Carmen Gillis

I attribute my success to an innate gift of intuition, relational awareness, and joy that I bring into everything I do. We all come with unique gifts to offer the world, and I’ve been fortunate that mine has had space to be expressed throughout my career, especially in my work with people. I naturally sense where individuals will thrive, how roles can be shaped, and how teams can come together in ways that feel aligned and joyful.

People I work with often say that I bring light into the workplace on my teams and projects. I see that as creating spaces where happiness is present, and it permeates out into the work atmosphere.

This isn’t something I learned from a textbook. It’s who I am at my core. When I work from that place with authenticity, I witness the greatest impact in helping others enjoy work and life more fully.

The best career advice I've received has always been about having courage and just going for it, even when it feels like a stretch. I remember a pivotal moment when I transitioned from being a project coordinator to a project manager almost overnight, and I had a moment where I wasn't feeling confident. My mentor stepped in and told me, 'Just do it, Carmen. Don't fear the failure, just do it. Just have the courage.' That encouragement to really go for it and have courage in whatever I'm doing, even when it feels uncomfortable or like a stretch, has been the inspiration that's carried me through my career. It's always been that push to not let fear hold me back and to go for what I want.

I would say, learn to lead from your heart. For me, that has always meant trusting the intuitive knowing within and letting that be the place I move from, not just my head. When I lead this way, I naturally lead with authenticity, courage, and compassion.

Leading from the heart keeps me connected to joy, love and what truly matters. It has allowed me to create work environments where people feel free to be themselves. When you lead from your heart, you become a brighter light and that helps people shine brighter themselves.

Because I care deeply about people and get to know their stories, one of the hardest parts of my work is delivering disappointing news. In today’s job market, many candidates come forward genuinely hopeful and excited about an opportunity. When I have to tell someone, they weren’t selected, those conversations carry weight for me.

I believe in being honest and respectful, and whenever possible, I try to offer encouragement or perspective that may help them consider a different path. Still, it’s not easy. When I take the time to hear someone’s story and understand who they are, I so wish I could open doors for everyone.

Authenticity is huge for me, because when you feel free to be who you truly are, that’s when your unique gifts naturally emerge and you find the confidence to lead, even if your title isn’t technically “leader.” I’ve always been someone who leads through presence, intuition, and heart. When authenticity is present, leadership isn't about position and more about energy, influence, and the way you make people feel.

Another value I hold deeply is joy. And I don’t mean joy from a “fake it” perspective. As someone who has walked through cancer and other hard seasons, I know life can bring real twists and turns, with both highs and lows. And I’ve also learned there is a place deep within that holds light and joy, even in the most difficult circumstances.

I’ve learned to return to that inner light that never truly dims, no matter what I walk through. When I center myself there, sparks of joy and possibility show me the way.

Lastly, play is very important to me. I believe we were designed to live lives of fun and enjoyment. As adults we can become stiff and too serious; tapping into our childlike wonder and having silliness and play in our lives, just brings out a whole new side and life becomes much more enjoyable.