Charlene Waddell

Charlene Waddell has been an effective and integral part of our organization for over 35 years holding various positions. However, for the last 25 years, she was specifically appointed as our network trainer. We have watched and benefitted in tremendous ways from Charlene's evolution, not just as a trainer, but as a communicator and leader. Besides being proficient in various fields of training, she continued to expand her range of thought leadership, influence and impact through continual learning, broadening of her skill sets, and sharing of advanced operational and leadership principles. The impact that Charlene Waddell has had in our organization cannot be calculated. Because of her service to our community of volunteer staff, over 400 volunteers have the opportunity to grow and develop personally as leaders, citizens and influencers. Charlene's strong but compassionate style of teaching, coaching and instruction has been critical in this transitional period for our organization. Charlene conducts annual leadership conferences on our behalf, which are well attended and highly anticipated due to the effectiveness and relevant content chosen each year that keeps attendees coming back each year. Charlene's character, effectiveness, skill and impact translate in every presentation. I highly recommend Charlene Waddell as a speaker, leader, trainer, presenter, and anything else that she decides to do, because she will always put in the work and continue to elevate herself and others. Respectfully Submitted, President The Liberty International Network

I have had the pleasure to attend several of Charlene Waddell's training classes. She's a highly skilled professional trainer, possessing a thorough knowledge of her topics. She keeps the sessions relevant and interesting by encouraging participation from the attendees. I believe that the workshop attendees feel "heard" by Charlene. She's never condescending, always respectful of her audience and their opinions. Sessions are challenging and her coaching and supportive style of delivery has you leaving classes encouraged and empowered. Nadine Willis

I am writing in support of and recommendation of Charlene Waddell in the excellent work she does training individuals. I've been a participant in many training sessions where Charlene was the facilitator. Her candidness and thoughtful perspectives on the material she teaches gives her vantage perspective. She normally is very tuned in of those attending her session! Charlene is articulate in her speech and multi-tasks as well. She is assisting our team with our DISC assessments and navigating though the various components of each person's dynamic and unique qualities while helping us understand the differences that make our team what it is and what it can be. She provides her commentary in a very direct, concise manner, helping us ask the questions we need to ask and helping us have the conversations we need to have. I highly recommend Charlene; she'd be an asset to any team. Dedra D. Smith Liberty Temple of Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, IL

I've known Charlene Waddell more than two decades. Along with simply being a wonderful person, she has a passion for teaching others effective communication and organizational leadership. Coupled with a love for people, this passion has made her an asset to every person she encounters. For years Charlene has been the preferred trainer for effective communication, conflict resolution and intentional leadership for our national not-for-profit organization. In addition to being an excellent trainer, it helps that she practices what she teaches. I've been along for Charlene's journey with the John Maxwell team, and it's been a pure delight to watch her blossom and develop her leadership ability. The impact has clearly had a positive impact on her personal and professional life. When effective communication is the barrier to the next level of growth, I strongly recommend Charlene's contagious passion for effective communication and leadership excellence. Dwight Taylor

Following Ms. Waddell's outstanding workshop presentation titled "Forget Not to Communicate." Ms. Waddell was a keynote speaker at the Liberty International Network (LIN) Leadership Conference, held in Bolingbrook, IL. Charlene's presentation was informative, and her presentation style was enjoyable. More importantly her presentation made us think about how effective communication can help us avoid misunderstandings and accomplish great things. One point of emphasis was how important investing time and effort in connecting with your audience is a key to effective communications.

Before I decided to sign up for coaching sessions I was at the end of my rope (tired, frustrated) and unsure of my progress and the direction I was searching for. I decided to meet with Certified Speaker Coach, Trainer Charlene Waddell, let me tell you, if you are looking for a coach to accelerate your personal (life) and professional growth (leadership), Charlene Waddell is the real deal; she is resourceful, passionate, and professional. My first session with Coach Waddell began with me completing the Maxwell Disc Personality Indicator Report. The report provided me with insight into my personal and professional background. After completing two sessions, I was well on my way, and I began to feel a sign of relief. Charlene is filled with knowledge and wisdom, she was able to help me expose and see the baggage I was holding hostage, for example, the gatekeeper (a thing I allowed to hinder my personal and professional growth). Upon completing my first 12 weeks of coaching with Charlene Waddell, I have grown and no longer allow the gatekeeper to stand in my way of success. Coaching opened many doors for me and I am no longer afraid of uncertainty and change, I fully accept my Leader Shift assignment. The question I was asked; "Would I recommend Charlene Waddell as a Coach"? (YES)!!!! After 18 months we are still in this coaching relationship. I want to continue to grow and develop.

Presenter, Teacher, Speaker, Leader, Inspiration are just a few words to describe such a dynamic speaker as Charlene Waddell. When hearing her speak, Charlene's insight and dynamic speech captivates you and encourages you to take positive action. Few people can deliver an inspirational and captivating message as Charlene can. Here are a few reasons why she is one of the most outstanding speakers and leaders of our time. Dynamic: Charlene Waddell's delivery of topics is second to none. When she talks about leadership, growth, communication, or a plethora of subjects she has presented on, it invites you into her wide range of expertise. Relatable: She is relatable to whoever is in the audience. There is a sense of inclusion in every word delivered. She warrants audience participation in a way that makes everyone feel heard and understood. Invigorating: Be prepared to have thought changing, energized, and goal-oriented ideology given to you in such a way that you want to implement it and get started immediately. The How to's and why's are always clear and concise, with decisive actions that anyone can follow. As a result, you leave feeling energized with a wealth of information to better yourself and the people around you.

"When I started my coaching journey with Charlene Waddell I had no idea what I was getting myself involved in. I only knew that I must make some drastic changes now. When one is faced with a fork in the road and a distance thought of the direction you want to go in, judgement is blurred and you can only hope to make the right choice. My coaching sessions have enabled me to make decisions without the blurred vision but with a plan in place, execution at the head and persistence guiding the sails."

I completed my second leadership class with Charlene Waddell based on John Maxwell's leadership teachings. This class was: Developing the Leader Within You 2.0. Charlene Waddell is an effective teacher that knows how to pull and coach students towards their potential. I'm very grateful for the lessons learned, self-discovery opportunities and experience sharing time with other students. Thank you, Charlene, for another enjoyable learning opportunity! If anyone is interested in becoming a better leader, please contact her or attend her next learning opportunity. This is her passion.

It is with much enthusiasm that I recommend Charlene Waddell of the John Maxwell Team of Certified Coaches, Trainers and Speakers. Charlene Waddell is a very capable Life Coach and passionate trainer that leads with a desire to see you grow into a better version of yourself. I have enrolled in multiple courses with Charlene Speaks and I have grown and developed in many areas of my life. She is fully committed in the development and improvement of the whole person with creativity, wit and analytical thinking. The training and teachings have added value to my life and have encouraged me to seek and develop the leader within me. I now have a map to success and tools to create effective and intentional change in my life.

There is so much I can say about Charlene Waddell. Prior to taking her class on the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership in 2015. I was stuck. I was stuck concerning my career, I was stuck concerning the call of God on my life and I was stuck as a husband/Father. I simply did not have vision. My entire life I had thought so little of myself, it was clearly affecting every part of my life that I was supposed to lead. I knew I was a natural born leader. I just didn't have the proper tools to level up. Shortly after taking her course, I raised my ceiling and became a supervisor at the current job. I began building my credit to prepare myself to purchase a home. Because of my resume as a leader from the current job I was able to land a career Job elsewhere. Less than a year working at this job I became a supervisor; we purchased a home and a vehicle. Her class gave me the courage to become a visionary for my family and my career. Last, but not least her course made me aware of the people that I lead. That a leader is no greater than the people he leads. Everywhere I go I make a conscious decision to add value to those I lead. To make leaders and disciples of anyone who is willing to grow. I tell her all the time. I am indebted to her. The impact she has had on my life cannot be measured.

It gives me great pleasure to write this recommendation letter, on behalf of Charlene Waddell, who is a phenomenal and brilliant speaker . We have known Charlene Waddell for over 10 years and have found Charlene to be a woman of great character and integrity, which speaks volumes to why many seek her out as a speaker and respect the knowledge and information she well capable to communicate. Grace Church International Spring Valley, Inc., have used Charlene for many gatherings, special events, conferences, mentoring, counseling, and training, etc. Charlene's accomplishments are numerous, besides being educated and a well-read individual, she is balanced, talented, dedicated, hardworking, and always looking to evolve and sharpen her skills. I highly recommend Charlene Waddell, and have found her to be an excellent communicator, motivational speaker and coach who have worked with leaders, individuals, organizations, team training, coaching and professional development, just to name a few. Charlene Waddell currently serves at The John Maxwell Team as Executive Director which speaks to her skillfulness, Expertise, knowledge, and proficiency. You can't go wrong with making her apart of your team.