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More About Leslie

Award-winning Certified Speaking Professional C. Leslie Charles has pleased audiences with her wit and wisdom for over two decades. Her customized keynotes and workshops entertain, enlighten, and invigorate her learners to take action on practical, doable strategies. As the author of eight books including the critically acclaimed Why Is Everyone So Cranky?, Leslie has enjoyed extensive media exposure. Her newest book, coauthored with Mimi Donaldson, is titled “Bless Your Stress: It Means You're Still Alive!”

Perhaps you've wondered what makes Leslie Charles an expert on stress. With a background that includes failure, hardship, poverty, and loss, Leslie blends personal struggles with professional accomplishment, bringing a rich palette of experience to those who hire her. Audience members applaud Leslie's humorous yet practical approaches to everyday problems and her down-to-earth delivery.

Leslie speaks and writes with vigor and imagination on what it takes to live and work with enthusiasm, integrity, and a resilient spirit in spite of all. Her books and speeches are filled with common sense ideas wrapped fresh, new packaging. Her latest book, “Bless Your Stress” is a fresh and downright hilarious look at an often daunting, overworked subject.

Here are some highlights from this resourceful woman's history:

married at 16, MOTHER of 3 by age 20, 10th grade education
reentered high school at age 23, DROPPED OUT a second time
completed her GED (high school equivalency) at age 29
attended Lansing Community College on a WELFARE grant
received Associate Degree (with honors) at 31, BA at age 40
25+ years of experience as a human resource trainer, facilitator, and keynote speaker
active member of the National Speakers Association since 1982
earned the Certified Speaking Professional designation from NSA in 1991
served on the NSA Board of Directors for six years (two terms)
released her first book in 1993, two more in 1996, then 1997 and 1999
received the Charles Leadership Award from NSA Michigan in 1996
named the Lansing Community College Most Distinguished Alumni in 1996
named the MSU Communication Department Outstanding Alumni in 1998
released her seventh book in 2002
received the prestigious 2005 Diamond Award from the Michigan Society of Association Executives
released book number eight in 2006

Clients who hire Leslie include women's groups, private and public sector, health care, trade associations, and educational institutions. Client list includes NASA, Prudential Real Estate, National Association of Insurance Women, America First Credit Union, National Centrex Users Group, AgStar Financial Services, Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Michigan, Michigan Association of Credit Unions, American Farm Bureau Federation, State Farm Insurance, and over twenty school districts in Michigan and beyond.

Organizations that have purchased large quantities of Leslie's books include Princess Hotels, Jay's Sporting Goods, Riviera Country Club, Ameritech, Jackson National Life Insurance Company, State Farm Insurance, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Accident Fund Company, Pak Mail, and more.

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