I help leaders and organizations

understand that THEIR TEAM'S PERFORMANCE

is a reflection of their inner journey

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 with title: Exceptional Leadership - The Path Less Traveled

Exceptional Leadership: The Path Less Traveled

January 05, 20254 min read

Most people think leadership is about titles, power, or being the loudest voice in the room.
Spoiler Alert: It’s not!

Maybe old school management fits in that description, but Exceptional leadership is about walking the path less traveled—the path of endurance, elevating yourself and your team members while empowering them to succeed.

It’s not flashy or easy, and it won’t get you quick wins. But it will leave a lasting legacy a ripple effect greater than greatness and I promise it will help you sleep well at night.

So, the question is: Are you ready to take the journey?

My Journey through the Path Less Traveled

I still remember the moment I learned one of the most important lessons about leadership.

It wasn’t during a big boardroom presentation.
It wasn’t about hitting a major KPI or landing a big client deal.
It didn’t happen in front of an audience or during a celebration of success.

It happened in a quiet moment—sitting on the floor of my living room, with my back against the wall, feeling the weight of both my personal life and professional responsibilities.

At that point, I had climbed the corporate ladder. On paper, I looked like a success story. I had the title. The experience. The achievements.

But inside? I was running on empty.
I was exhausted from trying to do it all—be the perfect leader, the perfect mom, the perfect everything. And no matter how hard I tried, it never seemed to be enough.

That night, I sat there with my laptop open on one side and my son’s schoolwork on the other. The emails were piling up. My to-do list felt endless. And to top it off, I had just dealt with a difficult situation at work that left me questioning my decisions.

I remember thinking, How did I get here?
How did I, someone who was supposed to be a leader, end up feeling so lost, overwhelmed, and stuck?

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. And in that moment, a realization hit me:

Leadership isn’t about controlling everything.
It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers.

Leadership is about endurance—getting through tough moments with grace.
It’s about
elevating yourself—continuously growing and learning, even when it’s uncomfortable.
And it’s about
empowering others—giving your team, your family, and your community the tools and trust to thrive.

That night, something shifted in me.

I stopped focusing on perfection and started focusing on progress.
I stopped trying to do everything myself and started trusting others to step up.
And most importantly, I committed to walking a different leadership path—a path that’s not about titles or quick wins, but about building something that lasts.

The journey I took that night—the journey less traveled—has changed everything. It’s why I now do what I do: Teach leaders how to endure with intention, elevate their leadership, and empower their teams to achieve extraordinary results, through keynotes, workshops and leadership coaching.

exceptional leadership: the path less traveled

3 Things You Can Do Now To Become an Exceptional Leader

Here are three steps you can take to begin your journey:

1. Endure with Intention

Challenges are inevitable in leadership, and what sets exceptional leaders apart is their ability to endure hardships with purpose and clarity. Instead of reacting to obstacles, pause and ask yourself: What is this teaching me?

  • Tip: Break big challenges into small, actionable steps. Focus on progress, not perfection.

2. Elevate Yourself

In order to lead others effectively, your must first learn to lead yourself exceptionally.

Exceptional leaders prioritize personal growth—developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience.

  • Tip: Commit to self-reflection and continuous learning. Schedule time for personal development as a non-negotiable part of your leadership practice.

3. Empower Your Team

Exceptional leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about empowering others to step into their potential. Trust your team. Give them space to grow. Celebrate their wins.

  • Tip: Delegate with trust, communicate your vision clearly, and recognize individual and team achievements regularly.

Are You Ready to Become an Exceptional Leader and create extraordinary results for your organization?

Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or an entrepreneur building a legacy, this journey isn’t one you have to take alone.

Through my workshops, keynotes, and coaching programs, I’ll teach you how to:
Cultivate an invincible mindset and endure any challenges.
✅ Elevate your leadership style to inspire trust and confidence from your teams.
✅ Empower those your lead and achieve extraordinary results.

Let’s walk this path together—step by step, one intentional moment at a time.

👉 Let’s Connect: Book a workshop, keynote, or a complimentary consult to begin your journey toward exceptional leadership.


Curious about my take on Leadership? Watch my TEDx HERE:

exceptional leadershipenduranceempowerment
blog author image

Carmen Paredes

Carmen is a 2X International TEDx speaker, award-winning keynote speaker, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Presidential Award, 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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