As a successful Senior Executive heading an entrepreneurial practice within one of the top international consulting firms, I found myself wondering “is this all there is–is this the place that I want for the rest of my career?” I felt that I had achieved most of my goals for success there and I loved working with clients. My work was rewarding and the measures for success were clear. I excelled at playing by the linear rules, yet found myself wanting more. My next step was the partnership and I didn’t see my life changing in that role. My entire life revolved around the demands of work with little time for work-life balance, self-care, family and friends. I wanted to have a greater impact while getting reacquainted with who I really was and what I really needed to live a more integrated, holistic life. I felt a bit like the woman in the photo with a headlamp looking out into the beautiful northern lights getting a glimpse of my true north through the brighter light ahead, yet hazy on what my new life might look like and how to reach it. The best option at the time seemed to be to make the leap, leave my well-defined executive position that felt limiting, and start my own business. This was my mindset. I have continued to learn more about myself while defining and creating the life I want over time. Through many personal development courses, certifications, and continued success with consulting clients, I’ve now integrated my personal and professional goals while reconnecting with who I am and how I can be of the most service. Part of change consulting is about helping executives learn how to define new strategies and paradigms that are needed when the environment around them or within the company changes. I realize that coaching does the same for individuals. I wish I had a coach when I was contemplating my career moves to help me see more clearly a new vision for my life and business contribution whether at my prior company or as an entrepreneur.
Today, my vision is to inspire the passion and visibility of women in executive positions to lead holistically, create inclusive cultures, and be dynamic innovators for business and thriving communities. My vision becomes a reality when dynamic leaders inspire others to integrate, change, and grow by setting an example for others in these areas. The new Executive Woman keeps her own continued growth into next levels of greatness at the forefront changing the world by becoming the example of how to lead, grow, and make a positive impact for the benefit of the whole.
Testimonials
“Working with Charlotte was wonderful. Charlotte quickly pointed out where the lack is and worked on solutions with me. Even if you are not quite sure what to work on, Charlotte will find out and support you and never leave a doubt that she believes in you. She is a great supporter and coach.”
Kerstin Luhr
“I worked with Charlotte in a high energy, high performance consulting environment. She was a key part of the effectiveness of the firm’s new health care consultant practice start-up, proving to be successful both in bringing in new clients as well as delivering quality services. Her clients consistently relied upon her expertise and renewed their contracts with the firm based on their trust in her professional abilities and her reputation for business integrity. She has a keen and perceptive eye toward what clients need to make their businesses more streamlined and productive. She is particularly talented in assimilating information, both about a client’s culture, and its internal processes. She has a holistic approach, which takes into account all aspects of required change. She cares deeply about the people she serves and is interested in how she can help staff at all levels—I consistently observed that her focus was always beyond the bottom line: she was interested in helping clients to make their workplace a congenial place where everyone thrives.
In working with Charlotte, I was always struck by her ability to hold an objective view, and to think on her feet. It is not easy for companies to undertake change, and her perspective was a very important part of the help she provided to get them to the other side of a difficult process. I was inspired by her capacity to blend needed management and process change with deep care for human beings. I think this distinguishes her from other professionals, and it is why I would want to work with her.”
Carol Thornton
Former Price Waterhouse Coopers Co-Worker