Rolfe Carawan
Rolfe Carawan is a motivator with a mandate. He brings time-tested principles of team development and relationships that impact every area of our lives, at work and home. His personal mission “relieving suffering and releasing potential” is born out of 30 years of study and coaching in human behavior and team dynamics. Rolfe takes a holistic approach when he helps leaders and organizations draw out the best in their people, bringing about a renewal of energy, engagement and productivity.
His message and passion were dramatically shaped early in his career when, with a team of 35 young men, Rolfe experienced the energizing power of unity. In 1988 Rolfe was awarded Coach of the Year for outstanding leadership of a football team whose performance went from two wins in two years before his tenure, to League Champions his first year. The key was team unity - where he empowered each individual to contribute their personal strengths for the betterment of the team, inspiring them to commit to one heart, one mind and one mission.
Rolfe’s keynote and consulting and coaching career began in 1991 when he left his traditional teaching position and founded the non-profit organization, LifeMatters. With his Masters in Counseling and experience as an educator, Rolfe was inspired to help young people and their parents gain the needed skills to improve their relationship dynamics. Recognizing that personal character is foundational for developing strong relationships and unity, Rolfe authored two books; Character Revolution: Restoring America’s Soul for emerging leaders and Profiles in Character; an inspiring look into the lives of individuals who impacted their world.
Rolfe’s engaging style and compelling message quickly resonated with leaders at all levels and before long he was speaking in corporate venues. After experiencing radical change in their families, executives wanted their employees to learn these same life-changing principles. They realized these attitudes, skills, and habits would help release the potential of their staff and encourage cohesive teams.
In response to the demand, Carawan Global Communications & Consulting was launched in 1998. As CEO, Rolfe practices what he teaches, and draws insights from his interaction with and observation of the most successful leaders in the world. He provides powerful insights on how to encourage individual ingenuity and bring teams together to accomplish “the impossible.”
Making use of his experiences as Regional Sales Director for a fast-growing internet company, entrepreneur of a start-up business in the medical industry, as well as teaching, coaching and counseling, Rolfe consults with executives and leaders in a variety of industries ranging from Fortune 500s and high-tech companies to universities and non-profits.
Known for his contagious energy, compelling stories, and disarming style Rolfe consistently draws the highest reviews as he shares his message with thousands of people at meetings and conferences throughout America, as well as audiences on four continents. He speaks on how to harness the power of unity, build and energize great teams, overcome generational diversity, and thrive in times of adversity and change.
When asked what he considers the greatest accomplishment in his life, Rolfe answers without hesitation “Unity with my family – my wife of 20 years who’s been my partner and best friend and two great kids who, as teens, continue to invite me into their life’s adventure. What more could a man want?”
