Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Castro.
Ellen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I love sharing my story to give others hope. My amazing adventure to owning my global leadership consulting, coaching and speaking business actually begins one fateful dreary day in Houston in the 1980s. My Senior VP at Exxon, Ray, called me into his office. As Ray scribbled, he told me he was blocking my sixth promotion in 11 years. When I asked why, he simply stated, “I don’t like you.” The world I knew came crashing down.
Shattering my head on the glass ceiling was a humiliating defeat. However, what I considered punishment was simply preparation. It led me to Harvard where I began evaluating my definition of success and taking my life off auto-pilot to become Ellen Castro, Chief Energizing Officer. I have the joy of assisting individuals and organizations to thrive regardless of external forces. I support my worldwide clients across many industries in creating a healthier bottom-line through cultures of trust and high engagement by transforming managers into credible, engaging leaders. Leaders that model teamwork, resiliency, innovation and commitment to ignite and achieve greater results.
As Chief Energizing Officer, I also educate and empower executives and individuals to live from the inside out with courage, confidence and authenticity via Coaching, Keynotes, Workshops, Media and my writing.
Has it been a smooth road?
This question makes me smile. Has anyone had a smooth road who pours their heart and soul into living their life full out? I do know my passion to be someone’s miracle and an example of faith and better choices has given me the conviction and confidence to outlast the ups and downs of the economy and to be a trailblazer in the workplace. All the struggles had a purpose. They were all coaching moments and learnings to create the person I am today. A better me is a better you. Better us is better business and a better world.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ellen Castro, Chief Energizing Officer – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My ability to make connections of the heart and have meaningful conversations is the foundation of my 25+ years business. In my leadership and business consulting, getting to the root cause with a laser beam focus and caring candor is my differentiator.
Delivering results that have a lasting impact on my clients’ bottom-line and long-term success is my specialty. As a trusted partner, we create comprehensive, strategic action plans that move critical initiatives forward. With a proven, results-oriented framework, I focus on leaders and their teams—building strong working relationships and a foundation of trust that transforms managers into leaders who can achieve the impossible with an energized and committed workforce. Through our work together, world-class capability and needed bench strength is created to meet today’s needs and be future ready for opportunities.
My clients range from high tech to entertainment to education, as well as the government and non-profit sectors. With Executive Coaching, my unorthodox approach gets individuals taking a deep dive into their current brand and guide them to becoming more authentic and approachable – to exude Executive Presence. My uplifting Keynotes ignite the greatness of the participants with laughter, pragmatic insights and realization we all have Super Powers. The Super Powers of Choice, Attitude and Accountability.
Being deemed “a ray of sunshine in a troubled world” by clients and the community is a joy. Thrilling to have been selected to teach the inaugural Latinas and Leadership class at the University of North Texas. Being a best-selling and award-winning author of Spirited Leadership: 52 Ways to Build Trust – now in its fourth edition – and Happy in Spite of People makes me proud, the Media coverage wow. Most proud, however, is being the smile and encouragement that someone needs to live from their potential, not their past.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world and still choose Dallas as my home. I just like it, even with traffic jams on Central Expressway. To Big D and Big Tex!
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
Oh, my goodness, there are so many people. Amelia Earhart was my first hero. My first-grade teacher who gave me a hope and a future. My clients and advocates of course. A callout to Lyn Ward with Proctor and Gamble who gave me my first contract in 1991. All the amazing professors and teachers – both in and out-of-school, incredible authors and colleagues. And most importantly, my friends and nephew who believe in me and my tomorrows. You are my angels who gave me wings to fly.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.EllenCastro.com
- Phone: 214.207.7718
- Email: Ellen@EllenCastro.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
