About Carolyn M. Warden

Consultant, Educator & Founder, Service University (sm)

"People are willing to pay more to be understood"
Posted in IBM Sales Training Room, 1988

This statement contradicts everything I had been taught about business in school, so it stayed in the forefront of my mind for over 15 years while I was successful focusing on marketing, finance, and efficiency. As I watched computers and communications technology eliminate so many US jobs I realized "The Lesson" contained in this statement:

The quality of a customer’s experience is the only competitive edge left.

I have experience from all sides of the manager's desk. Yes, I started in the visitor’s chair as an auditor over 25 years ago. Quickly I learned that if I really wanted to be sure I knew what a CEO needed I should switch to the other side of the desk. I have been CEO & CFO of four credit unions: from medium to super-sized.

I was even under the desk for a while, pulling cables as a trouble shooter and education director for a data processing firm. Somehow I made the time to write four books and numerous articles about management issues and skill sets common to non- and for profit organizations.

I've had the pleasure of leading seminars and workshops all over the US and in Eastern Europe. My clients range from those just beginning to organize to over $1 billion in assets, and are located from New York City to Alaska and Hawaii.

I coach clients through challenging changes by providing information and identifying options, as well as training them to implement human behavioral change with minimal stress and a dose of fun!

When not traveling, I enjoy doing home improvements, gardening, and fundraising for various children’s charities. I'm a member of Toastmasters lnternational, ASTD (American Society of Training Developers), and an international woman’s organization that supports education for women and advocates for children in foster care.