Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carol Leutner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Carol, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My first successful career opportunity was working for the Navajo Tribe in northern Arizona. My post was in the executive office of the man who would become the first modern-day tribal chairman. When the federal government offered our organization funding to begin a new health and nutrition program, I was tasked with designing it.
This meant that I had to investigate existing resources and needs on the reservation and talk to potential constituents. That exercise led to my understanding that resources for communities as well as individuals are available everywhere. They come in all different forms. You just have to be able to “see” them. I developed a multi-faceted program that led to the first contract between a Native American tribe and the U.S. government in U.S. history.
Thus, my passion became development work and specifically rural economic development work. This experience is described in my award-winning memoir, Race Consciousness: A Personal and Political Journey.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have had a varied and successful career as a development professional, private attorney, lawyer and consultant for various U.N. agencies around the world. I have lived and worked outside of the United States since 1994 and am currently retired in Ecuador, keeping busy as a writerer.
The thread that runs through my professional life is advocacy for underrepresented communities. Of course, the great tirony of this is while helping others, I was also helping myself to grow in strength and expand my worldview.
I share this experience in articles on Medium and in two books, the memoir and a new book entitled 21st Century Paradigm Shift, What It Is and How to Thrive In It. They are available on Amazon. Please check my website for events. and more information.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. I never considered myself to be a victim. If circumstances were not working as I desired, I kept moving daily to shift the external factors.
2. I did not doubt myself. i trusted my instinct and used it as a driving force. I was very selective in who I chose as friends and associates. People close to me were ones I knew I could trust.
3. I went back to school every 10 years–even as a mother, worker, and wife. I made sure my studies fit into a larger career vision.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
In 2026, I want to focus on promoting my two books. Both provide guidance on how to think differently during this time of historic global change–a paradigm shift. I believe that there is a new openness to ideas that once seemed too abstract or useless.
I will be developing a marketing plan and will, at some point, welcome collaborators.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carolleutner.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.leutner
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolleutner/
Image Credits
Jeremiah Reardon took the photo. I have permission to post on the website, etc.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
