Words that Move People.

Leadership that Moves Business.

Charlene delivers powerful keynotes as a top female leadership speaker—challenging thinking, igniting courage, and transforming culture through bold, authentic messages.

Trusted by Leading Brands

Organizations that have trusted Charlene to inspire, challenge, and move their people to action.

From Underestimated to Unstoppable—This is Why I Speak…

I didn’t choose to be underestimated—but I chose what to do with it.

As a Black woman keynote speaker, former C-suite executive, and lifelong barrier breaker, I speak because I’ve lived through moments where being seen, heard, and valued wasn’t guaranteed. I know what it means to lead while navigating systems that weren’t built for you—and to rise anyway. Today, I use my voice to ignite others. Whether I’m delivering a keynote to 500 leaders, guiding a culture transformation, or empowering women to lead with authenticity, my message is always the same:

It’s choice—not chance—that changes everything.

I speak to remind leaders—especially those who feel invisible, underestimated, or overextended—that their story, their voice, and their leadership matter. Not just in theory, but in business, in culture, and in the bottom line.

Let's talk about my availabilty!

Signature Keynotes

Each of Charlene’s keynotes blends real-world experience, transformative storytelling, and actionable insight. Whether you're looking to energize your team, shift your culture, or empower your emerging leaders, these keynotes deliver inspiration with impact.

Charlene Wheeless, C-suite executive turned executive coach for women leaders, standing confidently in a modern office setting.

It’s Choice, Not Chance, that Changes Everything

Lead with intention. Live with purpose.

Success isn’t a guarantee of fulfillment—especially when you’re stuck chasing approval, perfection, or someone else’s definition of success. In this transformative keynote, Charlene delivers her signature SOAR framework and the powerful tool of “Seven Seconds of Courage” to help audiences stop performing and start choosing. Packed with compelling storytelling and practical insights, this talk empowers leaders to lead boldly, reclaim their power, and make choices that align with who they are and where they’re going.

✅ Best for: Corporate leadership, conferences, all-level employee audiences 🛠 Frameworks: SOAR-M², Seven Seconds of Courage

Unstoppable Women: Leading with Confidence, Clarity & Courage

Own your voice. Take up space. Lead on your terms.

This empowering keynote speaks directly to women leaders who are ready to stop holding back. Charlene delivers an inspiring call to action for women—especially those navigating bias, burnout, and invisibility—to lead with courage, clarity, and unapologetic purpose. Equal parts inspiration and activation, this talk reignites agency and equips women to define leadership for themselves, not through someone else’s lens.

✅ Best for: Women’s summits, ERGs, high-potential women’s programs 🛠 Frameworks: SOAR-M², 7 Seconds of Courage, Impostor Syndrome Reframe

On Stage and in the Moment

Charlene doesn’t just speak—she shifts the room. Here’s a glimpse of her in action at leadership conferences, company offsites, and industry events around the world. Whether in the room or on screen, Charlene brings clarity, courage and connection to every audience.

Empowerment speaker Charlene Wheeless engaging an audience on women’s leadership and thriving in corporate culture.
Charlene Wheeless delivering a keynote on ethics and leadership to military professionals at a national character symposium.
Charlene Wheeless posing with U.S. military personnel after a keynote on inclusive leadership and resilience.
Charlene Wheeless delivering a keynote on inclusion and leadership at a university event, inspiring diverse audiences
Business speaker Charlene Wheeless addressing the U.S.Air Force Academy audience on courage, culture, and authentic leadership.

Through story and truth, Charlene reminds leaders what courage looks like in real time. She meets audiences where they are and moves them somewhere better.

Bring Charlene to Your Stage

  • “Every syllable of this talk rang with truth earned many times over. One participant said it felt ‘like church’—and the whole room agreed.

    Virtual Leadership Meeting Attendee

  • “Charlene didn’t just challenge our thinking—she challenged our culture. She helped us lead through adversity and lead with heart.”

    — Executive Leadership Program Attendee

  • “Her story was moving, but it was the call to action that stuck with me. I still have her words on a Post-it note on my monitor.”

    — Women in Leadership Summit Attendee

  • “Charlene didn’t just speak—she shifted the energy in the room. Weeks later, people are still quoting her.”

    VP, Global Tech Company

  • “She didn’t just give us a keynote—she gave us a wake-up call. My team left inspired, aligned, and ready to lead with courage and clarity.”

    — Senior Executive, Healthcare Industry

  • “I felt like my inner thoughts were spoken out loud and be validated. It’s always great to hear real stories from women who find their life’s path after working for 30+ years in corporate America. I needed this as I am at a crossroads myself after breast cancer.”

    — Lunch and Learn Program Attendee

  • “Our conversations last year have left a deep impression on me and probably changed me forever. I am much more self-authored and in control nowadays, aware of my skills and my little angel and devil that make me a whole human being.”

    — Medical Research and Development Executive

  • “Charlene spoke with passion and conviction about DE&I and the lived experience of Black women. Her honesty was professional, personal, and incredibly powerful.” Item

    — Brett Jewkes, EVP & Chief Brand Officer, AMB Sports + Entertainment

  • “Charlene is one of the most authentic speakers I’ve ever seen. She brings truth, vulnerability, and wisdom—and somehow makes you laugh while doing it.”

    — DEI & Culture Leader, Fortune 500 Company

  • “You radiate such power and purpose that I knew instantly you were one of those women who don't just walk in a room… you shift the atmosphere when you tell your story.”

    — Award Winning Speaker and Author

  • “We’ve brought in a lot of speakers over the years, but none have had the lasting impact Charlene has. She connects, she elevates, and she delivers results.”

    — VP, Global Learning & Development

  • “As a Black woman in PR, I felt seen, empowered, and uplifted. Charlene gave practical, real-world tools for driving inclusion and change.”

    — Public Relations Professional

Let’s make Your Next Event Unforgettable!

Empowerment speaker Charlene Wheeless standing in a boardroom, ready to deliver leadership coaching to high-performing women.
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Whether you're planning a high-energy leadership summit, an intimate retreat, or a corporate sales meeting, Charlene brings the inspiration, clarity, and impact your audience deserves.

Each keynote is tailored to the moment—and to the people in the room. Charlene delivers more than motivation; she creates messages that move people, shift mindsets, and spark lasting change.