Underrated To Unstoppable

Charlene Wheeless

Step into bold truth, untold stories, and unstoppable leadership. In Underrated to Unstoppable, Charlene Wheeless invites you behind the scenes of resilience, reinvention, and rising with purpose. From surviving breast cancer to climbing the corporate ladder, her journey is a blueprint for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, underestimated, or just plain exhausted. Each episode features candid conversations, revealing the moments that changed everything — the choice to speak up, the courage to be visible, and the decision to lead from who you already are. Whether you’re a corporation, a woman in mid-career, or a leader hungry for authenticity, this podcast will meet you where you are and invite you to the next level. Because you weren’t chosen to blend in, you were chosen to rise.

Episodes

  1. Underrated To Unstoppable - Chris West

    Feb 27

    Underrated To Unstoppable - Chris West

    In this episode of Underrated to Unstoppable, Charlene sits down with Chris West, founder of Video Narrative, for an honest conversation about self-trust, identity, and what happens when you finally stop abandoning yourself to meet everyone else’s expectations. Chris shares the deeply personal shift that changed his life. Learning that true leadership begins with honoring your own integrity first. Together, Charlene and Chris explore the tension many high achievers live with quietly. The pressure to care for others, solve problems, and carry responsibility that slowly pulls you away from yourself. This conversation challenges a belief many leaders have been taught for years: that self-sacrifice equals strength. Instead, they unpack what becomes possible when service comes from wholeness rather than depletion. In this episode, Charlene and Chris discuss: • Why self-trust is the foundation of authentic leadership • The difference between serving others and losing yourself • How patterns repeat until someone chooses to change them • What it means to lead from alignment instead of obligation • The courage required to choose yourself without guilt • The moment you realize you are enough If you’ve ever felt exhausted from carrying too much, struggled to balance care for others with care for yourself, or questioned whether fulfillment and leadership can coexist, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and perspective. 🎧 Listen in for a powerful conversation about alignment, personal responsibility, and leading from a place of truth. About Chris West: Chris West is the Founder and CEO of Video Narrative, a brand design firm helping speakers and thought leaders grow their impact through brand clarity, storytelling, and strategic visual narrative. Drawing from his graduate work in Narrative Therapy, Chris partners with leaders to amplify their message and expand their influence through authentic storytelling. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his three children. 🌐 Learn more about Chris: Website: https://videonarrative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/videonarrative/ 📚 Get Charlene’s bestselling book YOU ARE ENOUGH https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop 🎤 Book Charlene to Speak https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheeless Learn more about Charlene’s keynotes ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsf Connect with Charlene: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/charlenewheeless Instagram: https://instagram.com/charwheeless Facebook: https://facebook.com/charlene.wheeless #UnderratedToUnstoppable #CharleneWheeless #ChrisWest #Leadership #SelfTrust #PersonalGrowth #YouAreEnough #AuthenticLeadership #Podcast

    24 min
  2. Underrated To Unstoppable - Ralph Henderson - Losing My Twin: A Story Of Potential & Heartbreak

    Feb 19

    Underrated To Unstoppable - Ralph Henderson - Losing My Twin: A Story Of Potential & Heartbreak

    In this deeply personal episode of Underrated to Unstoppable, Charlene sits down with Ralph Henderson for a conversation about loss, identity, and the lasting impact of a life lived with extraordinary potential.Ralph shares the story of losing his identical twin. Not just the grief of losing someone who looked like him, but the heartbreak of losing someone whose brilliance burned bright and fast. Together, Charlene and Ralph explore what it means to carry the legacy of someone who shaped you, how comparison can quietly shape our sense of worth, and the powerful journey toward believing in yourself.This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the people who leave us the soonest leave us with the deepest lessons. In this episode, Charlene and Ralph unpack:• The emotional complexity of losing an identical twin• How grief can reshape identity and perspective• The tension between potential, comparison, and self-belief• What it means to honor someone’s legacy through your own growth• The moment when you realize you are enough just as you are• Why believing in yourself changes everythingIf you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, loss, or living in the shadow of expectations, this episode will meet you with honesty, compassion, and hope.🎧 Listen in for a conversation about resilience, remembrance, and the courage to step fully into your own potential.About Ralph Henderson:Ralph brings a heartfelt perspective shaped by personal loss, reflection, and a deep belief in the power of self-discovery. His story invites us to examine how we define worth, how we carry memory, and how we move forward with intention. 📚 Get Charlene’s bestselling book YOU ARE ENOUGH: https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop Learn more about Charlene’s keynotes ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsfBook https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheelessConnect https://linkedin.com/in/charlenewheelessInstagram: https://instagram.com/charwheelessFacebook: https://facebook.com/charlene.wheeless#UnderratedToUnstoppable

    20 min
  3. Underrated To Unstoppable - Elissa Kalver: How She Turned Cancer Into Purpose

    Jan 28

    Underrated To Unstoppable - Elissa Kalver: How She Turned Cancer Into Purpose

    In this episode of Underrated to Unstoppable, I sit down with Elissa Kalver — speaker, author, and founder of WeGotThis.org, the first nonprofit gift registry for cancer patients. At just 34, Elissa was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Instead of letting that diagnosis define her, she chose to redefine what it means to truly live. Through her nonprofit and her new book, We Got This: How I Learned to Thrive with Terminal Cancer, Elissa is rewriting the narrative around illness, resilience, and success. In our conversation, Elissa opens up about thriving — not just surviving — through adversity. We talk about the power of community, why no one should face hardship alone, and how humor, joy, and unapologetic authenticity can become lifelines in the darkest moments. About Elissa Kalver Elissa is a speaker, author, and advocate whose mission is to help people thrive through adversity. With WeGotThis.org, she’s created the first nonprofit gift registry for cancer patients, providing tangible support when it’s needed most. Her book, We Got This: How I Learned to Thrive with Terminal Cancer, shares her powerful lessons on resilience, joy, and rewriting what it means to “beat” cancer. 🌐 Website: elissakalver.com 💝 Nonprofit: WeGotThis.org 📸 Instagram: @elissakalver 📘 Facebook: Elissa Kalver 🎥 Watch now and be reminded: even in the face of uncertainty, We Got This. Get a copy of my book "YOU ARE ENOUGH" 📚 https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop Charlene's Speaking: Learn more about Charlene's speaking here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsf Book me here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheeless Charlene's Socials: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlenewheeless Instagram: / charwheeless Facebook: / charlene.wheeless

    38 min
  4. Underrated To Unstoppable - JGo: Why Belonging Matters MORE Than Success

    Jan 27

    Underrated To Unstoppable - JGo: Why Belonging Matters MORE Than Success

    In this episode of Underrated to Unstoppable, Charlene Wheeless sits down with JGo to talk about belonging, authenticity, and how play transforms kids, companies, and communities. From Ivy League classrooms to the stage, JGo’s journey is proof that joy and self-worth can change everything. About JGo JGo (pronounced "jay-go") is a keynote speaker, educator, and leader of multiple teams across various industries. As an educator, JGo has taught Social Studies, Language Arts, Economics, Music, Storytelling, and Theory of Knowledge in multiple states and countries. He has facilitated workshops in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Asia, and has taken the stage at such notable venues as The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. JGo graduated from Yale with a B.A. in Anthropology and went on to get his masters in Educational Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College. 🌐 Website: www.jgospeaks.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jgo3000 📸 Instagram: @jgo3000 Get a copy of my book "YOU ARE ENOUGH" 📚 https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop Charlene's Speaking: Learn more about Charlene's speaking here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsf Book me here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheeless Charlene's Socials: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlenewheeless Instagram: / charwheeless Facebook: / charlene.wheeless

    28 min
  5. Underrated To Unstoppable - Neil Redding: IS YOUR NEXT CO-WORKER: AI?

    Jan 26

    Underrated To Unstoppable - Neil Redding: IS YOUR NEXT CO-WORKER: AI?

    What if AI wasn’t just a tool—but a teammate? In this episode of Underrated to Unstoppable, I sit down with futurist and speaker Neil Redding to explore the next wave of AI. Neil shares why the future of work isn’t about replacing people with technology, but about creating more humanity through it. By skillfully connecting the possible with the practical, Neil Redding is a Near Futurist and Innovation Architect with 30+ years of experience in unlocking the transformative power of emerging technologies. A sought-after keynote speaker for venues like SXSW, Dubai Future Forum, and AWE, and at corporate events for Meta, Microsoft, and more, Neil inspires audiences with the reality-shifting capabilities of AI and spatial computing for our physical, digital and natural ecosystems, and for activating pragmatic interpersonal and business value. Through his boutique consultancy Redding Futures and previous roles, Neil has worked with world-class brands including Visa, Nike, Apple, and Verizon to distill these continually emerging possibilities, applying ecosystem-centered design to unlock sustainable growth, resilience, and transformative business opportunity. We dive into: ✨ How AI is shifting from tool → participant on our teams ✨ What belonging and inclusion could mean for AI agents ✨ Why the biggest transformation isn’t digital—it’s personal ✨ The lessons Neil learned from authenticity (and a $10,000 mistake!) ✨ His journey to realizing “I am enough.” This conversation is smart, soulful, and thought-provoking—and yes, we laughed a lot too. 👉 Tune in for a future-focused conversation about AI, leadership, authenticity, and what it truly means to thrive. Watch now and don’t forget to subscribe. Connect with Neil! https://www.neilredding.com/ Get a copy of my book "YOU ARE ENOUGH" 📚 https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop Charlene's Speaking: Learn more about Charlene's speaking here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsf Book me here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheeless Charlene's Socials: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlenewheeless Instagram: / charwheeless Facebook: / charlene.wheeless

    18 min
  6. Underrated To Unstoppable -Alicia Couri:How to Step Into Your Power

    Jan 24

    Underrated To Unstoppable -Alicia Couri:How to Step Into Your Power

    Change isn’t always bad—it’s just different. But how we respond to it? That’s our power. In this episode of Underrated and Unstoppable, I dive into what it means to be a chooser in life, not a victim of circumstance. Every day, we get 86,400 seconds to decide how we show up—and those decisions shape our purpose, our freedom, and our future. I'm joined by the phenomenal Alicia Couri—CEO of Alicia Couri Inc., founder of Audacious Concepts Inc., and the voice behind Audacious Confidence®. She’s a media powerhouse, TEDx speaker, and award-winning consultant helping women rise with courage and visibility. Together, we talk about bold action, choosing intention over fear, and reclaiming your personal power—no matter what life throws your way. Ready to take your power back? This episode is for YOU. Alicia Couri is the CEO of Alicia Couri Inc. and a leading expert in confidence growth and visibility. As the founder of Audacious Concepts Inc. a boutique consulting firm and RedCarpetCEOTM a digital media platform, she empowers women leaders to step out boldly despite their feelings fears, or past failures. To amplify themselves and their brands in Media. Alicia serves as BoldHaus Senior Faculty for Visibility, Accountability & Confidence, and her dynamic speaking engagements include TEDx and the First Ladies Forum in Dubai. An 8-time bestselling author and award-winning leader, Alicia consults globally, driving transformation and performance. She also holds advisory roles, championing holistic wellness and leadership. Alicia’s mission is to inspire Audacious Confidence® and bold action. Contact Alicia: https://RedCarpetCEO.com Get a copy of my book "YOU ARE ENOUGH" 📚 https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop Charlene's Speaking: Learn more about Charlene's speaking here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsf Book me here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheeless Charlene's Socials: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlenewheeless Instagram: / charwheeless Facebook: / charlene.wheeless

    1h 2m
  7. Underrated To Unstoppable - Nicole Bianchi: Why Most Leaders Get It Wrong

    Jan 23

    Underrated To Unstoppable - Nicole Bianchi: Why Most Leaders Get It Wrong

    Making the Choice to Lead Brave Conversations | Nicole Bianchi on Tough Talks, Courage & Leadership What if your biggest breakthrough was one brave conversation away? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicole M. Bianchi — Chief Bravery Officer, Tough Talk Expert, and bestselling author — to explore how courageous conversations can transform your leadership, your relationships, and your results. Nicole is the founder of Nicole M Bianchi Inc. and the creator of Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks: How to Lead Brave Conversations for Exceptional Results. With a Fortune 300 background and decades of experience coaching high-performing leaders and teams, she’s known for her no-fluff, human-first approach to leadership transformation. Her work has empowered countless organizations to rebuild trust, increase resilience, and create cultures where people actually thrive — all by leaning into discomfort with courage and compassion. 💬 In this episode, we dive into: How to turn tough talks into powerful leadership tools Why brave conversations are the key to trust, alignment, and growth Nicole’s personal journey and what led her to challenge leadership norms Her 5-framework approach to handling hard conversations at work Why “Small Brave Moves” can change your life — and your team Whether you’re a leader navigating change, a team builder seeking real connection, or someone just trying to speak up more — this conversation will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to be brave in your own life. 📕 Learn more about her new book Five Tough Talks and her online course that helps leaders and teams practice bravery together every day. 👇 Connect with Nicole Bianchi: Website: nicolembianchi.com LinkedIn: @nicolembianchi Instagram: @nicole.m.bianchi Facebook: Nicole Bianchi Presents Get a copy of my book "YOU ARE ENOUGH" 📚 https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop Charlene's Speaking: Learn more about Charlene's speaking here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsf Book me here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheeless Charlene's Socials: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlenewheeless Instagram: / charwheeless Facebook: / charlene.wheeless ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest, bold, and uplifting conversations.

    37 min
  8. Underrated To Unstoppable - Rashad Rayford: You Are Meant To Be Seen

    Jan 22

    Underrated To Unstoppable - Rashad Rayford: You Are Meant To Be Seen

    In this episode of Underrated to Unstoppable, Charlene Wheeless sits down with Rashad Rayford—actor, spoken word artist, and corporate speaker—for a powerful conversation about voice, vulnerability, and choosing to believe you’re enough. Rashad shares: • How improv and poetry helped him find his purpose • What he learned from fear and failure • Why your story is your power—and how to use it • A live, improvised spoken word poem that will stay with you long after the episode ends Whether you’re searching for your next move, your voice, or your sense of self—this episode is your reminder that everything you need is already in you. 🎙️ Listen now. Be moved. And remember: You are enough. Rashad Rayford is an award-winning speaker, actor, and poet featured at TEDx, on NPR, and in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. As the founder of Elevate Your Vibe, he collaborates with top companies like Tractor Supply, Best Buy, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield to deliver impactful keynotes and workshops. A MOTH Story Hour GRANDslam champion, Rashad is known for his high-energy presentations that blend storytelling, spoken word, and actionable insights. Rashad’s mission is to inspire teams to harness the power of their stories, driving engagement, authenticity, and success across industries. 🔗 Subscribe for more conversations like this. New episodes weekly. Get a copy of my book "YOU ARE ENOUGH" 📚 https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop Charlene's Speaking: Learn more about Charlene's speaking here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsf Book me here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheeless

    48 min
  9. Underrated To Unstoppable - Anne Marie Chaker: How a Wall Street Journal Reporter Became a Pro Bodybuilder

    12/11/2025

    Underrated To Unstoppable - Anne Marie Chaker: How a Wall Street Journal Reporter Became a Pro Bodybuilder

    In this episode of Underrated to Unstoppable, Charlene sits down with Anne Marie Chaker — veteran Wall Street Journal journalist turned professional bodybuilder and author of the upcoming book LIFT (Penguin Random House, June 2025). Anne Marie shares her powerful journey from burned-out reporter with a drinking problem to discovering strength training in her late 40s — a shift that transformed her body, identity, and purpose. Her viral WSJ article, “I Am a Female Bodybuilder,” sparked a movement and inspired her book exploring the harmful “skinny ideal,” the history of women’s physical power, and why muscle is the missing key to confidence and agency. You’ll learn: • Why the “skinny ideal” has held women back • How strength training rebuilds identity, not just physique • The forgotten truth that the original woman was strong • How reclaiming physical power helps women reclaim their lives 🎧 Tune in and get ready to LIFT your mindset, your confidence, and your story. Connect with Anne Marie Chaker: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-chaker-62119317/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemariechaker/ Charlene’s Book “YOU ARE ENOUGH” https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop

    1 min
  10. Underrated To Unstoppable - Candace Steele Flippin: Stop Chasing Confidence: What Women Really Need to Succeed

    11/13/2025

    Underrated To Unstoppable - Candace Steele Flippin: Stop Chasing Confidence: What Women Really Need to Succeed

    In this episode of Underrated to Unstoppable, Charlene sits down with Dr. Candace Steele Flippin — career strategist, multigenerational leadership expert, and bestselling author of Get Your Career in SHAPE. Named one of the Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America, Dr. Candace has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, and The Today Show. She’s also the founder of the Global Career Advancement Institute, where she helps leaders and organizations strengthen their human capital strategies and build workplaces where everyone can thrive. Together, Charlene and Candace dive deep into one of the biggest misconceptions in professional growth: the difference between confidence and self-efficacy. Confidence may open doors—but self-efficacy determines whether women walk through them. You’ll learn: Why “just be confident” is incomplete career advice.The science behind self-efficacy and why it’s the true foundation of success.Practical strategies from Candace’s SHAPE Career Framework® to build belief in your ability to succeed.How to navigate imposter syndrome, bias, and doubt without losing your power or purpose.If you’ve ever felt like confidence comes and goes, this episode will help you replace that fleeting feeling with something stronger—the unshakable belief that you can figure it out. 🎧 Tune in, take notes, and start shaping your career on your terms. About Dr. Candace Steele Flippin Dr. Candace Steele Flippin is a career strategist, multigenerational leadership expert, and founder of the Global Career Advancement Institute. A TEDx speaker and author of Get Your Career in SHAPE, she’s been recognized as one of the Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America and featured on Forbes, CNBC, and The Today Show. 🌐 Website: candacesteeleflippin.com 📘 Book: Get Your Career in SHAPE 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/candacesteeleflippin Get a copy of Charlene’s book “YOU ARE ENOUGH” 📚 https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop Charlene’s Speaking: Learn more about Charlene’s keynotes ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsf Book Charlene ➡️ https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheeless Connect with Charlene: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlenewheeless Instagram: instagram.com/charwheeless Facebook: facebook.com/charlene.wheeless

    1h 5m
  11. Underrated To Unstoppable - Alain Hunskins: 3 Secrets Strong Leaders Know (that most don't)

    10/30/2025

    Underrated To Unstoppable - Alain Hunskins: 3 Secrets Strong Leaders Know (that most don't)

    In this episode of Underrated to Unstoppable, I sit down with Alain Hunkins: Leadership expert, speaker, and author of Cracking the Leadership Code: Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders. Alain shares a pivotal moment that reshaped his entire understanding of leadership, connection, and what it truly means to be human. It began when someone dared to be vulnerable in front of him, and for the first time, he realized he wasn’t alone in feeling “not enough.” In our conversation, we explore how authenticity breaks isolation, why vulnerability isn’t weakness, and how empathy can transform the way leaders show up for their teams. If you’ve ever felt like you had to hold it all together, or that everyone else had it figured out but you, this episode is a reminder: you’re not the only one. And that truth might just be your greatest strength. About Alain Hunkins Alain is a leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author of the bestselling book Cracking the Leadership Code: Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders. He’s worked with over 2,000 organizations in 25 countries, helping leaders unlock performance through empathy, connection, and influence. 🌐 Website: alainhunkins.com 📘 Book: Cracking the Leadership Code https://alainhunkins.com/resources/#book 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alainhunkins 🐦 Twitter: @alainhunkins 🎥 Watch now and be reminded: leadership starts with being human. Get a copy of my book "YOU ARE ENOUGH" 📚 https://charlenewheeless.com/bookshop Charlene's Speaking: Learn more about Charlene's speaking here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z7gOsf Book me here! ➡️ https://bit.ly/SpeakWithCharleneWheeless Charlene's Socials: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlenewheeless Instagram: instagram.com/charwheeless Facebook: facebook.com/charlene.wheeless

    40 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Step into bold truth, untold stories, and unstoppable leadership. In Underrated to Unstoppable, Charlene Wheeless invites you behind the scenes of resilience, reinvention, and rising with purpose. From surviving breast cancer to climbing the corporate ladder, her journey is a blueprint for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, underestimated, or just plain exhausted. Each episode features candid conversations, revealing the moments that changed everything — the choice to speak up, the courage to be visible, and the decision to lead from who you already are. Whether you’re a corporation, a woman in mid-career, or a leader hungry for authenticity, this podcast will meet you where you are and invite you to the next level. Because you weren’t chosen to blend in, you were chosen to rise.

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