Stories have transformative powers. If you want to strengthen your team, live your best life, accomplish your goals, or move out of your comfort zone. Change your story!
I've changed my story for years!
About Me
Here’s what you need to know about me if we're going to work together.
I am a natural storyteller, leader, and coach. These skills were nurtured and enhanced by the most important person in my life, my Momma, Frances B. Champion (you can call her "Ms. Champion" or "Champ." NEVER by her first name).
Momma was wise beyond her years. She poured her heart and soul into raising me, selflessly and with endless love. But most of all, she was an exceptional storyteller who passed down her wisdom through stories, allegories, and Yoda-like one-liners (spoken with grammatical accuracy). Gems like:
"A closed mouth doesn't get fed," which taught me to speak up for myself (and for others, when necessary).
"The only stupid question is the one you don't ask," which gave me the courage to be vulnerable.
"Don't make me repeat myself," taught me that accountability is the best way to learn, grow, and "do better," and
"It's not what you say but how you say it," taught me the importance of effective communication, helping me influence and inspire thousands of lives over the years.
When she wanted me to reflect on my behavior, she'd tell me a story with an impactful moral. I learned early on that it wasn't just about telling any story. It had to be mindful, inspiring, and engaging—stories that moved me to change, opened my mind, or motivated me to take responsibility for my actions.
These powerful stories and their transformative results inspired my StorySync programs. I knew if they worked for me, they could work for others. And since I learned from the best, I knew I could teach others how to use storytelling to create lasting change in their relationships, communication, and lives, both personally and professionally.
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I came into this world to spread love and help people who are ready for change reach their highest potential.
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Everything I know about life, people, and what's most important in the world—love and connection—I learned from my Momma. She was a strict disciplinarian who believed in accountability and exposed me to all that life had to offer so I wouldn't feel limited by the stigma associated with being of African descent. Because of her, my network includes people from all cultures, backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. She led by example, and though I fought her most of the way in my youth. As an adult, I began to appreciate everything she did for me. All the love she gave me (and there was a LOT). Every sacrifice. Every lesson. And, every bit of tough love.
So, when you and I work together, you get some of that love (tough and otherwise) and everything else I learned from my Momma, combined with all that I've learned from my own life experiences, to help you reach your goals. I'm direct, honest, and I have a wicked sense of humor (albeit a little corny). My best superpower is that I celebrate my inner 12-year-old. She helps me stay positive and in the moment so that I don’t take life so seriously I can't have fun! These are the things that help me leave you better and more empowered than I found you. And that, my friend, is the sole purpose for why I do what I do!
My Credentials
In additional to my life long expertise and honing of my natural skills and expertise...I also have these creds to my credit!
Fun Facts
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I was born Kimberly Denise Mitchell on July 28 to a 16-year-old unknown mother, and immediately became a ward of the state of California.
On September 9, 1967 Frances Champion became the first Black woman in California to adopt a child as a single parent. And I became Glodean Champion.
I was always the tallest kid in the group! One of the best things my mom ever did was to insist I be proud of my height. She constantly reminded me to "Stand up straight!" I've been standing straight and proud ever since.
In 4th grade, I reached for a violin and the teacher handed me a cello. By high school I was also playing the upright bass, bass guitar, xylophone, bells, and cymbals! I was in every band Lynwood High School offered.
Prince's album, Controversy, changed my life. It taught me that being true to oneself is the most important thing we can ever do. Are you being true to you?
I graduated at 16 with no interest in college and no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Mom said, "get a job or go to college." So, I figured out a way to get a job as a Receptionist at a CPA firm.
I joined the Navy in 1985. Two days into boot camp I became the Recruit Chief Petty Officer, leader of my company. This experience revealed my natural leadership skills.
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In 1991, I moved to San Francisco. A few years later, I found a new career in Information Technology. I started at the Help Desk and worked my way up to Network Engineer before I found myself in management.
On November 29, 1996 I lost my anchor. Somehow, through my grief, I focused on the love she poured into me and the life she'd given me. I wouldn't be the me I am without her and I still thank her for it.
After many years in Corporate America I stepped off my path to the C-suite and returned to the classroom. I graduated with a BA from Mills College and an MFA from California College of the Arts in 2008.
Mills College reconnected me to my inner artist and educator. In 2007, this photo along with three others were published in the book, Black Artists in Oakland.
In 2008, my photographic exploration into colorism, The Brown Paper Bag Test, was featured in the Color(')s Within: The Inner Splendor of the Black Female exhibit.
My first short story, Heathens, was published in Woman's Work: an Anthology.
In 2010, I walked into my first classroom as a student teacher at City Arts & Tech Charter School and discovered my love of educating children.
In 2008, I moved to Chicago to finish my novel. I began teaching at Chicago State University in 2009, as well as Columbia College. There's nothing more rewarding that enlightening young minds.
In 2011, I followed my love of educating young minds to Ghana where I was a volunteer English teacher for an orphanage in the village of Bawjiasi, about 60 km NW of Accra.
I found teaching opportunities in the best places. One of my favorites was as Workshop Leader for the Neighborhood Writing Alliance in Chicago.
In 2013, I worked for the BEST leader of my career and he introduced me to Lean Six Sigma. We became the Continuous Improvement team and I excelled at leading Kaizen events.
I helped this group of IT professionals improve the company's NPS process to increase and effectively measure NPS responses.
I used compression planning to help the team of Job Developers set their regional goals and outline their plans for future events and activities.
2019
Graduation day from the Extreme Leadership Certification workshop! I love these folks!
The Communicate Like a Champ workshop with the Senior Leadership Team at VOX Network Solutions!
My keynote speech on leadership at the Extreme Leadership Experience, 2020. It was a tribute to my mom, my 1st Extreme Leader.
As like many people, the 2020 murder of George Floyd made me ask the Universe what I could do to help make the world a better place. The answer came back, "Love" and I've been living in my purpose ever since.
On March 24, 2021, my debut novel was published. It has receive great reviews and been considered a "catalyst for change, love, and greater understanding.
In 2021, I drove from my home in Monterey, CA to as far south as Macon, GA. Along the way, I talked to people about love and all the things that connect us. Over 200 people agreed LOVE is the bridge that connects us.
In 2022, my vision of being on the TEDx stage came to fruition - TWICE. In "The Power of Place and Purpose in Our Lives" I share how moving to Monterey, CA saved my life. My second TEDx is about the insanity of "race".
What People Say...
"Glodean was able to see great abilities within me, more than I could see in myself, and helped bring it out of me. She has taught me that if I believe in something, do it. And if it doesn’t work out, it’s always better to ask for forgiveness."
AIMEE, PROJECT MANAGER
"I was amazed by Glodean's level of professionalism and knowledge. Her ability to facilitate with multiple people and personalities was impressive. Her witty sense of humor and outgoing personality really made the day enjoyable!"
JENNY, CAREER EDUCATION / OUTREACH SPECIALIST
"If I had to pick one of Glodean's best traits, one...more important than her unrelenting positive attitude or uncanny ability to meet unrealistic deadlines, it would be her clarity. She can express a concept in as many ways as the listener needs to hear in order to understand."
ELIZABETH, ENGINEER
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There's rarely a dull moment in my life. Whether it's the work I do, the people I meet, the books I write, the art I create, or the places I travel, there's always a lesson to be learned or inspiration to share. If you want the news hot off the presses, subscribe now! I promise not to inundate your inbox.