The Power of Confidence, Presence & Leaving a Legacy with CJ Shepard
Navigating rooms not designed to welcome you can teach you a lot about confidence, power, and owning your space, and CJ Shepard is living proof of what happens when you refuse to shrink yourself. With a personal brand rooted in luxury, leadership, and unapologetic authenticity, they’re reshaping what it means to be seen, heard, and respected.
Here, they open up about commanding attention without demanding it, making luxury inclusive, and leaving a legacy that redefines success.
Galore: “Confidence is not arrogance.” What does that distinction mean to you, and how has it shaped your rise in the corporate world?
CJ: Confidence has receipts. It’s built on what you know, how you’ve shown up, and an honest understanding of your value. Arrogance? That’s all smoke and mirrors. Confidence doesn’t need to shout; it’s steady because it’s rooted in facts, not fluff.
For me, that distinction has been everything. I’ve learned that being sure of yourself isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room – it’s about knowing when your voice matters. Arrogance craves attention; confidence earns respect. And personally? I’ll take respect every time.
Galore: Was there a moment when you had to learn how to take up space unapologetically – but still gracefully?
CJ: Oh, absolutely. I’ve walked into so many rooms where I was the only one who looked or thought like me. And trust me, those rooms didn’t come with a red carpet for my voice.
But here’s the thing – I’ve learned that being the main character in your story isn’t just about showing up; it’s about standing up. Waiting for permission or someone to make space for you? That’s a losing game. I had to take that space. But I also knew I wanted to do it with poise, not ego. Taking up space gracefully means showing people that your presence isn’t just needed; it’s undeniable.
Galore: How do you lead with both excellence and empathy in high-level rooms, especially as you’re building a persona so tied to luxury?
CJ: When I walk into a room, I bring everything with me: my story, my culture, my vision. I don’t have to announce it – that’s in how I carry myself, how I make decisions, and how I lead. Just walking in shakes up the standard and sets a new one.
Excellence and empathy? They’re not opposites to me. They’re dance partners. Authentic leadership understands it’s never just business; it’s personal. Building a brand in luxury is about much more than exclusivity. Real luxury is about intention. It’s about how people feel when they’re in your presence. I want them to feel seen, elevated and cared for.
Galore: When you were starting out, how did you build the kind of confidence that doesn’t need to announce itself but still owns the room?
CJ: Quiet confidence? That comes from adding value. Every single time.
Early on, I decided I’d never just sit in a room – I’d show up prepared to offer something that mattered. I paid attention, learned the rules, and then found ways to break them meaningfully. It’s about being sharp, nimble, and thoughtful. Confidence isn’t volume; it’s delivering something no one else can, in a way even the loudest in the room can’t ignore.
Galore: There’s often a double standard around confidence, especially for women in leadership. How do you navigate it?
CJ: Look, as a Black gay man, I know what it feels like to be in spaces that expect you to be smaller, quieter, and just grateful to be there. And I see these same dynamics play out for women all the time. The second you step outside the box they’ve put you in, you’re “too much,” “intense,” or “difficult.”
Guess what? I move anyway. When you lead with conviction, not a chip on your shoulder, those labels stop sticking. I constantly check myself to ensure I’m acting purposefully – not out of reaction. And that’s how you stay grounded, clear, and unapologetically true to yourself.
Photo credit: IG @cjshepjr
Galore: Luxury is often associated with exclusivity. How do you make your version of excellence feel inclusive without diluting that sense of aspiration?
CJ: My parents made sure I saw beyond myself. They taught me about giving back, showing up for others, and creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong.
To me, luxury isn’t about shutting people out; it’s about setting the stage for deeper connection. My version of excellence isn’t exclusionary. It’s aspirational, yes – but grounded. Accessible to anyone willing to lean in, engage, and do the work.
Luxury should inspire, but it should never alienate. It’s about making people feel like they’re part of something bigger, something intentional, something meaningful.
Galore: What legacy do you want to leave as you expand your media empire?
CJ: My legacy is about two things: access and visibility. I want people to look at me and say, “If they can do it, why not me?” Because success and influence don’t look one way, and they don’t belong to one kind of person.
Every platform I build and every room I step into is an opportunity to open doors for people historically left on the outside. My job is to make sure my success doesn’t stop with me but becomes a bridge for others to cross. That’s the impact I’m building for my industry, my audience, and myself.
CJ Shepard isn’t just creating lanes for themselves; they’re redesigning the highway. Whether in a boardroom, on your screen, or in a luxury-forward movement that’s equal parts aspirational and inclusive, their story is a rallying cry for all of us to take our place unapologetically and with purpose.
Photo credit: IG @cjshepjr
