SOAR at Military Influencer Conference (MIC)
15:55 Networking and access opportunities
16:46 Arriving at the Marriott event
20:03 Appreciation moment with Charlynda
-
Episode Quotes:
“Do not be afraid to walk in every room that looks terrifying.” (8:07)
"One conversation can change the game.” (8:45)
“Space in your calendar doesn’t always need to be filled immediately.” (14:35)
“Your pain can be someone else’s progress.” (18:19)
-
People and Names mentioned in the episode:
Tessa Robinson
Lauren Hope
Brunella Costagliola
TikTok
-
Charlynda's Resources:
Website: https://www.charlyndajean.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlyndajean
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlyndajean
-
Podcast Summary:
Charlynda Scales discusses her journey, and her impact within the military and veteran community. The episode is recorded during the Military Influencer Conference (MIC), highlighting the growth and unique spirit of the event.
Key Topics & Highlights
⬛ Meaningful Connections and Service: Charlynda Scales emphasizes the importance of authentic connections within the conference and the broader veteran community, noting that one meaningful connection can be life-changing 10:59.
⬛ Personal Growth and Vulnerability: She opens up about her journey as a mother and professional, sharing advice for her younger self on overcoming social anxiety and the significance of asking for help and being open to support 08:08, 09:35.
⬛ Amplifying Others: Charlynda Scales describes friends and colleagues like Tessa Robinson and Lauren Hope, unpacking their influence and the hypothetical TED Talk she would give about them, focusing on the theme, “fix your fricking life” 07:10.
⬛ Impact of Storytelling: She underlines the power of sharing stories, reiterating, “your pain can be someone else’s progress” as both a personal mantra and advice for others 10:24, 18:19.
⬛ Conference Evolution: MIC’s transformation from a small gathering to a 4,000-person event is discussed, with Charlynda Scales highlighting the culture of "access" rather than gatekeeping, where attendees are eager to share opportunities and lessons with one another 15:55, 16:55.
⬛ Notable Moments
- Charlynda Scales expresses pride in balancing her professional life with raising her son, and reflects on letting go of unnecessary worries 01:47.
- She discusses her current projects, including being a TikTok SOAR program ambassador for veterans and spouses, and her ongoing commitment to authentic, values-driven collaborations 12:42.
- The conversation closes with Charlynda Scales expressing gratitude for the community, reiterating the value of honest storytelling, and the role of Passing The Torch as a resource to empower listeners 19:10.
This episode is a testament to the power of community, vulnerability, and service, offering inspiration for anyone seeking connection and purposeful growth.