Name: Charente Carr

Title: Founder

Organisation: JCLV21

Charente Carr: A beacon of resilience and holistic leadership, Charente navigated childhood adversities to become an inspiring Holistic Business Coach and Consultant, Makeup Artist, Speaker, and Virtual Assistant Teacher. Through her businesses - JCLV, JCLV21, The Glow Up 888, and Charente Carr Events - she crafts holistic spaces where personal and professional growth intertwine. Charente's transformational coaching, entrepreneurship, and podcasts reflect her commitment to guiding others toward holistic well-being and personal fulfillment. Her journey from overcoming significant health challenges to empowering others showcases her unwavering determination and embodies the essence of true leadership.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Charente's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Balancing empathy with assertiveness has been a significant challenge for me. It's vital to connect with others on a human level, yet maintaining assertiveness is crucial for effective leadership. Striking this balance has been a continuous learning curve. Additionally, I've learned not to overextend myself to the point of compromising my well-being. Recognizing the importance of self-care in leadership has been transformative in my journey.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey into leadership started early, shaped by adversity and moments of profound resilience. It all started when my family affectionately called me " Chairman of the Board" when I was just two, setting the stage for my natural inclination toward leadership.

In my early years, I faced the absence of my father, and by the age of twelve, I delved into personal growth, excelling in academics while immersing myself in leadership books.

During my teenage years marked by hospitalizations and struggles, I found strength in facing my health issues head-on and navigating homelessness with my mom. Despite doctors' grim predictions, my determination to overcome prevailed. These moments were pivotal, teaching me resilience and the power of sheer will.

During this challenging time, I not only battled my own health issues but also helped classmates from the LGBTQIA+ community accept themselves, preventing self-harm. These experiences molded my empathy and compassion, fostering leadership qualities. Even amidst hospital stays, I continued my studies, maintaining a commitment to learning and growth.

In those difficult times, my leadership skills were tested. Managing not just my own challenges but also being there for my mother during her declining health became a testament to my strength. The responsibility of managing our household in Las Vegas while she battled illness molded my character and solidified my leadership qualities.

My experiences as a clarinetist, athlete, and Sunday School teacher in my youth laid the foundation for my leadership journey. These roles taught me discipline, teamwork, and compassion — qualities crucial for effective leadership.

In essence, my journey to leadership was not a single defining moment but a series of challenges and triumphs. Each obstacle, including my own health battles, shaped me into the leader I am today, teaching me the importance of empathy, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. Through my writing and my ability to connect with others, I found my voice and the courage to guide my peers. My journey, though filled with hurdles, taught me the power of perseverance, empathy, and self-expression, qualities that define my leadership style.

Through it all, I learned that true leadership stems from embracing challenges, learning from them, and emerging stronger, which has been my guiding principle ever since.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

In my daily routine, I prioritize self-care and personal well-being in the mornings. I begin my day with affirmations, self-care routine, and a nutritious meal. Afterward, I review my calendar to plan my tasks for the day, balancing my responsibilities for my employer and managing my various businesses. I take breaks throughout the day to maintain my productivity. By 7:00 p.m., I resume my self-care activities, ensuring a balance between work and personal life. Each day varies, adapting to the demands of my diverse roles.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Two weeks ago, I encountered a valuable leadership lesson. It was a period when I began receiving daily criticisms from various individuals regarding my teaching, speaking, and adaptability in different environments. Simultaneously, I had to undergo emergency surgery to remove my appendix. Through this experience, I gained insight into the nature of criticism – that often, it reflects more about the critics than about myself. I learned to accept criticism with empathy, understanding that it may be a reflection of where others are in their own journeys. Additionally, this time taught me the importance of listening to my body and not pushing myself beyond reasonable limits. Lastly, I embraced the significance of delegation as a leader, recognizing that I couldn't do everything alone.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

There are two books that immediately come to mind when reflecting on this question. The first book is "The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma. This concept outlines a time management strategy where one wakes up at 5 AM to engage in a structured morning routine involving exercise, planning, and study. This book has had a profound impact on my leadership by emphasizing the importance of disciplined time management.

The second book is "Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life" by Nir Eyal. This book provides valuable insights on staying focused in a world filled with distractions. It has taught me to take control of my attention and prioritize what truly matters, both personally and professionally.

One notable instance where these principles proved invaluable was when a friend from the East Coast reached out to me during the middle of my workday, seeking emotional support. Thanks to my morning routine and effective time management, I had the mental clarity and energy to provide them with the support they needed. By being present for them and offering encouragement, they felt significantly better and were able to enjoy a peaceful night's rest – something they hadn't experienced in a long time. These books have not only enhanced my leadership but also my ability to positively impact the lives of those around me.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, I would say, "Don't forget to focus on developing all areas of your life, including your emotional intelligence. During your early adult years, take the time to 'reparent' yourself, which will enable you to build the empathy needed to support teams across the world."

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One meaningful story that stands out from my journey as a leader involves a serendipitous encounter at Dutch Bros. I have always appreciated Dutch Bros not just for their coffee but also for the genuine connections their baristas create with customers. During one visit, I struck up a conversation with a barista, and as we caught up, they confided in me about their aspirations for personal growth. Knowing my background as a life coach, they expressed a desire to work with me.

We embarked on a coaching journey together, and I provided them with a structured set of assignments to guide their development. Remarkably, within a mere month, their life began to transform in ways they had envisioned. This positive change extended beyond their personal growth and even influenced their personal life as they found a supportive life partner.

What makes this story particularly meaningful to me is the reminder that it's often the seemingly small interactions that can lead to profound changes in people's lives. It reinforces the idea that as a leader and coach, our impact can resonate far beyond our initial expectations. In a touching display of reciprocity, during my battle with appendicitis, this same individual went out of their way to ensure I had the essentials when I was discharged from the hospital. It's a testament to the power of leadership and the beauty of the connections we forge along the way. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their life and for the kindness they showed me in return.