I help leaders and organizations implement exceptional leadership strategies to improve employee engagement, increase productivity and retention, and grow their profits.

I help organizations whose

leaders are struggling with disengaged employee, low productivity and turnover

implement and embody a

proven leadership framework

that foster high performing teams, increase productivity and maximize profits, even if they operate in rapidly

changing industries, face complex challenges, or are navigating the nuances of a remote work environment

Exceptional LEADERSHIP Solutions

Did you know that recent studies highlighting that when employees perceive their leaders don't care about their wellbeing beyond KPIs and metrics, organizations see a 30% decrease in productivity and a 25% higher rate of employee turnover?

Beyond financial implications, these issues lead to disengaged teams and a devastating sense of burnout, compromising both the financial and cultural aspects of an organization's long-term sustainability.

I firmly believe that the remedy for these issues lies in transforming the dynamics of teams in the organization, and it all start when leaders become exceptional.

Explore Our

Leadership Solutions

Discover the transformative power of expert-led coaching and training. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, increase team productivity, or drive organizational growth, our tailored programs are designed to meet your specific needs.

Hire Carmen to Speak at your next event!

Carmen is a transformational speaker that understands the challenges and opportunities of the Corporate World. With her unique approach to leadership she promise to light the fire on your leaders, and employees alike.

Best Selling Author

Carmen has 4 published books including the best selling book: Beyond Certainty

Leading Intentionally

The Podcast where we dive deep into Leadership Transformation

Expertise

Hi there! I'm Carmen Paredes as the visionary behind Exceptional Leadership Solutions, my mission is to elevate individuals lives and aid organizations in maximizing return on investment. My intuitive and intentional leadership techniques are designed to transcend the existing inefficient dynamics in interactions between leaders and employees.

I'm passionate about sharing the leadership principles and actionable skills that I've refined in over two decades as an executive and leadership expert. These very skills have enabled me to achieve remarkable results, high performing and engaged teams in even the most demanding and challenging environments.

As a Latina leader, International TEDx speaker, Keynote speaker and Best Selling Author, I seamlessly integrates a diverse background, including an Engineering degree, an MBA from a prestigious institution, and a coaching certification accredited through the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Testimonials

Loree Phillip

Having Carmen Benton on our show was a true delight. Her expertise and engaging storytelling added immense value to our podcast, leaving our listeners eager for more and ready to take action! - Loree Philip, Daring to Leap

Jane Wareham

Carmen is a true ray of light and has immense experience and knowledge. Her energy is infectious and her voice needs to be heard! She brought so much value to my audience. Her ability to explain using real life examples made it simple and easy to understand. If you're looking for a speaker that is going to captivate your audience and keep it real - Carmen is it!

Theodora Vosse

Having Carmen as a podcast guest is an absolute delight. Her contribution to the episode is brimming with value and infectious energy, making it a truly enjoyable experience. I wholeheartedly cherished having her on the show and wholeheartedly endorse her as a guest. Her genuine vulnerability and unfiltered honesty are remarkably refreshing

The Fine Line Between Hard Work and Workaholism: Finding Balance in the Modern Workplace

Workaholism

April 18, 2024•2 min read

The pressure to succeed can sometimes blur the lines between dedication and obsession. As professionals, we often pride ourselves on our work ethic, but it's crucial to recognize when our commitment to work crosses into unhealthy territory.

Workaholism, as coined by psychologist Wayne Oates in 1971, is characterized by an uncontrollable need to work incessantly, often at the expense of personal well-being and relationships.

Unlike simply working hard, workaholism lacks a crucial element: balance.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for both mental and physical well-being. Yet, in a culture that often glorifies busyness and productivity, it can be challenging to draw the line between dedication and overwork.

Recognizing the signs of workaholism is the first step towards finding that balance.

Questions for you:

Do you find yourself constantly working long hours, even on weekends? Are you obsessed with productivity, to the point where it consumes your thoughts? Do you neglect your personal life in favor of work? These could be red flags indicating that you've crossed the line into workaholism.

It's important to understand that working hard and being a workaholic are not the same. Working hard is commendable—it shows dedication and commitment to your goals. However, when work becomes a compulsive need that overrides other aspects of your life, it's time to reassess your priorities.

So, how can you find a better balance?

Set boundaries for yourself, both in terms of time and priorities. However, not being able to do this might be a sign you need to look deeper within yourself and perhaps turn your attention to things you might want to numb.
Learn to say no to excessive work demands and make time for activities outside of work that bring you joy and relaxation. This was extremely hard for me to do and today I know it was because my feeling of inadequacy coming from my childhood experiences had conditioned me to use work as a numbing agent.
Seeking help. and I get it, this is hard! For me, understanding that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength was a monumental task, and because of this I totally understand how you feel about this.

If you find that workaholism is taking a toll on your well-being, consider reaching out to a mental health practitioner, coach or consultant accredited through the National Board of Certified Counselors like myself: You don't have to continue going through this alone.

The truth is that finding the right balance between hard work and personal well-being is not easy, but it is essential for long-term success and happiness. By recognizing the signs of workaholism and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance, you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Wondering if you could possibly be a workaholic? Click Here to check out this super quick and reliable quiz and find out.

WorkaholismFunctional workaholism

Carmen Paredes

Carmen is an International TEDx speaker, award-winning keynote speaker, Latina leader with over 20 years of experience executive positions including fortune 100 companies. She’s holds two engineering degrees, and MBA and a coaching certification accredited by the the national board of certified counselors. A best selling author and founder of Exceptional Leadership Solutions, she helps leaders and organizations implement exceptional leadership strategies to improve employee engagement, increase productivity and retention, and grow their profits. Connect with Carmen Paredes at https://exceptionalleadershipsolutions.com/keynote-speaker and follow @iamcarmenparedes.

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