From Small Town to Public Service: Charisse's Journey

Unmuted: Voices of Leaders

Kellye interviews Charisse Deschenes, exploring her journey from childhood in a small town to a career in public service. Charisse shares her experiences in local government, the challenges she faced, and the importance of taking a sabbatical for personal growth. She discusses her new venture, Lead from Center, which focuses on health coaching for leaders in local government, emphasizing the need for support and connection in the profession. The conversation highlights the significance of knowing one's values and the impact of community service.

Takeaways

• Charisse's diverse upbringing shaped her perspective on community.
• Her early passion for sports reflected her drive for excellence.
• Public service became a calling during her college years.
• Charisse's career path evolved from journalism to urban planning.
• She experienced significant challenges during her tenure in local government.
• The importance of community support was a recurring theme in her life.
• Taking a sabbatical was a crucial step for her mental health.
• Charisse aims to support local government leaders through health coaching.
• Her new venture, Lead from Center, focuses on leadership and wellness.
• Building connections and supporting one another is vital in public service.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Charisse's Journey
01:03 Early Life and Childhood Memories
05:35 Path to Public Service
09:28 College and Early Career Decisions
13:27 Highlights of Public Service Career
16:48 Challenges in Local Government
19:12 Navigating Turbulent Times in Leadership
19:21 Stepping Up in Leadership
22:45 The Importance of Mental Health
24:20 Taking a Sabbatical for Self-Discovery
26:45 Launching Lead from Center
32:15 Hope and Resilience in Local Government
33:30 Creating a Lasting Legacy
36:49 The Power of Support and Values