Carmen Schwender, Founder

Childhood

Born and raised in Romania, a beautiful country in Eastern Europe, ballet was my passion from a young age. I spent my days practicing ballet, every chance I had with

determination, grit, courage, and a few pairs of worn-out pointe shoes. My mom’s encouragement fueled my ambition, and I am forever grateful. 

I had one dream and one dream only: to dance and pursue a career in ballet. With a suitcase of pointe shoes and leotards, $500 dollars in my pocket, a one-way ticket, I flew to the US to fulfill my dream. My heart was racing with excitement and so much fear. New York was the place of unparallel talent, a world’s stage, where legends were made, and careers transformed. New York was a whirlwind of energy, excitement, and opportunity. I auditioned from contemporary dance to classical ballet and everything in between, and even with the famous NYC Rockettes. I did fulfill my dream of performing professionally and teaching dance.

Work Life 

When I decided to retire my pointe shoes from active use, I embarked on yet another journey of transformation and change and started a career in finance. This journey took me across many different businesses, working across cultures with high performance sales and senior leaders. Spent over twenty years in the corporate world, working across two continents and three different lines of business. 

This experience equipped me with leadership skills, strategic thinking, team management, resilience, and adaptability. As an executive in finance, I can guide others in analytical and solution-oriented thinking. Growth mindset and frequent exposure to changes in the markets, corporate crisis provided me with meaningful lessons in building influence, credibility, and buy-in. 

Agent of Change

Besides being a passionate person at helping others attain their best potential, my INSEAD Executive Master in Change paired with my personal story of grit and perseverance, has equipped me with insights to explore the deepest of emotions, dwelve into the subconscious and become a true agent of change. 

You can’t change the world, until you change your world...