business & leadership keynote speaker I seasoned executive I TRAILBLAZER
create cultures of
Choice, Not Chance
Charlene Wheeless is a multi-faceted powerhouse in the business world. An accomplished business leader with over 30 years of experience, she is highly sought-after as a keynote speaker and business and leadership advisor. Before starting her own firm, Wheeless served as the Principal Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs at Bechtel Corporation, a $40B engineering and infrastructure company where she provided C-suite counsel on marketing, business development, strategy, international affairs, and talent engagement. She was responsible for issues and crisis management, internal and external communications, reputation management, sustainability (ESG), and public affairs. She also partnered with the human resources organization on culture, employee relations, and DE&I. Her contributions to Bechtel were instrumental in establishing the company's renewed value proposition and focus on customer experience as a differentiator. She also served on the company’s ethics and knowledge management committees and was a member of the Bechtel PAC and the Bechtel Foundation board. Wheeless's multidisciplinary business skillset was honed through her extensive experience at multinational companies such as IBM, Raytheon, CGI, Northrup Grumman and DynCorp. At Raytheon’s Intelligence Division, she oversaw all facility operations for the company’s largest industrial facility in the Washington, DC, area—the first communications executive to ever do so—and received the coveted CEO Leadership Award for serving effectively in this dual capacity.
Trusted by Leading Global Organizations and Media Outlets
Charlene Wheeless is an accomplished business leader with over 30 years of experience. She is highly sought-after as a keynote speaker and business and leadership advisor. Before stating her firm, Wheeless served as the Principal Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs at Bechtel Corporation, a $40B engineering and infrastructure company where she provided C-suite counsel on marketing, business development, strategy, international affairs, and talent engagement. Her contributions were instrumental in establishing the company's renewed value proposition and focus on customer experience. Wheeless's multidisciplinary business skillset was honed at multinational companies such as IBM, Raytheon, CGI, Northrup Grumman and DynCorp. At Raytheon’s Intelligence Division, she oversaw facility operations for the company’s largest industrial facility in the Washington, DC, area—the first communications executive ever to do so—and received the coveted CEO Leadership Award for serving effectively in this dual capacity.
IT IS CHOICE, NOT CHANCE, THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING.
A culture of Choice, Not Chance addresses issues of employee engagement and decision-making efficiency, revitalizing your workforce and setting your organization on a path to greater innovation and market adaptability. By fostering a culture where employees are motivated, involved, and autonomous, you unlock a powerful dynamic that leads to enhanced performance, reduced turnover, and superior job satisfaction. This transformation into a flexible and resilient organization improves operational efficiency and boosts your brand's reputation, attracting loyal customers and dedicated employees. Invest in these foundational changes, and you'll see your company respond to market challenges and thrive amidst them, securing long-term success and sustainability. This keynote not only empowers organizations, it gives individuals the agency to engage and deliver discretionary performance consistently. The foundation of Choice is through Charlene’s organizational and individual empowerment model SOAR.
RESILIENT. AUTHENTIC. UNSHAKEABLE.
Charlene Wheeless is an internationally acclaimed speaker celebrated for empowering professionals and organizations. Charlene's experience spans working with global corporations like IBM, Google, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin, and her insights have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and on ABC and Fox News. 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 and award-winning book, "You Are Enough," encapsulates her journey and serves as a testament to her role as a transformative figure in leadership and personal growth. 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. 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.
“Coming from Charlene, who has the professional and personal experience to back it up, this talk was motivating and empowering.”
Work with Charlene
Keynote & inspirational Speaking
Are you looking to empower and motivate your employees and leaders to reach their full potential? Then look no further! I bring a message of inspiration, enthusiasm, empowerment, and actionable strategies that will captivate your audience and transform their perspectives.
Leadership Coaching
Are you ready to unlock your leadership potential and achieve extraordinary success? Look no further than our world-class leadership coaching programs. With our tailored assessments and transformative programs, including Advancing Women Leaders, DiSC, 5 Behaviors of a Team, and Stakeholder-Centered Coaching, we are here to empower you every step of the way. Our coaching approach is rooted in the principles of positive psychology, ensuring a holistic and empowering experience that will bring out the best version of yourself as a leader. Take charge of your professional journey today and join countless individuals who have already experienced remarkable growth and achieved their goals through our proven methodologies. It's time to lead with confidence, purpose, and impact!
Recent Media & Podcast Appearances
