Carrie McEachran is a wife, mother, CEO, founder, writer and advocate. She lives in Mooretown, Ontario, with her husband, five children, three chickens, two ducks and a family fur baby, Mabel. She has built a successful career in the non-profit world. She serves as the Executive Director at Sarnia-Lambton Rebound. She is currently preparing to transition into a new and exciting adventure as the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce CEO in May 2022. Carrie has always been supportive and advocates for women to achieve leadership positions. This passion led to the creation of The Female Revolution, a leadership community. This community provides mentorship and resources to women who are not only committed to reaching their own leadership goals but to supporting and empowering others along the way.
Q: If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
I have often wondered where I would start if I could have just a few minutes with the younger version of Carrie. If I could only share one piece of advice, I would tell my past self to stop letting the opinions of others be a barrier to your success. Let them question you. Take note of who the critics are, thank them and walk away. Saunter off and continue doing exactly what you want to do because it’s only you who you have anything to prove to anyway.
Q: What or who has been your greatest influence in business?
I don’t have just one great influence. I have many. At every stage of my career, I found a mentor, a successful woman who had been there before me and survived to tell the tale.
These women taught me how to be resilient against the barriers and adversity that I faced on my journey. These women truly taught me that anything is possible if you just keep going.
Through the highs and lows, keep going.
Q: What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?
I love helping others! In fact, I thrive on it. Whether it is the clients, the amazing staff or the women I mentor at The Female Revolution, I am so blessed and grateful to have been and continue to be surrounded by the most inspiring and wonderful people. I can’t imagine working in a career that does not involve helping others.
Q: Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?
Leadership starts with a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Once you recognize this desire, then true magic happens.
I created this mantra years ago when I realized that I wanted to be a leader and the type of leader who leads for others. Once I committed to making a difference, I experienced true magic tenfold.
Q: What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
When you are doing what you love, it doesn’t feel like work, and this is how I feel every day of my life. I start each day with gratitude and then create my daily work plan that includes goals for the day and a plan on how I will incorporate self-care into my day (breath breaks, walks, listening to podcasts while I work, etc.).
The most amazing and inspiring people surround me every day in my personal and professional life. These people motivate me to live my very best life as the very best version of myself.
