Start small, finish big. Small steps get you to the finish line. It's a race with yourself. Sometimes, not starting something new is the best way to finish what you already started.
Chelsea Carter, EdD, NCC · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Chelsea
Chelsea Carter is the Director of Workplace Experience at John Deere, where she leads enterprise efforts focused on culture, employee engagement, leadership effectiveness, and the overall workplace experience. Her career began in mental health counseling before evolving through a series of professional and personal transitions that included relocations, time as a stay-at-home mother, entrepreneurial ventures in piano instruction and event planning, and work as an adjunct instructor. She joined John Deere more than 15 years ago and has since held a wide range of human resources and leadership development roles, building deep expertise in helping people and organizations navigate change, strengthen performance, and create more meaningful employee experiences.
Throughout her time at John Deere, Chelsea has led work across human resources operations, recruiting, leadership development, executive coaching, workforce experience, culture, and organizational effectiveness. She has advised senior leaders, developed enterprise leadership programs, supported thousands of people leaders, and helped shape strategies centered on engagement, belonging, development, and workforce well-being. Her approach is grounded in the ability to influence without formal authority, encourage mindset shifts, and support lasting behavior change. Chelsea earned a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa and a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University in 2019. She is also a National Certified Counselor.
Chelsea credits much of her success to exceptional mentors in both her professional and personal life, along with a strong understanding of her purpose and the work she is uniquely positioned to do. She places faith, family, and focus at the center of her life and leadership. One principle that continues to guide her career is to make everything she touches fantastic, believing that excellence in the role you have today creates the foundation for future opportunities. Through her work, she remains committed to helping leaders and employees thrive while creating workplace environments where people can grow, contribute, and succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chelsea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've had amazing mentors, both professional and personal. Second, I understand my lane. I love the Ava Duvernay quote - "When you're in your lane, there's no traffic".
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Make everything you touch fantastic." No matter how mundane the task, you have an opportunity to make it shine. And if you shine today, you'll be vibrant tomorrow. The only way to get to your goal is to be amazing right now in your current role.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be patient, be prepared, and be positive. Trust the timing of your life, don't force results and answers and while you are waiting prepare and stay positive and open, allowing things to unfold.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face in the space that I'm in is, influencing without authority. Second, mindset shifts and behavior change take a lot of time and effort at an individual, team, and organization level.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
That's an easy question! Faith, family, and focus. People will say, yeah, she's focused. And I'll admit, I have a lot of goals and do a lot of things, but at the forefront is my faith and family, which inspire me to strive to be my best.
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