It’s Choice, not Chance, that Changes Everything.
Be Bold. Be Intentional. Be Unstoppable.
Charlene Wheeless is a keynote speaker and executive coach helping women and organizations lead with courage, authenticity, and impact.
Empowering leaders through self-leadership, courage, and intentional action.
Inspirational Speaker & Leadership Strategist
In life and leadership, there are Moments that Matter—the ones that define our path, shift our perspective, and demand action. They don’t wait for us to be ready. They expect it.
I’ve led in some of the world’s most demanding arenas—from the streets of Oakland to the sidelines of the NFL to Fortune 500 boardrooms. And I’ve learned one powerful truth: empowered people empower others. When leaders embrace courage and authenticity, cultures shift, performance rises, and real impact follows.
“Empowered people empower people. It starts with how we choose to lead ourselves.”
On every stage, I share practical, purpose-driven tools to fuel transformation and equip executives and emerging leaders with practical, purpose-driven tools to lead with vision and unlock potential at every level. Because when we choose courage over comfort, intention over instinct, and purpose over pressure—that’s when transformation begins.
Women Executives
I Am a Former C-suite Executive Who Helps
Thrive at Business and Life
I help women in leadership recognize the three Moments that Matter—those pivotal decision points that determine whether you stall… or SOAR.
Miss them, and progress stalls. Crush them, and you rise.
Learn how to spot those moments—and lead through them with courage, clarity, and intentional action.
One of the 10 Most Admired Women Leaders in Business
I was honored to be featured in Entrepreneurial Outlook’s 2025 list of the most admired women in business—recognizing my leadership as a keynote speaker and executive coach. The article highlights my work transforming organizational culture through resilience authenticity, and intentionalleadership.
Read the Article
Courage Doesn’t Wait
In her powerful TEDx talk, Charlene Wheeless shares how courage, choice, and self-leadership transformed her life—and how they can transform yours. With lessons drawn from the boardroom to the battlefield of personal challenge, this talk inspires leaders to act boldly, lead authentically, and never wait for the ‘right time’ to rise.
“This talk changed how I lead my team—and myself.”
– Workshop participant, Fortune 100 company
As Seen On TEDx
“Coming from Charlene, who has the professional and personal experience to back it up, this talk was motivating and empowering.”
— Symposium Attendee, National Character & Leadership Symposium, U.S. Air Force AcademyWhy Charlene?
100,000+ People Already Know—Now it’s Your Turn!
Charlene Wheeless has empowered over 100,000 professionals, women leaders, and executive teams across the globe with courageous leadership strategies, real-world business insights, and authentic communication techniques that drive results.
“Charlene delivers with the rare mix of real-world grit and heart-led wisdom. One of the best we’ve ever had.”
Building Better Teams One Choice at a Time
Cohesive leadership teams drive results, but building that cohesion isn’t a quick fix—it’s a journey. 🚀 In my new article, I talk about how intentional choices, ongoing learning, and a little bravery can transform any team. And speaking of bravery, I’m spotlighting a friend’s new book too! 📖 Dive in!
The Power of Shared Narratives
“You can’t truly see the world clearly until you see it through everyone’s eyes.” When this sentiment brushed across my ears recently, it lingered, gently nudging at a wisdom that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary. Our vision, often, is singular – shaped by our experiences, our prejudices, and our blind spots. 
Is Feedback Really a Gift?
In the professional world, feedback is often heralded as a quintessential personal and organizational growth tool. "Feedback is a gift," they say. But let's be honest, how many of us have unwrapped this so-called "gift" to find something less than pleasant inside?
Leadership by Choice: Choose Your Destiny
You've likely heard the phrase, “Every champion has a coach.” Look at any elite athlete - Serena Williams, LeBron James, or Lionel Messi - and you'll quickly realize they didn't achieve greatness solely on their own. So, if athletes at the pinnacle of their sport seek coaching, why should leaders be any different?
Rethinking the American Dream and The Decline of Hustle Culture
Once upon a time, in a land fueled by caffeine and ambition, the American Dream looked a lot like steady jobs, suburban houses, the pursuit of material prosperity, and maybe even a golden retriever named Buddy. Today? Not so much. 
Overcoming “Traditional” Structures
Navigating traditional environments as an individual that is considered anything but “traditional” is the everyday reality for many. Finding personal value during this process is an added complication.