We were lucky to catch up with Alexis Carpenter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The moment that sparked the idea for my business was a culmination of my career’s highs and lows and a sudden, unexpected pivot. Deeply involved in shaping the culture of the organization I was part of, I saw firsthand how a strong corporate culture could drive growth, engagement, and satisfaction. Being promoted to Director of Culture wasn’t just a career milestone; it was a revelation. I witnessed the transformative power of aligning with our core values, mission, and vision. It was exhilarating to see our efforts translate into tangible success.

However, this excitement was abruptly interrupted by a personal and professional challenge—the closure of my corporate location. Tasked with orchestrating exit plans for 150 employees, I poured my heart into ensuring each person left with dignity and support, a testament to my belief in compassionate leadership. Yet, when my departure from the company came a year and a half later, it was starkly impersonal, a brief Zoom call that ended over a decade of service. This jarring experience highlighted a gap in corporate culture that I felt compelled to address.

It was an epiphany, a moment of clarity that my journey—my struggles, my growth, and my insights—could serve a purpose greater than any role I had previously held. I realized I had a unique perspective on culture consulting, fueled by a blend of personal experience and professional expertise. Launching into entrepreneurship, I was determined to help organizations cultivate a culture that truly values every member, ensuring that compassion, integrity, and alignment are not just ideals but practiced realities. This mission, born from a mix of revelation and response to my own experiences, has become my driving force. It’s a path that promises business success and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how people experience their work lives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Alexis Carpenter, the Founder and CEO of AC Global Ventures LLC. My journey here wasn’t straightforward. Growing up in a small Vermont town, after moving from Troy, New York, I didn’t see many opportunities ahead. But at seventeen, I decided to change that, getting my GED in Massachusetts and then exploring different states. This opened my eyes to a world of possibilities I hadn’t imagined before.

My career started without much direction, feeling out of place and doubting myself as a lot of us do. But instead of giving up, I used that as a turning point. I started learning and improving on my own, which led me to discover I had a knack for leadership and creating a positive work environment.

I got really into making workplaces better, focusing on company culture. When I had to help close down a corporate office and support 150 employees in finding their next steps, it hit me how important this work was. But then, when I was laid off in an impersonal, quick way, I realized there was so much more to do in this field. That’s when I decided to start my own business, aiming to help companies build a culture that truly values people.

What I offer is pretty special. I’ve got this Culture Collective Blueprint for businesses that want to improve or build their company culture, focusing on everything from how we say goodbye to employees to how we welcome and grow with them. Then, there’s the Empoweress Collective Mastermind for women executive leaders and CEOs, helping them find balance and focus on what really matters. And for Executive Leaders and CEOs looking to learn and grow, there’s the Community Collective, a space to pick up new skills and connect with others. More importantly, these services focus on the collective of people and compassionate leadership.

What sets me apart? I’ve lived through the challenges I’m helping others navigate. I’ve been the outsider, the one trying to find my voice, and now I’m using my experiences to make a difference. I’m all about putting people first, believing that great communication, connections, and a strong culture make leadership not just easier but more enjoyable. I’m here to shake things up and show that there’s a better way to do business, focusing on the human experience above all.

Starting my own thing was a surprise, even to me. But looking back, every step, every challenge, and every conversation has led me here. And I’m excited to keep pushing forward, changing the game, and helping others do the same. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

In managing a team and maintaining high morale, the key lies in personalizing our approach to align with our corporate culture, mission, vision, values, and each individual’s unique motivators. This tailored strategy ensures that every team member feels deeply invested in our collective vision, enhancing their sense of belonging and contribution to our goals.

By focusing on personalized development plans and strategies that resonate with each individual’s motivations, we create an environment where morale naturally thrives. For example, if I’m motivated by making a positive impact on people, providing me with more opportunities to engage in community service or client interaction boosts my satisfaction and aligns with my personal goals, thereby enhancing my contribution to the company’s overarching objectives. Conversely, a team member motivated by financial rewards might find competitions or performance-based incentives more inspiring. This approach underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing our differences, ensuring that each person feels seen and appreciated on a human level.

When it comes to rewards like bonuses, understanding what truly matters to our employees allows us to offer more meaningful incentives. Instead of a one-size-fits-all bonus, offering personalized rewards—such as a $500 Airbnb gift card for those who value family time—can significantly boost morale and loyalty. This strategy doesn’t fragment our culture; rather, it enriches it by ensuring that our development plans and motivational strategies are intricately woven into the fabric of our organizational goals.

Incorporating these personalized approaches into our management strategy not only creates accountability and growth but also keeps morale high. By committing to this level of individualized support and recognition, we not only meet our daily operational needs but also build a stronger, more cohesive team that is fully aligned with and invested in our shared success.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that my worth was tied to constantly doing more, a belief deeply rooted in my adult struggle with reading. Despite teaching myself to read, excelling in college, and graduating with high honors in my late 20s, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unworthiness. I carried a heavy burden of embarrassment and imposter syndrome, fearing that if I didn’t keep pushing myself to the limit, everyone would discover the “stupid girl” I believed I was. Ironically, while I saw myself in this light, others viewed me as a superwoman. This discrepancy between how I perceived myself and how others saw me—a highly ambitious, motivated, and high-achieving woman—highlighted a significant gap in my self-awareness. It was a big reminder that we all harbor insecurities, regardless of our achievements.

For years, I operated under the belief that taking on more responsibilities was the only way to prove my value. This relentless drive was abruptly halted by a diagnosis of Bells Palsy, forcing me out of work for two weeks. This unexpected break turned out to be a revelation. During my absence, I witnessed my team’s ability to excel and shine, realizing that my need to control and oversee everything had inadvertently stifled their growth and potential. It dawned on me that I might have been the biggest obstacle in their path to success. My approach to leadership—emphasizing overwork and burnout as the paths to achievement—was far from ideal. It was a misguided model that did more harm than good.

This period of forced reflection was a blessing in disguise. Returning to work, I shifted my focus towards training and development, recognizing the importance of building a strong team foundation and empowering my colleagues. This new approach allowed me to let go of tasks that neither served the team, the company, nor myself and instead, invest in uplifting and enabling those around me. It was a pivotal moment that transformed my understanding of leadership and value, teaching me that true strength lies in fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and shine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://acglobalventures.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexismcarpenter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alexis.Carpenter02/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-m-carpenter/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BoldVoices/videos