CHARLENE WHEELESS

CHARLENE WHEELESS

ICF

VA, US

Charlene's TEDx talk "CHOICE NOT CHANCE!" and other presentations offer actionable strategies for surmounting workplace challenges and making life-altering decisions.

Charlene Wheeless is an internationally acclaimed speaker, celebrated for empowering professionals through her keynote, "SOAR AND BE SEEN." Her background as an NFL cheerleader laid the foundation for her commanding stage presence, captivating audiences worldwide. Charlene's TEDx talk "CHOICE NOT CHANCE!" and other presentations offer actionable strategies for surmounting workplace challenges and making life-altering decisions. Charlene's experience spans working with global corporations like IBM, Google, and Lockheed Martin, and her insights have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and on ABC and Fox News. A member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches and holding certifications from Georgetown University and the ICF, she is recognized as a leader in her field. Charlene's impact is further evidenced by her accolades, including being named a “Woman Worth Watching” and one of the “25 Influential Black Women in Business.” Her best-selling book, "You Are Enough!," encapsulates her journey and serves as a testament to her role as a transformative figure in leadership and personal growth.


MEET CHARLENE!


From Spotlight to Stage

With her origins as an NFL cheerleader captivating millions, Charlene Wheeless mastered the art of stage presence at a young age. This experience laid the foundation for her mission to empower ambitious women to lead lives marked by unapologetic authenticity. Her acclaimed keynote, "Soar and Be Seen," inspires professionals and leaders to embrace life and work challenges with fearless authenticity.


Trailblazer and Businesswoman

A visionary in business and equity, Charlene's impactful role as a senior advisor (former) at APCO Worldwide and other endeavors showcases her enviable business acumen and her commitment to social equity. As a trailblazing force in both arenas, she sets an example for how businesses can progress with a conscience.


Sought After Speaker

The voice of courage and agency, Charlene

is renowned for her discussions on pivotal themes such as overcoming powerlessness and championing personal agency through the power of choice. Testimonials describe her as "bold, fearless, and unforgettable," attesting to her ability to unlock courage and authenticity in individuals and teams across various sectors.


Why Charlene is the Speaker You Need--Dynamic Presence, Poignant Message

Charlene's exceptional stage presence, combined with her genuine storytelling, draws audiences into a shared journey of empowerment and self-realization. Her ability to relate life's surprises to profound learnings makes her an indispensable voice at any speaking engagement.


Why Charlene is the Leader to Learn From--Impactful and Growth-Centric Approach

With a proven track record of transforming organizations and nurturing explosive growth, Charlene Wheeless holds the key to unveiling the potential within aspiring leaders and change adopters.


Community Steward--Advocate for Inclusive Excellence

Beyond her corporate achievements, Charlene dedicates her efforts to boards like NO MORE and the Diversity Action Alliance, championing inclusion and diversity in workplaces and communities.


Key Achievements--From Cheerleader to Change-Leader

  • The success of her best-selling book reflects her significant impact on the personal and professional lives of many.
  • Her substantial contributions towards successful mergers and acquisitions have led companies to profitable rebranding and integrations.
  • Charlene's personal transformation post-cancer diagnosis emphasizes her philosophy: changing oneself to better serve the world.


THE 5 KEY TIMES CLIENTS HIRE CHARLENE:

When they need to inspire and motivate their teams to be a catalyst for change, fueling empowerment and action

When they need practical guidance to transform intention into impactful leadership actions

When they need a cultural revolution of individual empowerment as the driving force for creating a workplace culture steeped in intentionality, agency, and purpose.

When individuals feel their lives and careers are predominantly shaped by chance, leading to a lack of direction, purpose, and alignment with the organization

When you need to foster growth and cultivate a mindset that triumphs over adversity


Charlene Wheeless isn’t just a speaker; she's an innovator, a source of resilience, and a mentor who inspires individuals and organizations embrace change and possibilities to soar beyond perceived limitations. With her compelling narrative and transformative insights, Charlene is a distinguished choice for engagements aimed at catalyzing change and fostering bold leadership.

Charlene Wheeless is an internationally acclaimed speaker, celebrated for empowering professionals through her keynote, "SOAR AND BE SEEN." Her background as an NFL cheerleader laid the foundation for her commanding stage presence, captivating audiences worldwide. Charlene's TEDx talk "CHOICE NOT CHANCE!" and other presentations offer actionable strategies for surmounting workplace challenges and making life-altering decisions. Charlene's experience spans working with global corporations like IBM, Google, and Lockheed Martin, and her insights have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and on ABC and Fox News. A member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches and holding certifications from Georgetown University and the ICF, she is recognized as a leader in her field. Charlene's impact is further evidenced by her accolades, including being named a “Woman Worth Watching” and one of the “25 Influential Black Women in Business.” Her best-selling book, "You Are Enough!," encapsulates her journey and serves as a testament to her role as a transformative figure in leadership and personal growth.


MEET CHARLENE!


From Spotlight to Stage

With her origins as an NFL cheerleader captivating millions, Charlene Wheeless mastered the art of stage presence at a young age. This experience laid the foundation for her mission to empower ambitious women to lead lives marked by unapologetic authenticity. Her acclaimed keynote, "Soar and Be Seen," inspires professionals and leaders to embrace life and work challenges with fearless authenticity.


Trailblazer and Businesswoman

A visionary in business and equity, Charlene's impactful role as a senior advisor (former) at APCO Worldwide and other endeavors showcases her enviable business acumen and her commitment to social equity. As a trailblazing force in both arenas, she sets an example for how businesses can progress with a conscience.


Sought After Speaker

The voice of courage and agency, Charlene

is renowned for her discussions on pivotal themes such as overcoming powerlessness and championing personal agency through the power of choice. Testimonials describe her as "bold, fearless, and unforgettable," attesting to her ability to unlock courage and authenticity in individuals and teams across various sectors.


Why Charlene is the Speaker You Need--Dynamic Presence, Poignant Message

Charlene's exceptional stage presence, combined with her genuine storytelling, draws audiences into a shared journey of empowerment and self-realization. Her ability to relate life's surprises to profound learnings makes her an indispensable voice at any speaking engagement.


Why Charlene is the Leader to Learn From--Impactful and Growth-Centric Approach

With a proven track record of transforming organizations and nurturing explosive growth, Charlene Wheeless holds the key to unveiling the potential within aspiring leaders and change adopters.


Community Steward--Advocate for Inclusive Excellence

Beyond her corporate achievements, Charlene dedicates her efforts to boards like NO MORE and the Diversity Action Alliance, championing inclusion and diversity in workplaces and communities.


Key Achievements--From Cheerleader to Change-Leader

  • The success of her best-selling book reflects her significant impact on the personal and professional lives of many.
  • Her substantial contributions towards successful mergers and acquisitions have led companies to profitable rebranding and integrations.
  • Charlene's personal transformation post-cancer diagnosis emphasizes her philosophy: changing oneself to better serve the world.


THE 5 KEY TIMES CLIENTS HIRE CHARLENE:

When they need to inspire and motivate their teams to be a catalyst for change, fueling empowerment and action

When they need practical guidance to transform intention into impactful leadership actions

When they need a cultural revolution of individual empowerment as the driving force for creating a workplace culture steeped in intentionality, agency, and purpose.

When individuals feel their lives and careers are predominantly shaped by chance, leading to a lack of direction, purpose, and alignment with the organization

When you need to foster growth and cultivate a mindset that triumphs over adversity


Charlene Wheeless isn’t just a speaker; she's an innovator, a source of resilience, and a mentor who inspires individuals and organizations embrace change and possibilities to soar beyond perceived limitations. With her compelling narrative and transformative insights, Charlene is a distinguished choice for engagements aimed at catalyzing change and fostering bold leadership.

Soar and Be Seen: Breaking Down Barriers for Explosive Growth

Format: 40_ minute speech and 30 minute Q&A

 

This program is perfect for:

diverse employees

  • all employees, especially leaders

 

The audience will leave with:

  • Individuals with leave with Agency, Ownership, Growth, Inspiration, and Empowerment


Organizational payoffs: 

  • More...
Inspirational / Life-changing

Choice Not Chance

Format: 60-minute keynote, including 15-20 minute Q&A or Fireside Chat

 

This program is perfect for:

  • universal audience
  • people looking to build resilience, courage, character and conviction
  • business audiences of men and women wanting to understand better how to drive personal and professional change
  • audiences wanting to better understand diversity, equity and inclusion through lived...
BusinessEmpowermentCorporate CultureWomen in LeadershipInclusionInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

Lessons from Being Invisible: Make the Invisible, Visible

Format: 60 minute keynote with 15-20 minute Q&A

 

This program is perfect for:

  • Universal audience
  • Women and underrepresented groups looking to take charge of their careers and their lives
  • Men looking to manage better, lead, and support women and people from underrepresented groups
  • People who want to understand and learn how bias shows up and how to counter...
BusinessEmpowermentAdversityInclusionEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingCommunication

LEAD - Leadership Program

Format: 3/4 day-long workshops for high-potential and emerging leaders employees

 

This program is perfect for:

  • Companies/HR Leaders looking to develop strategic leadership and business programs for high potential employees and leaders from various disciplines


 

The audience will leave with:

  • Business Acumen and Strategy
  • Thinking like a...
BusinessEducational / InformativeTechnical / Specific

7 Seconds of Courage

Format: 45 minute keynote including Q&A

 

This program is perfect for:

  • Universal personal and professional attendees

 

The audience will leave with:

  • Actionable steps to conquer fear and create a mindset of choice
  • Actionable steps to cultivate choice, courage, character and conviction to make change

 

Seven seconds of courage is a...

EmpowermentAdversityCorporate CultureEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing