Why I Speak
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 the 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.
This is why I speak.
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.
It’s Choice, Not Chance That Changes Everything
This transformative keynote empowers audiences to embrace self-leadership, build courage, and make intentional choices that drive real change. Charlene challenges leaders—especially women and rising professionals—to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start choosing impact, purpose, and growth today.
Unstoppable Women: Leading with Confidence, Clarity & Courage
Leadership isn’t about waiting for the right moment—it’s about owning who you are and how you lead. This bold and empowering keynote inspires women to lead with confidence, clarity, and unapologetic purpose. Audiences walk away with a renewed sense of agency, ready to lead boldly in rooms where they once held back.
Creating Unstoppable Cultures by Choice
Culture isn’t accidental—it’s a choice. This high-impact keynote teaches leaders how to create intentional, inclusive, and future-ready cultures that fuel business performance. Audiences learn how to align behaviors, build trust, and drive sustainable success—on purpose.
Lessons from Being Invisible: How to SOAR and Be Seen
In too many rooms, voices go unheard. This inspiring keynote equips individuals and organizations with tools to overcome professional invisibility, amplify their impact, and build cultures where every voice is seen, heard, and valued. Rooted in Charlene’s proprietary SOAR Framework, this talk is a game-changer for organizations ready to empower their people.
Strategic Influence: Mastering Powerful Communication for Peak Performance
Communication is a business strategy—if you use it intentionally. This keynote gives leaders the tools to communicate with power, clarity, and purpose. From boardrooms to all-hands meetings, Charlene shows how to align messaging, strengthen presence, and increase influence to drive high-performance results.
Ready to bring one of these powerful keynotes to your team or event?
Let’s talk about how Charlene can energize your audience and inspire lasting change.
Trusted by Leading Brands
Organizations that have trusted Charlene to inspire, challenge, and move their people to action.
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.
Virtual, Hybrid, or Live—Charlene Delivers Every Time!
Whether in the room or on screen, Charlene brings clarity, courage and connection to every audience.
What Clients Are Saying About Charlene's Keynotes and Leadership Coaching
“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 Session Attendee
“Charlene didn’t just speak—she shifted the energy in the room. Weeks later, people are still quoting her.”
— VP, Global Tech Company
“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
“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
“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
“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
“Charlene spoke with passion and conviction about DE&I and the lived experience of Black women. Her honesty was professional, personal, and incredibly powerful.”
— Brett Jewkes, EVP & Chief Brand Officer, AMB Sports + Entertainment
“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
“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
Ready to bring Charlene’s Impact to Your Leadership Team?
Let’s talk about how she helps audiences rise, energizes leaders, and transforms company culture from the inside out. Whether you’re planning a keynote or seeking executive coaching, real change starts here.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment—choose the impact you want to create.
Check AvailabilityLet’s make Your Next Event Unforgettable!
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.