I help leaders and organizations struggling with leadership challenges, disengaged employees and burnout achieve higher retention, improve productivity and performance and create an inclusive workplace culture by speaking about exceptional leadership, burnout prevention and setting impactful results-driven goals

I help organizations whose

leaders are struggling with disengaged employee, low productivity and turnover

implement and embody a

proven leadership framework

that foster high performing teams, increase productivity and maximize profits, even if they operate in rapidly

changing industries, face complex challenges, or are navigating the nuances of a remote work environment

Exceptional LEADERSHIP Solutions

Did you know that recent studies highlighting that when employees perceive their leaders don't care about their wellbeing beyond KPIs and metrics, organizations see a 30% decrease in productivity and a 25% higher rate of employee turnover?

Beyond financial implications, these issues lead to disengaged teams and a devastating sense of burnout, compromising both the financial and cultural aspects of an organization's long-term sustainability.

I firmly believe that the remedy for these issues lies in transforming the dynamics of teams in the organization, and it all start when leaders become exceptional.

Explore Our

Leadership Solutions

Discover the transformative power of expert-led coaching and training. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, increase team productivity, or drive organizational growth, our tailored programs are designed to meet your specific needs.

Hire Carmen to Speak at your next event!

Carmen is a transformational speaker that understands the challenges and opportunities of the Corporate World. With her unique approach to leadership she promise to light the fire on your leaders, and employees alike.

Best Selling Author

Carmen has 4 published books including the best selling book: Beyond Certainty

Leading Intentionally

The Podcast where we dive deep into Leadership Transformation

Expertise

Hi there! I'm Carmen Paredes as the visionary behind Exceptional Leadership Solutions, my mission is to elevate individuals lives and aid organizations in maximizing return on investment. My intuitive and intentional leadership techniques are designed to transcend the existing inefficient dynamics in interactions between leaders and employees.

I'm passionate about sharing the leadership principles and actionable skills that I've refined in over two decades as an executive and leadership expert. These very skills have enabled me to achieve remarkable results, high performing and engaged teams in even the most demanding and challenging environments.

As a Latina leader, 2X TEDx speaker, Keynote Speaker and Best Selling Author, I seamlessly integrate a diverse background, including an Engineering degree, an MBA from a prestigious institution, and a coaching certification accredited through the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Testimonials

Loree Phillip

Having Carmen Benton on our show was a true delight. Her expertise and engaging storytelling added immense value to our podcast, leaving our listeners eager for more and ready to take action! - Loree Philip, Daring to Leap

Jane Wareham

Carmen is a true ray of light and has immense experience and knowledge. Her energy is infectious and her voice needs to be heard! She brought so much value to my audience. Her ability to explain using real life examples made it simple and easy to understand. If you're looking for a speaker that is going to captivate your audience and keep it real - Carmen is it!

Theodora Vosse

Having Carmen as a podcast guest is an absolute delight. Her contribution to the episode is brimming with value and infectious energy, making it a truly enjoyable experience. I wholeheartedly cherished having her on the show and wholeheartedly endorse her as a guest. Her genuine vulnerability and unfiltered honesty are remarkably refreshing

Carmen Paredes talking about Integrity

3 Strategies to Ditch the Mask and Lead with Integrity in the Workplace

October 31, 20243 min read

Are you tired of wearing a mask to work?

As we embrace the season of spooks and costumes, it's the perfect time to discuss a different kind of disguise that's far less enjoyable: the facade many of us maintain in professional settings. In today's corporate world, the pressure to conform can make us compromise our deepest values.

But what if I told you that stripping away that mask could lead to greater success and fulfillment in your career?

Colonel John Boyd, a renowned military strategist, famously said, "To do is to be." This simple yet profound philosophy underscores the importance of actions in defining our identity. In the context of leadership, it suggests that true integrity isn’t just about holding values but also about manifesting them through consistent, ethical actions.

True leaders don’t just believe in honesty and transparency; they demonstrate these qualities every day ~ Carmen Paredes

As a seasoned keynote speaker and advocate for integrity in leadership. With over two decades of experience climbing the corporate ladder—including becoming the first Latina Vice President in Alaska's largest telecom company—I have firsthand knowledge of the transformative power of authenticity in the workplace. Let’s explore how embracing Boyd's principle in our professional lives can unmask the true potential of leadership.

The Scary Reality of Sacrificing Ethics

What if I told you that you don't have to sacrifice your principles to climb the corporate ladder? Many professionals believe that to ascend in their careers, they must sometimes compromise their values or adopt a persona that doesn't reflect who they truly are. This kind of environment can lead to not just personal dissatisfaction but also a toxic workplace culture.

Integrity in Leadership: The Cornerstone of Success

Integrity and honesty in the workplace serve as the cornerstone of my leadership framework and are critical elements in creating a trustworthy and transparent workplace. Integrity in leadership means making a commitment to ethical behavior and decision-making, regardless of the situation. When leaders embody integrity, they inspire it in others, creating a ripple effect that can transform an entire organization.

Building a Mask-Free Culture

Imagine a workplace where integrity isn’t just encouraged but is the foundation of every action and decision. In such an environment, everyone can thrive by being true to themselves—no masks required. Here’s how organizations can foster this kind of authenticity:

  1. Lead by Example: Leaders must demonstrate integrity in every interaction. When employees see this, they feel secure in mirroring such behavior.

  2. Encourage Open Communication: Create channels for employees to express concerns about ethics without fear of repercussions.

  3. Recognize and Reward Integrity: When promotions and rewards are based on ethical behavior as well as performance, it reinforces the importance of this value.

Why Integrity in the Workplace Wins?

Organizations that prioritize integrity as an important foundation in leadership benefit from higher trust and commitment from their employees, leading to better overall performance and lower turnover rates. By creating a culture where employees don't feel the need to wear a mask, companies can unlock the full potential of their workforce.

This Halloween, let’s choose to celebrate authenticity over concealment. If you're ready to transform your organizational culture to one where integrity and honesty in the workplace lead the way, let’s connect. As a keynote speaker and advocate for exceptional leadership, I am dedicated to guiding organizations toward embracing these values.


Looking for inspirational videos to watch?

I invite you to watch my recent talks:

watch Carmen Paredes tedx talkCarmen Paredes United Nations

integrity in the workplaceintegrity in leadership
blog author image

Carmen Paredes

Carmen is an International TEDx speaker, award-winning keynote speaker, Latina leader with over 20 years of experience executive positions including fortune 100 companies. She’s holds two engineering degrees, and MBA and a coaching certification accredited by the the national board of certified counselors. A best selling author and founder of Exceptional Leadership Solutions, she helps leaders and organizations implement exceptional leadership strategies to improve employee engagement, increase productivity and retention, and grow their profits. Connect with Carmen Paredes at https://exceptionalleadershipsolutions.com/keynote-speaker and follow @iamcarmenparedes.

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