An Inspired Chat with Michelle Carlen

We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Carlen and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Michelle, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Painting! I’ve been painting watercolors and acrylics most of life and when I need to recharge myself or just destress I get out my paints. Literally, I paint pictures from photos in my phone or scenery that I’m visiting like when I’m at the beach, watching the sun set, or beautiful nature scenes. Five hours will go by and I’ll forget to eat or doing anything else. It’s heavenly!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a business consultant, strategist, professional development coach, and adviser. I formed Alignment Advising after spending my entire career in business management at multiple Chamber of Commerce’s and tourism agencies. Alignment is when our personal values align with the values of the profession that we’ve chosen. The same applies for organizations. When organization are in alignment with their core organizational values – the systems, processes, and people will find their “flow” and their goals will be more easily met.

At Alignment Advising we focus on closing those gaps that cause roadblocks or unintended obstacles. We provide organizational audit, strategic planning and goal setting, written plans like business or marketing plans, training, meeting facilitations and workshops in key professional development topics.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
When people have their own expectations of how they think others should act based on their own perceptions of that person, disappointment creeps in. I have seen this many times throughout my life and career. We forget sometimes that people are their own free agent and entity and the role that they play is there’s not our own, or our own story to craft on their behalf.

Never having expectations of those around us is helpful, that doesn’t mean we should set standards of conduct and behavior. Being an open minded person and respectful to all is what mends a relationship.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Right before COVID I launch my business, three months later we were on lock down. I had to completely rethink the services I was going to offer and lower my expectations for what could “be.” In essence I had to get creative, re-think what I was planning to do and literally go out on a limb to get my business name out there. Overtime, referrals came through and I started to develop a strong brand reputation which continues today. Many times I wanted to throw in the towel, but I haven’t and I’m glad I didn’t.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Being a person that cares for others and being a person of integrity. Doing the right thing, saying the right thing and being truthful helps inspire others.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That all anyone wants in this life is to be acknowledge, appreciated, respected, cared for and treated kindly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alignmentadvising.com/
• Instagram: @originalsbymcarlen
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecarlen/
• Other: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-michelle-carlen