Person pointing at sticky notes on a whiteboard during a discussion or planning session.

At Empowered Planning & Leadership Solutions, we believe that great things happen when people come together with purpose, clarity, and trust.

Whether you're guiding a board through strategic decisions, building a stronger team, or engaging your community in meaningful ways — we’re here to help you lead with confidence and intention.

We specialize in facilitation, leadership development, and community engagement. With more than a decade of hands-on experience and nationally recognized certifications, our approach is grounded, thoughtful, and tailored to your unique goals.

Let’s create the space for better conversations, deeper collaboration, and sustainable progress — together.

Our Services

PROFESSIONAL FACILITATION

Meet with purpose. Leave with progress.

We help you make the most of your time together — no more meetings just for the sake of meetings. Whether you’re hosting a strategic planning retreat, convening your board, or tackling a tough decision, we design and facilitate gatherings that are engaging, efficient, and results-driven.

Our goal? To ensure your group stays focused, energized, and aligned — and to make sure no one walks away thinking, “That could have been an email.” We bring structure, clarity, and neutral guidance to help you move from ideas to action.

  • Strategic Planning Sessions

  • Board & Team Retreats

  • Meeting Design & Facilitation

  • Consensus Building & Decision-Making Support

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & TEAM BUILDING

Helping leaders lead with confidence —and teams thrive with trust.

Great leadership starts with self-awareness and a clear understanding of team dynamics. We offer coaching and workshops that help individuals uncover their strengths, improve communication, and build trust across teams. As a Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths® Coach, I tailor each experience to meet your goals — from developing new leaders to strengthening established teams.

Whether through one-on-one coaching or team retreats, our sessions are practical, engaging, and designed for real-world results. When leaders grow and teams align, your entire organization benefits.

  • CliftonStrengths Coaching (1:1 and group sessions)

  • Leadership Training Programs

  • Team Building Retreats

  • Emerging Leader Development

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT

Community work that starts with listening — and leads to lasting change.

Stronger communities begin with stronger connections. We help local leaders, residents, and partners work together to define shared values, build trust, and move toward a common vision. Using proven tools like Community Heart & Soul® and Strategic Doing™, we guide inclusive, action-oriented planning efforts that reflect the voices of the people who live there.

With over a decade of experience in community development, we bring structure, creativity, and a commitment to lasting impact — helping you turn engagement into momentum and vision into action.

  • Community Visioning & Planning

  • Resident Engagement Strategies

  • Strategic Doing Workshops

  • Facilitation for Cross-Sector Collaborations

A happy family of four posing outdoors on a grassy lawn with trees and bushes in the background.

Meet Carrie…

Hi, I’m Carrie Barnes — facilitator, coach, community builder, and the heart behind Empowered Planning & Leadership Solutions. With nearly 15 years of experience and a passion for bringing people together, I help teams, leaders, and communities move from talk to action.

I’m all about turning ideas into impact, and I love a good flip chart. If you’re looking for thoughtful strategy, impactful facilitation, and a partner who genuinely cares about your success — you’re in the right place.