About Thought Chatter
Hello, my name is Carrie. Thanks for stopping by to learn more about Thought Chatter.
I’m a small business owner, lifelong learner, and someone who believes leadership is deeply human. Real leadership isn’t built on perfect answers — it’s built through experience, reflection, and honest conversation.
The Story Behind Thought Chatter
Thought Chatter began as a space for me to share the realities of small business ownership and leadership — the parts we don’t always talk about.
I’ve been part of the printing industry for over twenty years, bringing more than two decades of management experience to the table. For the past ten years, I’ve co-owned and operated a small business with my spouse, navigating the challenges of running a company in a rapidly changing industry.
That experience has included growth, setbacks, hard decisions, long hours, and constant adaptation. It has also shown me how isolating leadership can feel, especially in small businesses where owners are often expected to have all the answers.
My Leadership Journey
Along the way, I earned an MBA with a focus in Marketing, and I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Global Leadership and Change.
My leadership journey has been anything but straightforward — transitioning from employee to owner, navigating the dynamics of working with a spouse, and managing the personal challenges that inevitably spill over into professional life. Grief, stress, resilience, and the parts of life we don’t often talk about shape how we lead, and I believe those stories deserve space and reflection.
While education has given me structure and perspective, it’s the real-world experience — learning in the middle of uncertainty — that continues to shape how I think about leadership.
What You’ll Find at Thought Chatter
At Thought Chatter, I share:
- Honest reflections on small business ownership
- Practical insights on leadership, communication, and marketing
- Lessons drawn from lived experience and academic research
- Tools and perspectives to help leaders feel less alone
My mission is simple: to remind others in leadership that they’re not alone — and that it’s okay to ask for help.
How I Can Support You
In addition to writing and research, I also offer consulting support for small business owners who need clarity in:
- Leadership and decision-making
- Communication challenges
- Marketing strategy and messaging
While I may be new to formal consulting, I bring twenty years of management experience, a decade of business ownership, and academic grounding to help leaders turn real-world challenges into practical strategies.
Let’s Connect
Interested in sharing your experience, getting a second opinion, or simply talking through ideas over coffee?
I’d love to hear from you.
Thought Chatter 