Interviews with purpose-driven leaders who are dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact in the world.
August 23, 2021
Kailei Carr | The Asbury Group
Kailei Carr is the CEO & Founder of The Asbury Group headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and learn more at groupasbury.com.
TELL US, WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Kailei Carr. I am the Founder and CEO of The Asbury Group, a transformational leadership development firm specializing in programs and experiences that elevate women and people of color from the inside out. Through our work, we help clients tap into their personal power, unlock their potential, and walk fully in their purpose in the boardroom and beyond. I host a podcast called Beyond the Business Suit and also run a community for purpose-driven women of color called The Beyonding Community.
HOW DID YOU GET HERE?
After spending over 15 years on the “corporate climb,” I had some life and career moments that caused me to shift my focus and answer the “calling” I felt drawn to. I was doing well, climbing the ladder, but I wasn’t fulfilled. During that year (2013), I got married, my mom was battling stage 4 esophageal cancer and my company got a new CEO and he wanted to move my department from Chicago to Philadelphia. I decided not to move and right after I left my job, my mom passed away. The jarring reality of the fragility of life helped me realize that getting another 6-figure job wasn’t going to be “it” for me. Instead, everything in me said that this was the time for me to use my skills, gifts, and passions to help women and people of color to thrive in environments where they are not fully represented and/or don’t feel free to be themselves. Over these past almost eight years, I have worked with organizations and leaders on six continents and I truly feel like I am doing my life’s work.
Kailei Carr is the CEO & Founder of The Asbury Group headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn and learn more at groupasbury.com.
WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? WHY IS THIS WORK IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I consider myself a champion for women in leadership. I want to see more women, and especially women of color, thrive and rise higher at organizations around the world. I want women to lead themselves more effectively as well. This work is so incredibly important to me because I see so many brilliant people who have forgotten who they are and the opportunity they have during this precious life they have been gifted with. Being able to help clients discover, uncover, and remember their unique strengths and personal power, and then seeing the magic that results from when they do, is such a privilege.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
This is a tough one, but I believe that the more I can help clients unlock their highest potential, this world (and our teams, organizations, and even families) will be a better place.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO DO THIS WORK?
My mom still inspires me every day. It’s been eight years since she passed away, but I feel like I’m doing this work for her and to honor her legacy, as well as for my 5-year-old daughter so that this world will be at least a little kinder to her when she is of working age.
WHAT’S YOUR VISION, YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
I would like to see a world where we can all rise because of our merit, contribution, and impact. A world where we are all operating in alignment with our purpose and not out of fear or obligation.
WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING?
Being someone who serves others in this way can become draining if you don’t take care of yourself. I am a huge advocate of mindfulness and self-care practices and am continuously tapping into and regulating myself to ensure that I am replenishing my body and spirit when I need to.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CAUSE AND/OR THE WORK YOU’RE DOING?
In order to be a great leader of others, you must first be a great leader of yourself. Make sure you give yourself permission to be self-guided by way of your intuition, internal cues, and curiosity. If you do that, you won’t be able to go wrong!
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE OR WORDS OF INSPIRATION TO SHARE?
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” – Anatole France
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
You can listen to my podcast Beyond the Business Suit wherever you listen to podcasts, you can learn more about the Beyonding Community at beyondingcommunity.com, and if you are at an organization and would like for us to come in for workshops, retreats, or immersive programs, you can find more about us at groupasbury.com.
At Orapin, we believe those who are working for the greater good should be known, supported, and celebrated. We give do-good businesses the resources and support they need to increase awareness and grow their audience so they can expand their impact. If you would like to be featured in INSPIRED IMPACT™, reach out to hello@orapinmarketing.com.