Carl Green: Empowering the Next Generation Through Transformational Leadership
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, in the historic and poverty-stricken neighborhood of Pruitt-Igoe, Carl Green’s journey is a nod to resilience, purpose, and transformation. From humble beginnings, Carl has emerged as a dynamic leadership authority and Certified Independent Coach whose work empowers individuals, organizations, and youth to lead with clarity, intention, and impact.
Today, Carl Green is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Executive Team Member, Certified Independent Coach, Trainer, Public & Keynote Speaker, Professional Coach, Leadership and Personal Development Facilitator, and Youth Development Speaker and Trainer. He is also the founder of The C. Green Group, a leadership development firm rooted in one defining philosophy: Transformational Leadership.
A Soul-Searching Turning Point
Carl’s path to leadership coaching was not accidental—it was deeply spiritual and personal. In 2018, he reached a pivotal moment in his life.
“I got to a point where I asked myself, what are you here for? I went on a real soul-searching mission,” Carl shared.
At that time, Carl had stepped away from organized religion, feeling disappointed and unfulfilled, yet he never lost his belief in God. During prayer, he received a message that would redefine his life’s mission: You are supposed to change hearts with the spoken word.
That calling soon aligned with his professional life. While working in marketing for an organization, Carl recognized a major gap—leadership. Believing the organization needed leadership training, he reached out to his neighbor, Tina Grimes, who happened to be a member of the John Maxwell Team. During a meeting in a small conference room, Carl noticed a photo of Tina with John Maxwell on her laptop. As she explained the Maxwell Leadership program, everything clicked.
After speaking with a program coordinator, Carl was fully committed. In 2019, he attended his first Maxwell International Conference, became certified, and has been connected to Maxwell Leadership ever since.
From Corporate Leadership to Youth Empowerment
Although Carl’s professional trajectory was initially corporate-focused, leadership had always energized him. That passion did not go unnoticed.
“The CEO of the organization I worked for saw how excited I was about leadership,” Carl explained. “One day he called me into his office and said, ‘We need leadership training,’ and everyone thought I was the right man for the job.”
Carl accepted the challenge—and that moment opened another door. Soon after, he felt a new calling.
“God said our youth needs the training that you provide,” Carl said. “Working with youth was never on my radar. That was not my comfort zone. But God reminded me, this is where the need is.”
From that point forward, his focus shifted dramatically. Youth development moved to the forefront of his mission, while corporate work took a supporting role.
Leadership Gaps and Transformational Change
Having worked with major organizations such as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Merck Pharmaceuticals, Carl has seen recurring leadership gaps at the executive and management levels.
“Managers don’t understand they are the link between the team and the company,” he said. “Too many managers see themselves as the boss instead of the leader. Your job is not just to shine, but to help your team shine. In return, that team will make the manager shine.”
When organizations experience improved retention, productivity, and profitability after working with Carl, the real changes are happening beneath the surface.
“Two words: Transformational Leadership,” Carl emphasized. “Not just leadership. I’m talking about leadership that shows up when a person makes changes and adjustments to be better—not just at work, but in every area of life.”
However, transformation is not without resistance. According to Carl, the biggest mistake organizations make during change initiatives is poor communication.
“It starts from the top down,” he said. “Everyone at the top must be committed to the change. When teams see leadership embracing transformation, everything begins to fall into place.”
Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders
Carl believes leadership must be introduced early, not postponed until adulthood.
“Our youth minds are developing so quickly,” he explained. “What they see and hear is shaping them. We need to start in schools, sharing stories of young people their age who accomplished great things.”
When asked which leadership skill youth must master now to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce, Carl’s answer was clear: decision-making.
“We need to help them understand what behaviors will help them and which will hurt them. Decision-making is critical.”
The C. Green Group Difference
What separates The C. Green Group from other leadership development firms is Carl’s uncompromising focus on application.
“Transformational Leadership—that’s it,” he said confidently. “I’m not interested in just hearing you talk. I want to dig in and get to the heart of the matter. If you’re not applying what I’m teaching, I can’t waste time. I want to see change.”
To stay aligned under pressure, Carl relies heavily on mentorship.
“I’m on a great team with Maxwell Leadership,” he shared. “I have more than five mentors who pour into me weekly, giving me guidance and direction.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Leadership
Carl believes retention will be one of the greatest challenges organizations face over the next five years.
“The next generation thinks differently,” he said. “If organizations don’t value their people today, staff will walk out the door with ease.”
As workplaces become more digital and multi-generational, Carl stresses the importance of embracing technology—without losing the human element.
“Robots can’t do leadership training,” he said. “There’s a place for AI, but organizations must get onboard now or be left behind.”
For leaders overwhelmed by constant change, Carl offers grounded advice.
“Pause before you push,” he said. “Identify what’s changing, what’s in your control, and reconnect to your purpose. Change feels threatening when it disconnects people from why they lead.”
Legacy, Accomplishments, and What’s Next
Carl openly acknowledges his greatest challenge.
“Myself,” he said. “Staying focused, disciplined, and consistent. I’m also working on punctuality—I want to be transparent about that.”
His greatest accomplishments include securing major contracts, becoming part of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, and receiving the Maxwell DNA Culture Award for consistently exhibiting a powerful attitude.
Looking ahead, Carl is passionate about promoting the Global Youth Initiative, a program led by John Maxwell twice a year in April and October, where certified coaches provide free leadership training to youth worldwide.
When asked how he wants to be remembered, Carl’s answer was simple and powerful:
“That I loved Transformational Leadership. That I loved people and valued every single person. I have a strong passion for that.”
From Pruitt-Igoe to global impact, Carl Green’s life and leadership stand as proof that purpose, when paired with discipline and heart, can truly change lives.
#TransformationalLeadership #YouthEmpowerment #CarlGreen
