Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Carter.
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I built my career inside mission-driven organizations, spending more than two decades leading workforce development, people strategy, and organizational change at scale. On paper, it was success. In reality, I kept watching talented, capable leaders burn themselves out trying to contort into roles that no longer fit.
That tension pushed me to build something of my own. I founded Flashlight Thinking to help leaders, especially women, get clear, get honest, and make strategic decisions without losing themselves in the process. Today, I work as a coach, strategist, and advisor to individuals and organizations navigating growth, change, and inflection points. The work is grounded, practical, and direct. Because clarity, not hustle, is what actually moves people forward.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, far from smooth. The hardest part wasn’t the logistics of starting a business; it was the internal shift. Letting go of external validation, steady titles, and the illusion of certainty forced me to confront how much of my identity had been tied to being “the reliable one” inside institutions.
There were moments of real doubt: financial risk, saying no to work that wasn’t aligned, and learning to trust my own judgment without a safety net. Building something honest meant moving slower at times and sitting with discomfort instead of rushing to prove anything. That stretch is still the work. It’s also where the clarity and confidence came from.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Flashlight Thinking is a leadership and strategy firm built for people who are done performing and ready to make clear, grounded decisions about their work. I specialize in working with women leaders and mission-driven organizations at moments of transition, including burnout, growth, career pivots, or organizational change.
What sets the work apart is the approach. There’s no hype, no jargon, and no one-size-fits-all framework. The focus is clarity, alignment, and practical strategy, helping clients see what’s actually happening, name what’s no longer working, and move forward with intention. I’m known for being direct, thoughtful, and deeply human, especially in conversations most people avoid.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Flashlight Thinking has built trust without noise. The brand reflects how I work: calm, honest, and substantive. I want readers to know this is a place for leaders who don’t need motivation. They need perspective, strategy, and the confidence to choose what fits next.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been shaped by a long line of thoughtful leaders, colleagues, and clients who trusted me with real responsibility long before it was comfortable. Early mentors inside mission-driven organizations gave me room to lead, fail, and learn without micromanagement, which built the judgment I rely on today.
My long-time coach, Lisa Lee, has played a pivotal role, helping me slow down, see patterns clearly, and make decisions from alignment rather than urgency. Paulina Tillman of Mindset Mastery Tribe has also been an important influence, strengthening my mindset and leadership presence at key moments of growth.
Equally important have been my clients, who continue to be my clearest teachers, reflecting back what works, what doesn’t, and where the work truly creates impact. On a personal level, my husband Kris has been a steady rock throughout every transition, and my daughters are my why, keeping me grounded in what actually matters. I’m also deeply grateful for my friends Virginia, Jenn, Samantha, and Erin, whose unwavering support made the hard seasons lighter and the bold moves possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flashlightthinking.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jencartercareercoach/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jencartercareercoach
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercartersocialimpact/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlashlightThinking
