Hi, I’m Caroline.
My story.
The lights dim. The stage manager whispers, “go ahead, break a leg—but don’t fall up the stairs.” And for just a moment, I’m the only singer on stage in front of 19,000 fans.
This is my first time at a concert at The Garden, and I’m lucky enough to have the best seat in the house. My loved ones are perfectly placed in the stands at stage right, and as we make eye contact, my heart flutters with excitement. The performance is Andrea Bocelli— a man who, without a doubt, is the coolest and most well-known opera star of our generation.
I’m not nervous, but rather beaming with pride, confident in myself and my abilities. But I haven’t always been this way.
Facing my fears.
I was auditioning for Coffee House, our middle school musical variety show, which was always the talk of the town. I had been practicing my rendition of 100 Years by Five for Fighting on the piano for months, but now I had to do it in front of all my peers. I was a nervous wreck, my heart pounding. What do I do if it all goes blank? How will I look on stage? What will my classmates think?
Lucky for me, my choir teacher always had a way of bringing me out of my comfort zone and encouraging me to go for it. He pushed me, and made me practice facing my fears—a gift that continues to give back to me. Giving me that first opportunity to really push my boundaries had a lasting impact. Not only did I feel the joy and satisfaction of the audience’s applause and compliments from my loved ones once performance day came, I also felt that I could do this again. I could continue putting myself out there and share my gifts with others, whether that be through music, leadership, coaching, and more.
Support matters.
Fast forward several years to my life as a young professional in DC. I arrived in The District with one friend in tow, an internship, and a whole city to explore. A few months into my job, though, I felt that something was missing, so I auditioned for The Washington Chorus and joined them as a soprano.
Over the years with TWC, I performed in a several shows and would sometimes put the invite out to my friends and - if applicable at the time - significant other. Those who showed up and cheered me on have been there for me so consistently throughout my young adult life. And those who never did show up, especially those who seemed so important at the time, helped me discern who I could count on.
This dynamic of performing and extending the invite also helped me see that quality time is one of my primary love languages. When someone is willing to take time out of their day to support me, it is the ultimate gift— and something I try to keep in mind by being present for others in return.
Leaving my legacy (and helping others do the same).
I’ve been granted some incredible opportunities through singing. During my time with The Washington Chorus, we world-premiered a space opera in Brooklyn, mastered a piece in Inuit, and sang for celebrities like Jeff Bezos and government leaders. And yet, the most impactful part of being with the chorus was being able to premiere new pieces and breathe new life into the old—creating art and cementing a legacy.
Today, I’m focused on leaving more of my legacy, saying yes to new opportunities in music and business, and helping others share their gifts and tell their story. Through my work as a Brand Director at Forge, I’ve coached healthcare, nonprofit, and association clients to find their brand voice and use it consistently in their work. As a personal brand coach for the Personal Brand Accelerator, I’m now mentoring some amazing people on how to build their personal brand. And for myself, I’m pushing myself to create, capture, and produce more to tell my own story.
The show must go on.
Back to TD Garden. When you step onto a stage as daunting and huge as that, something unexpected happens. An audience of thousands becomes a sea of darkness when the spotlights are on. What’s left is just you—with your thoughts, voice, and roots. And I’m so glad that, in that moment, I was ready, confident, and grounded in who I am.
I am excited to share more of my story with you all on this platform, and hope to hear what kind of legacy you want to leave, too.
My values.
Passion and Artistry.
Singing is my preferred creative outlet outside of the office. There is nothing quite like singing the first note of a brand new piece alongside a full orchestra– a moment cemented in musical history. I find great joy in bringing music to life, especially since COVID-19, where life seemed to have a lot less meaning. Singing for me is creating, because every time you perform a piece you are making something new and sharing your gift with others. Because of this, I am working on getting more of my own singing out there to the masses.
Centeredness.
I have had challenges with anxiety and depression for many years, but was only diagnosed recently. When I finally got the help I needed, I learned that my overthinking and self-doubt were not simply a personality trait but actually a mental health challenge. I have worked on being centered– that is, at peace, grounded, and balanced– through my faith and spirituality as well as my routine and treatment. Fitness has also helped keep me centered, giving me the boost of endorphins, confidence, and clarity I need for the day ahead.
Faith.
Though my faith as a liberal Catholic is ever-evolving, it drives much of what I do, and why. Saint Augustine, a rebel and disruptor in the church, was known for his “restless heart” approach: we are constantly drawn to trying new things, helping others, and seeking truth in everything that we do. Our hearts are restless until they rest in God. That restlessness drives me to keep learning, loving, and adapting. It's also why I crave meaningful client work– life is too short to not be focused on making a difference.