The Unfolding Story of Resilience

Charlton’s leadership philosophy, honed over a distinguished career that includes a $2 billion P&L responsibility at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, is rooted in consistency, clarity, and compassion. Described by colleagues as “the glue” that holds teams together during turbulent times, she’s a mentor who amplifies the impact of those around her. Her inclusion in The Courage to Advance: Real life resilience from the world’s most successful women in business speaks volumes about her ability to not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

But the public accolades and professional achievements only tell part of the story. Charlton’s willingness to share her personal struggles – a story initially revealed on the Tech Whisperers podcast – is a testament to her commitment to helping others. It’s a narrative of navigating a challenging marriage to an individual battling alcoholism, simultaneously raising two children and ascending the corporate ladder. It’s a story of relocation, divorce, and the devastating diagnosis of Lyme disease for both of her children.

“I’m a fairly private person,” Charlton admits, “and because of that, when the challenges came, most people never knew about them. I also never wanted to be overlooked for potential opportunities because of them.” This desire to maintain a professional facade, while understandable, underscores the societal pressures often placed on women in leadership roles. However, she ultimately realized that her story wasn’t about her; it was about providing hope and guidance to others facing similar battles.

From Crisis to Clarity: Building a Mindset of Resilience

Charlton’s experience demonstrates that resilience isn’t an innate trait but a muscle that can be developed. When faced with a confluence of personal and professional crises, she discovered an inner strength she didn’t know she possessed. “It’s amazing what you can do when faced with difficult situations,” she reflects. “I’ve learned that you can do much more than you think you can when the stakes are high.”

So, how did she cultivate this unwavering resilience? Charlton identifies several key strategies:

• Anchor to Your ‘Why’: In moments of uncertainty, a clear sense of purpose acts as a guiding compass. Regularly asking “What’s most important right now?” provides focus and confidence.
• Break Down Challenges: Overwhelm can be paralyzing. Dividing large problems into smaller, manageable steps fosters momentum and builds confidence.
• Build a Support System: Resilience isn’t a solitary pursuit. Leaning on trusted friends, family, and colleagues provides strength and perspective.
• Prioritize Energy Management: Stress depletes energy, the fuel for resilience. Identifying and protecting activities that replenish energy is crucial.
• Reframe Setbacks as Lessons: Shifting from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can I learn from this?” transforms obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Leadership Forged in Fire: Lessons Learned

Charlton’s trials profoundly shaped her leadership style. She discovered that true leadership isn’t about possessing all the answers but about creating trust and clarity amidst ambiguity. “My role as a leader is to set the tone, stay calm, and keep my team focused on what we can control,” she explains. She also emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility and recognizing the contributions of every team member.

Resilience, she argues, isn’t about suppressing emotions but about acknowledging them, regrouping, and moving forward. Grit, for Charlton, is about persistent dedication to a clear purpose. “When you have a clear ‘why,’ you can endure the ‘how’,” she states. This perspective informs her approach to navigating market shifts and organizational change.

What does it mean to lead with humanity? Charlton believes it’s about connection, courage, and creating energy for others, especially when facing strong headwinds. It’s about empathy, clarity, and an unwavering belief in the collective power of the team.

Energy Management: Fueling Yourself and Your Team

Charlton views leadership as intrinsically linked to energy. “We set the tone, and that means we show up with energy, even on the days when we don’t feel it,” she asserts. Protecting personal energy requires self-awareness and intentionality. She regularly revisits her “why,” sets boundaries, and prioritizes recovery activities like walking and disconnecting.

Energizing teams involves connecting work to a larger purpose, celebrating progress, and modeling resilience. “Energy isn’t about relentless positivity—it’s about authenticity and adaptability,” she emphasizes. Small gestures, like expressing gratitude or simply asking “How are you *really* doing?” can have a significant impact.

Do you find yourself consistently depleted, struggling to maintain enthusiasm for your work? What small changes could you implement today to prioritize your own energy levels?

The Power of Prioritizing Well-being

Charlton’s commitment to health, fitness, and nutrition isn’t merely a lifestyle choice; it’s a foundational element of her resilience. Having overcome personal struggles with weight and experienced the loss of her parents at a young age, she understands the importance of self-care. “I’ve learned that you can’t be the best version of yourself unless you’re taking care of your physical and mental well-being.”

She maintains a consistent six-day-a-week routine, emphasizing that building these habits takes time and realistic goal-setting. This dedication has translated into improved sleep, mental clarity, and stress management – all essential qualities for effective leadership.

Charlton’s story underscores the importance of embracing discomfort. She actively seeks out challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning. This willingness to step outside her comfort zone has been instrumental in her success.

What’s one area of your life where you’ve been avoiding discomfort, and how could embracing that challenge lead to personal or professional growth?

Frequently Asked Questions About Resilience and Leadership

• What is the key to building resilience in the face of adversity?

  The key lies in developing a combination of flexibility, optimism, and proactive coping strategies. Anchoring to your ‘why’ and breaking down challenges into smaller steps are also crucial.

• How can leaders effectively manage their own energy levels?

  Leaders can manage their energy by prioritizing clarity of purpose, setting boundaries, and incorporating recovery activities into their routines. Regularly assessing what energizes and depletes you is also essential.

• What role does vulnerability play in effective leadership?

  Vulnerability fosters trust and connection. Sharing personal struggles, when appropriate, can humanize leaders and inspire others to embrace authenticity.

• How can teams build a culture of resilience?

  Teams can build resilience by fostering open communication, encouraging mutual support, and celebrating both individual and collective achievements. Modeling resilience from the top down is also vital.

• Is resilience an innate trait, or can it be learned?

  While some individuals may be naturally predisposed to resilience, it is largely a skill that can be developed through practice and intentional effort. It’s a muscle that strengthens with use.