An Inspired Chat with Sami Jo Lien of Denver, CO

Sami Jo Lien shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Sami Jo, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes – many times! Especially this year.

Some of the best outcomes I’ve had came from not acting fast. Slowing down gave me space to respond thoughtfully instead of react emotionally. That pause often revealed better options, clearer priorities, or simple the wisdom to wait. I’ve learned that urgency isn’t always clarity, and restraint can be its own kind of strength.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sami and in 2016, I founded my business Roger Charlie, a boutique publicity firm that works with authors, creative storytellers and brands who live at the intersection of culture, creativity and human connection. I help them launch confidently, land media and grow their audience without losing their voice.

What makes my work different is the way I approach publicity as a long game rooted in trust and relationships. I care deeply about who I pitch, how I pitch, and why the story matters. I’m especially focused on working with people who value collaboration, thoughtfulness and momentum over hustle. I’ve worked hard over the last 11 years to build a business that allows for depth, creativity and sustainability, all while helping my clients do the same as they share their work with the world.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My family. Roger Charlie is actually named for my Grandpa Chuck (a nod to the WWII era -“Roger, That!”, who modeled integrity, consistency and showing up with care the kind of work ethic that isn’t flashy, but lasts. He always has the long game in mind.

My Grandma Barb taught me that work doesn’t have to feel heavy to be meaningful. She made EVERYTHING – errands, projects, everyday tasks – feel creative and joyful. That sense of play still shapes how I approach my work today.

My mom taught me resilience in its truest form. She was a single mother raising me and my special needs brother, and she showed me time and again that there’s always a solution if you’re willing to work for it, learn from failure, and keep leaning in.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Man, I was so incredibly hard on myself growing up. I still get that way sometimes. But if I did have a chance to talk to little me, I’d tell her her instincts are good and that the things she worries will set her apart are actually her super powers. It’s okay to change your mind and to trust fully that the work you’re doing now will make sense later.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Connection. Doing work that feels meaningful, showing up for the people I care about and building things with integrity. They’d say I value trust, creativity and follow-through and that I care deeply about making people feel supported and seen.

I want the people in my life, both professionally and personally, to feel like they’re in good hands, and so showing up for them means everything to me.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they say I cared – genuinely. That I listened well, kept my word and helped people feel more confident sharing their voices. I hope they remember that I build things thoughtfully, showed up when it mattered, and made room for both ambition and kindness. If the story is that people felt supported, encouraged, and a little braver because I was part of their lives, that would be more than enough.

Contact Info:

• Website: https;//www.rogercharlie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogerthatcharlie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthalien/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rogerthatcharlie

Image Credits
All by me!