Carole Copeland Thomas is the voice of personal empowerment. She is a
keynote speaker, empowerment expert, diversity professional and leadership
consultant in C. Thomas & Associates, a business she started in 1987.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
My mother was my chief motivator, advocate and supporter in my life. She confirmed my career path as a speaker and trainer, validating that I had finally found my niche in life. My mother, Gwendolyn Copeland, was a lifelong educator and died in 1998.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
My inner strength was tested when my 17-year-old son, Mickarl D. Thomas, Jr. (Mikey) was killed in a single occupant car accident in June, 1997, 11 months before my mother's death. He died six days after he graduated from high school with his twin sister, Michelle. He would have gone to Morehouse College on a full academic scholarship, and been next to his older sister's school (Spelman College.) (Michelle is now 26, works full time and goes to Chicago State University part-time. Lorna is 29. She will finish her doctorate in clinical psychology in a few weeks and get married next year.) It was the most painful event of my life and it has completely redirected my life's perspective. I grew strength in my faith, was deeply supported by my family and friends, and created an entire empowerment message as a result of my son's death.
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
A. Recognize what you do control and what you don't.
B. Find an accountability person who will help you stay on track of your vision, goals and mission in life.
C. Prepare to reinvent your career and personal development paths every 2-3 years.
Why is it important to focus on inner strength?
You need inner strength to run the endurance race called life!
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
I am building my listener base for my radio program, Focus On Empowerment, heard every Friday at noon in Boston on WBNW-1120 AM Radio (and simulcasts on the Web at www.moneymattersradio.net).
A strong radio presence will feed into my speaking, training and consulting business.
