Episode Details

Ep. 152 — Steady Leadership in Turbulent Times

A Wisdom Conversation with Charita Williams

Charita Williams knows something about leading when the ground shifts beneath you. She and Skip explore people-first leadership, career change, trust, grace—and what it takes to keep moving when the path ahead looks different than you expected.

Wisdom Resources to Explore

Connect with Charita on LinkedIn

Matthew 6 — On Worry and Trust - a passage Charita turns to when life feels uncertain.

The Greatest Commandment — Mark 12:28–31 - a helpful companion to Skip and Charita's conversation about loving others, extending grace and remembering ourselves in the equation.

"My House Is Worth What?" — HGTV The series Charita recalls appearing on during her unexpected chapter in real estate.

Goldie the Comedian - check out Charita's significant other on Instagram

Why This Episode Matters

If you find yourself immersed in a season of change, you're in good company. Two out of three listeners in our 2026 Podcast Listener Survey told us they're navigating one, too. Charita knows that territory. Her career has included success, reinvention, reorganizations and an unexpected ending. Her perspective is a useful reminder that when the path changes, we can change with it—without losing ourselves along the way.

A Memorable Wisdom Quote

"That same grace that I give other people, I've gotta extend to myself as well." — Charita Williams

What You'll Discover

• Why Charita puts people and trust ahead of KPIs
• The leadership lesson she's carried since age 16
• Why good leaders aren't afraid to get into the trenches
• What reorganizations taught her about navigating change
• Why Charita believes "coaching is a gift" at any stage of a career

About Our Wise Guest: Charita Williams

Charita Williams built much of her career in telecommunications, working with AT&T, Verizon and Frontier Communications and rising from directory-assistance operator to senior management. Her path hasn't been a straight one. Charita has also worked in real estate and dabbles in interior decorating. Her love of houses and design led to two appearances on HGTV.

Charita is not only a gifted business leader and motivator, she's also a licensed Realtor, community servant and a proud mother. She joined us for this wisdom conversation from her home in Tampa, FL.

Episode Chapters

00:59 — Meet Charita Williams 03:34 — The wisdom conversation begins 05:03 — Skip and Charita reconnect at Frontier 07:16 — People-first leadership 08:21 — A leadership lesson that began at age 16 10:04 — Reorganizations, career turns and learning to pivot 13:42 — Kindness, compassion and grace 16:40 — Charita reveals her Main Thing 20:25 — Putting wisdom to work when life gets hard 26:19 — Career wisdom for what's next

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor

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