Meet Carrie West

We were lucky to catch up with Carrie West recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carrie, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Studying at the American Film Institute, I realized my life was a story—complete with antagonists, villains, plot twists and turns, and themes. That insight showed me how deeply narratives shaped my life. By rewriting my own script, I changed the characters, motifs, and plotlines that once kept me stuck. Knowing I can revise my story at any time is what fuels my resilience. Today, as a #1 International Bestselling author and speaker, I share this approach so others can discover they, too, have the power to challenge old beliefs and craft the life they truly want.

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’ve always been fascinated by the number of messages we absorb almost from the moment we arrive in this world. Those messages—from parents, teachers, friends, and the media—often plant seeds about who we should be, how we should live, and what’s “possible” for us. But so many of these inherited narratives are incomplete or based on someone else’s limited perspective. My entire focus as a storyteller and narrative coach is on helping people question these scripts, rewrite the ones that no longer serve them, and discover a life that fits who they are at their core.
The biggest aha moment for me came when I realized these messages weren’t necessarily evil or malicious—they were just handed down by people who didn’t fully understand them either. For example, a phrase like “That’s just how life works” often masks a deeper fear of belonging (critical in our development), rather than a genuine truth about the world. Once I started probing these clichés, I noticed how they often create a personal narrative that holds us back. This realization led to my book, Life Rewritten, and an entire Rewritten series. Each title in the series shows readers how to step back, examine the messages they’ve been given, and choose a fresh path.
One of my current professional focuses is the upcoming online course, “Claiming Your Seat at the Table,” launching in June. The idea came from my experience as the only woman in many business meetings. Growing up, I was never encouraged to dream big about a career. In fact, my parents wanted me to marry young and move out, which shielded me from certain stereotypical gender messages. However, I carried different burdens, including a childhood so challenging it left me with PTSD well into adulthood. Eventually, I dismantled those old labels of being “damaged” or “flawed” by deconstructing the stories I’d built around my experiences. Now, I share that same approach in my speaking engagements: challenge every message you’ve ever been told.
Beyond Life Rewritten, I’m expanding the series with titles such as Money Rewritten, Love Rewritten, and Business Rewritten. Each book questions what we hold true about money, relationships, or professional life. Each title will have a companion course—delivered live and virtually—giving people a chance to work closely on their own narrative shifts. Whether it’s about building abundance, embracing a new view of love, or running a business that defies stale corporate norms, my goal is to equip you with the storytelling tools to reshape your reality.
Ultimately, everything I do—writing, speaking, coaching—comes back to one core principle: you’re allowed to challenge the messages and rewrite your story. When you do, you get to reclaim your voice, redefine your role, and step into a more authentic, fulfilling life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One quality I found essential was the willingness to look inside myself to discover the issue, no matter how late in life it felt or how scary it seemed. I was terrified of relationships because I’d been taught many faulty beliefs about love. Dating, for me, never lasted more than a few weeks—I couldn’t trust the version of “love” I was shown. Then, at 55, I stepped back and realized I could create my own experience of love, one that fit my life. Shortly after, I met my partner, and he and I have been writing our love story ever since. It’s never too late to question and reshape the messages you’ve absorbed.
Another skill that made a profound difference was forgiveness. The people who passed along these unhelpful ideas weren’t acting out of ill intent; they didn’t know better. Forgiving them—and forgiving myself—liberated me from resentment and allowed me to move forward freely.
Finally, practicing gratitude every day changed everything. It’s such a simple habit, but it opens the heart to joy and helps maintain a positive attitude. Wherever you are in your journey, start by examining old beliefs, make room for real forgiveness, and remind yourself daily of what you’re thankful for. It’s incredible how well that works.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My speaking engagements and workshops are ideal for organizations and groups seeking fresh, innovative strategies to enhance workplace balance, increase employee satisfaction, and jump-start new initiatives. In a world where traditional methods aren’t always enough, my talks challenge the idea that one-size-fits-all solutions can address today’s evolving realities.
I share real-life stories and experiences that break from the standard approach, encouraging participants to consider new perspectives and explore creative ways to tackle real-world challenges. The past few years have highlighted the urgent need to question what has “always worked” and instead develop practices that fit our current circumstances. In my sessions, I emphasize the importance of flexibility, resilience, and curiosity—qualities that help organizations thrive, not just survive.
This means my ideal clients are forward-thinking, daring enough to rethink old assumptions, and committed to actively shaping the future they want. In each talk, we’ll carve out a path toward the type of workplace culture that fosters growth, connection, and authentic success. When leaders and teams are open to reimagining what’s possible, my presentations serve as a catalyst, helping them identify new ideas, embrace meaningful change, and work toward achieving their goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carriekcwest.com
• Instagram: @storytellers_acad
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carriekcwest/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571647474405
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-west-46349764/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/story-of-your-life/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: Being developed.