Emilie Bree Carlino
Emilie Bree Carlino tells us that, “I’m a seasoned workforce development specialist and career coach with over 15 years of experience. As the President of my Lehigh Valley consulting firm, I excel in internal mobility, career transitions, and talent development. Honored as a 2024 Lehigh Valley Business Woman of Influence, I am passionate about mentoring, leadership development, and promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I co-founded the SHINE Women’s Empowerment group and recently launched a career transition program with FIA NOW Employment Solutions. My mission is to foster growth and development with a compassionate, value-driven approach. Let’s elevate your career together!”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
In navigating my career as a woman in my industry, I’ve encountered multifaceted challenges that have tested my resolve and fortitude. As a single mother struggling to make ends meet, I recognized the need to carve out my own path, armed with nothing but determination and a relentless drive to succeed. Balancing education with familial responsibilities was no small feat, as I pursued my bachelor’s degree over five years, later obtaining my master’s degree and various certificates in leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence.
Despite my qualifications, I often found myself overlooked for job opportunities, witnessing less experienced male counterparts secure roles I aspired to. Early in my career, I grappled with imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate in professional settings. Yet, I refused to let setbacks define me. Instead, I embraced every mistake as a learning opportunity, steadfast in my belief that with dedication, any goal was within reach.
My journey toward professional growth was marked by countless late nights spent acquiring new skills, facing setbacks that threatened to derail my progress, and confronting moments of self-doubt that shook me to my core. Through it all, however, I remained resolute in my commitment not only to my own success but also to uplifting others on their paths.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
A pivotal moment came during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the passing of my mother serving as a profound wake-up call. It underscored the transient nature of life and reinforced the importance of honoring those who paved the way for us. In her memory, I embarked on a bold venture—launching my own career coaching business. While leaving behind the security of a corporate job was daunting, it was a decision rooted in purpose and fueled by a burning desire to effect meaningful change, particularly in empowering women to realize their full potential.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
To all the aspiring young women entrepreneurs, let me start by saying this: you hold the power to reshape the world. As you step outside your comfort zones, you ignite the possibility of true growth—not just within yourselves, but within the industries and communities you touch.
The change I would love to see in the world, given the opportunity, is one where inclusivity and diversity are not just goals or quotas, but the natural state of being. I envision a business landscape where women lead alongside men, not just as exceptions, but as equals, across all levels and sectors- AND pay scales! Where your ideas, no matter how big or small, are valued based on their merit and the impact they promise.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women’s leadership today is not just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about reshaping the entire architecture of the workplace. As women climb to the top of various sectors, they bring diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to leadership that challenge the traditional paradigms.
The growing presence of women in leadership roles is proving to be a transformative force. It’s about more than equality; it’s about leveraging a broader range of experiences and insights that drive better decision-making and create more inclusive, dynamic workplaces. Women leaders tend to emphasize collaboration and empathy, skills that are increasingly recognized as critical for successful leadership in the modern world.
Moreover, women in leadership roles serve as powerful role models for the next generation, showing that leadership is not confined to one gender and inspiring more young women and girls to aim high. This visibility is crucial for ongoing progress and for encouraging more women to pursue and achieve leadership positions.
As we witness this shift, it’s essential to continue supporting and empowering women at all levels of their careers. The journey is far from over, and every step forward not only cracks the ceiling a bit more but also lays the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
In a tribute to my mother’s enduring influence and armed with a vision to foster a culture of empowerment, I ventured into the entrepreneurial realm, establishing a career coaching enterprise dedicated to guiding individuals, particularly women, towards realizing and embracing their inherent worth. This pivot to entrepreneurship, while fraught with uncertainties, epitomizes the essence of my journey: confronting challenges head-on, learning from each stumble, and channeling my story into a beacon of inspiration and mentorship for others navigating their paths through the complexities of professional environments.
This narrative is not just mine but a shared experience among many women, underscoring the importance of resilience, self-belief, and collective support in overcoming the pervasive doubts that shadow our accomplishments. Through this shared journey, we not only challenge the status quo but also pave the way for a future where self-worth is not a constant battle but a foundational truth recognized across all arenas of life
My Motto & Mission is to: Cultivate Confidence, Celebrate Change – Lead with Empowerment.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Believe in your vision, embrace the discomfort of the unknown, and remember: you are not just participating in the marketplace; you are here to revolutionize it. Your unique perspective is what will drive innovation and foster environments where creativity and resilience are nurtured.
Dream big, take the leap, and may your journey be a testament to the power of believing in yourself. The world awaits your spark—are you ready to ignite it?