Meet Charlene DeCesare of Charlene Ignites in NH

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlene “Ignites” DeCesare.

Charlene, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up in a suburb outside of Boston, I was a bit of a misfit. On some level, I got along with everyone, and yet consistently felt like the ‘weird one’ in any room. I’ve come to embrace my inner weirdo as a gift, both personally and professionally. I’m a magnet for brilliant, unique thinkers. It’s how I’ve found my closest friends, my best clients, and my husband of 20 years.

Four years at Emerson College nurtured my diverse interests. While, most of my friends were aspiring artists of one sort or another, I studied communication disorders. It began my obsession with the brain, including the positive effects of meditation and visualization. This was decades before anyone dare call it a “secret.”

Over the years, I found telemarketing and retail sales jobs to pay for whatever goal I had at the time: school, books, travel, rent, food, etc. Side hustles turned into a full-time sales career. I got my MBA in Sales & Marketing from Rivier University. Eventually, my mission in life was getting better at selling and hitting bigger sales goals. Known as “CD-Money,” I spent more than a decade at Gartner Inc. before leaving to build an incubated startup within Bright Horizons.

Still, it wasn’t until I left the corporate world to build my “Charlene Ignites” brand, that I figured out how to put everything I loved into one business. Today, the best part of my work is helping the brightest minds (and hearts) come alive. My clients make a lot more money while also feeling authentically aligned with their highest calling. Perhaps it’s a lingering “Emerson effect” that I also really love being on stage and on television. I’m even known to do a Cher impersonation or two.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been some roller coaster moments. For example, while at Bright Horizons, I was pulled from the implementation of my first million-dollar deal to fly to my father’s deathbed. My dad was my hero and losing him was one of the most painful experiences of my life. Yet, the timing also meant that I had to trust other smart, capable people to jump in and work with my new, massive client. The work they did, without me there to “control freak” everything, changed the trajectory of the business in some wonderful ways.

Time and time again, I’ve found that all challenges are gifts. Things don’t always work out exactly when or how I plan, but they always work out. My mantra now is, “Today is perfect. This moment is perfect. I am exactly where I need to be.” There are moments of hard work, and even pain. Struggle, not so much.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Charlene Ignites – what should we know?
The ‘Charlene Ignites’ brand is about helping open-minded, ambitious, overwhelmed business builders achieve the extraordinary. Mainly, I do this through motivational speaking, leadership training, and sales coaching. Because of my background in building multi-million-dollar organizations, I’m especially known for my work with founders and sales teams. In addition, I have a unique mix of experience at the intersection of sales and marketing. Building my personal brand has been an exercise in practicing what I preach.

While I specialize in people, pitch, and process, I get most excited about working on success mindset. Mindset work allows me to combine my sales expertise with my intuitive nature and my obsession with how the brain works. Last year, I received a National certification as a Brain-Based Success Coach.

It’s worth noting that we weirdos know how to have fun. While some of the work is serious, it’s my mission to infuse a bit of light and laughter into everything I do.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My success depends on maintaining a keen sense of my own mortality, a daily dose of gratitude, and consistent accountability.

I’m intentional about what I do with my time, the friends I choose, how I interact with my family, and how I grow my business. I’m conscious of the energy I attract, create, and promote. I don’t always get it right, and even that is a reminder of my own humanity. Progress, not perfection.

Pricing:

• Helpful As Is / To Be Consultation: Free
• Single Full-Day Engagement: $5,000
• 90-Day Sales Turnaround: $3,900/mo
• Custom Programs and Coaching: Per proposal

Contact Info:

• Address: New England | National | Global
• Website: www.charleneignites.com
• Phone: 603-327-9064
• Email: charlene@charleneignites.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/charleneignites
• Facebook: facebook.com/charleneignites
• Twitter: twitter.com/charleneignites

Image Credit:
Main photo: Susan Walker, Elia Photagraphy
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