Real Conversations. Practical Insight. Lasting Impact.
Commercial real estate attorney. Business owner. Wife, mom, and daughter navigating real-life responsibility—bringing clarity, confidence, and perspective to every room.
About My Speaking
My approach to speaking is grounded, honest, and practical.
I do not speak from theory alone. I speak from lived experience—building a professional career while managing the real responsibilities of life. That perspective allows me to connect with audiences in a way that is both relatable and actionable.
Whether speaking to students, emerging professionals, or experienced leaders, my goal is simple: to help people think more clearly, show up more confidently, and move forward with intention.
Signature Talks
Keep Going: The Real Definition of Winning
Audience: Students, community groups, early professionals
Overview:
This talk reframes success by focusing on persistence rather than perfection. It addresses setbacks, stalled progress, and the role of hope in long-term achievement.
Audience Takeaway:
Attendees leave with a renewed commitment to consistency and a more accurate definition of what it means to win.
You Can’t Pour From Empty: Ambition, Responsibility, and Real Life
Audience: Professionals, women’s groups, leadership audiences
Overview:
A candid look at managing ambition alongside real-life responsibilities. This session addresses overwhelm, unrealistic expectations, and how to build a sustainable approach to success.
Audience Takeaway:
Participants gain practical strategies for prioritization, boundary-setting, and maintaining momentum without burnout.
What You’re Really Selling: Rethinking Value and Professional Identity
Audience: Professionals, entrepreneurs, attorneys
Overview:
This talk challenges transactional thinking and reframes how professionals understand and communicate their value. It focuses on clarity, positioning, and long-term relationship building.
Audience Takeaway:
Participants learn how to articulate their value with confidence and align their work with meaningful impact.
What Audiences Gain
Audiences leave my sessions with:
Greater clarity in how they see themselves and their path forward
Increased confidence in how they show up personally and professionally
Practical tools they can apply immediately
A stronger understanding of resilience and long-term growth
Expanded awareness of opportunities and career pathways
Why Book Me
I bring a combination of perspectives that is both practical and uncommon.
As a commercial real estate attorney and business owner, I understand professional expectations, performance, and value. As a wife, mother, and daughter to aging parents, I understand the realities people are navigating outside of work.
That combination allows me to deliver content that is not only insightful, but realistic and usable.
My sessions are engaging, structured, and designed to create both reflection and action.
Book Charla to Speak
If you are looking for a speaker who brings clarity, authenticity, and practical insight—while genuinely connecting with your audience—I would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
To inquire about availability, speaking topics, or customized sessions, please reach out.
Comfortable With Me: The Shift That Changes Everything
Audience: Students, young professionals, emerging leaders
Overview:
A powerful conversation about identity, self-perception, and how the way we see ourselves shapes how others experience us. This talk challenges the instinct to overthink and self-protect, and replaces it with grounded confidence and authenticity.
Audience Takeaway:
Participants walk away with a clearer sense of self and practical ways to show up with confidence and intention.
Expanding the Map: Careers You Were Never Told About
Audience: Students, career changers, early professionals
Overview:
An eye-opening session designed to broaden awareness of career paths beyond the obvious. Drawing from experience in commercial real estate and law-adjacent roles, this talk emphasizes exposure, access, and strategic curiosity.
Audience Takeaway:
Attendees leave with new ideas, better questions, and a clearer sense of how to explore opportunities they may not have previously considered.
Who I Speak To
I work with organizations and groups that are invested in growth, development, and long-term impact, including:
Students and academic institutions
Young professionals and emerging leaders
Professional organizations and associations
Corporate and leadership teams
Each session is tailored to meet the audience where they are—while still delivering clear, actionable insight.
What Audiences Are Saying
“Your engagement and authenticity set the tone for an inspiring and educational experience. Several attendees noted that the interactive components and worksheets were especially helpful and challenged them to think more intentionally about how they present themselves—both in and outside the workplace.
We deeply appreciate your contribution to advancing the professional development of women of color attorneys and strengthening our legal community.”
— Feedback after LIWOCA
“I love that you are sharing the CREW message and program with as many people as possible. You are pretty amazing.”
— Fellow CREW Member
Charla Mcklevey. Top Youth Motivational & Inspirational Speaker. 