Carolyn Washburn: Finding ‘all of my soul’ as a CEO coach

When I left journalism, I didn’t think I’d find that sense of belonging again — but I have as a Vistage Chair.

Editor’s Note: This profile is part of a series highlighting Vistage Chairs — executive coaches who help guide CEOs and leaders of small and midsize businesses to make better decisions for their companies, families and communities.

Carolyn Washburn spent years covering major companies as a business reporter before rising in the ranks to lead newsrooms like The Idaho Statesman in Boise, the Des Moines Register and the Cincinnati Enquirer. “Then, the industry started imploding with a ton of unhealthy changes,” she says.

When her position was eliminated in 2015, Washburn found herself at a loss. “I’d been in journalism since I was 14,” she says. “I wasn’t sure where to go from there. I just kind of let myself have my life again and figure out who I was when I wasn’t being the editor of a newspaper.”

She gave herself time to reflect and, later, to grieve following the loss of her father, who passed away that year. That’s when Julie Gammack, a former journalist who joined Vistage as a CEO coach, reached out.

“She said, ‘You should be a Vistage Chair. You’re an executive yourself, you love business people, you understand them, and you’re not afraid to ask anybody anything,’” Washburn recalls. “It felt like a miracle that this opportunity came to me.”

Discovering her ‘tribe’

Becoming a Vistage CEO coach in 2016, Washburn now Chairs two Chief Executive peer advisory groups and a Key Executive group. She finds that the role aligns with her strengths and interests, allowing her to showcase the many abilities she gained in the newsroom.

“As a journalist, I was trained to ask questions that got people talking about things they didn’t know they wanted to talk about — an incredibly useful skill as a Chair,” she says. “I’m also a lifelong learner, and as a Chair, I’m constantly in the position to learn from my members, Vistage speakers, colleagues and the resources and research we have exclusive access to.”

But for Washburn, it’s not just about professional fit. She says the role has also sparked personal growth, and she’s gained patience, among other things. “I’m much better at meeting people where they are,” Washburn adds. “I have slowed down and become more present. I haven’t lost any of my edge — but I’ve found all of my soul.”

Carolyn (second from right) with Vistage Chairs supporting a member’s child undergoing cancer treatment in 2023.

In addition to finding great fulfillment as a Chair, Washburn says she found her “tribe” within Vistage, finding its community generous, ambitious and without ego.

“My fellow Chairs have an abundance mentality and are always there to help with guidance or resources,” she says. “More than ever in my life, I feel supported. When I left journalism, I didn’t think I’d find that sense of belonging again — but I have as a Vistage Chair.”

Washburn says another welcome benefit is a flexible schedule, as she’s built a Chair practice around how she wants to live her life.

She blocks off the fourth week of every month to spend time with her children, visit out-of-town friends, or engage in local causes like Habitat for Humanity with her husband. Additionally, she serves on the board of Bethany House Services, a Cincinnati-based shelter for homeless and at-risk families that provides solutions for housing stability and long-term self-sufficiency.

Unlike anything else

Washburn says the Vistage platform is unlike anything else available. “Even after 8 years of looking at other leadership development options, Vistage remains the most impressive,” Washburn says. “It’s a complete package — coaching, peer support, global networks, professional development — and it fills your soul.”

As one of the few women filling top leadership positions throughout her career, Washburn is encouraged by how her groups naturally evolve as she finds more women to join. “The women who have come into my groups have changed the men and the groups,” she says. “Diverse voices are crucial.”

Carolyn (third from right) attending her youngest daughter Madina’s wedding in October 2023.

Washburn is particularly proud of the impact her members are making throughout her hometown and beyond. As she stresses in her groups, when leaders are centered, they create positive ripples; when leaders are not, chaos ripples out.

And after working with more than 75 leaders throughout her Chairing career, Washburn says she’s seen her clients grow, develop, become more centered, and change the lives of their employees, families and communities.

“I watch them evolve and transform within these peer advisory groups … and I’m amazed,” Washburn says.” I step back and say, ‘Wow, look at what we’re doing here. Look at the lives we’re improving here!’”

Explore more coaching journeys

If this coaching story interests you and you’d like to see more, learn more about Chairing and how it could lead to the next chapter of your life.

0 views