540. Time to Be a Leader, Not Just a Performer

Carrie Wilkerson

Daughter of a pastor, Carrie sang in her father’s church almost every week. When she was ten, her dad told her, “It’s time for you to introduce your own song and tell a story, not just sing and sit down.” She protested. “I’m a singer, not a talker on stage!” Even at her young age, her father saw potential in her that she did not yet understand.

Carrie Wilkerson is a best-selling author and international speaker. From her experience as a former corporate clock-puncher, high school teacher, sales representative and business coach, she loves showing people how to transform their lives, relationships and bank accounts through core values and goal-setting. She has published a best-selling book, “The Barefoot Executive,” and has two others soon to go to press. A proud parent of four children, and a CEO, Carrie believes you can create a life you love with the people who matter most.

How Did You Start Using Your Talents?

“When I was little I was always told I had too many words. I often heard, ‘Carrie, hush!’ or ” ‘Carrie, don’t talk so much!’ Teachers were always moving me around in the classroom at school so I didn’t talk to my neighbors. Now, I get paid to use those words. I’m a word person. I’m leveraging those talents.”

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

Early in life, Carrie thought she would grow up to be a musical performer. My dad was a pastor, and I sang in his church almost every week. I always knew I would be on stage, but I really thought I’d be a singer or a performer. One week when I was about 10, my father said to me, ‘Carrie, it’s time for you to introduce your song and tell a story to make it relevant to everyone. You are no longer just going to walk up here, sing, and go sit down.’ I said, “Dad, no. I’m a singer, not a talker on stage.” And he replied, “Well, then you’re not going to be able to come on stage anymore. It’s time for you to stop performing and time for you to start leading.”

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

“Some of us need to take some risks and say, ‘I know this is not a part of my job, but I really see an opportunity. Would you mind if I took a stab at it on my own time? One of my gifts is X, Y, Z.’ We want the raises and the promotions, but we don’t want to raise our employer’s expectations of us until we are compensated for it. Maybe that’s the difference between that approach and being an entrepreneur: I’m willing to go above and beyond, even when I’m not paid for it, because I know eventually there will be a payday. I think employees can do the same thing. Sometimes when we are unsatisfied at work, it’s our own fault. We’re just not branching out and using our gifts.”

On Her Bookshelf

The Barefoot Executive: The Ultimate Guide for Being Your Own Boss and Achieving Financial Freedom, by Carrie Wilkerson

Steps to Success from Carrie Wilkerson

1. Pay attention to what excites you and keeps you awake, what nurtures your soul. Let that guide you.

2. Look for ways, right where you are, to let your gifts and talents “show up.”

3. Don’t just be a time-clock puncher. Be willing to go the extra distance, especially when you can use your gifts. Don’t be limited by your job description.

4. Bring your talents along, not as an add-on but as a work-in.