About
Who is Carl?
I am known for my outrageous stories, contagious laughter, and dynamic programs that ignite positive energy.
What I Do
I customize programs to help people level-up, lighten-up, and lift-up others with small mindset and habit changes.
Why I Do It
I have navigated the Storms of Stress™ and negative emotions — which led to health issues and relationship problems.
Why Me?
I have spent 30+ years teaching and training people how to stress less, laugh more, and Choose Joy!
My Story
MY PAST
". . . the broken-hearted —
who are crushed in spirit."
Psalms 34:18
Days before our 25th Anniversary — my wife asked for a divorce.
I thought I was a good husband — but good intentions without love, care, and service are not enough.
To be fair, I had been a good husband for most of our marriage. But my wife was no longer happy — and had not been happy for a long time. She was tired of me putting my job, my interests, and even our kids before her. She was tired of being my last priority. She was tired of the stress and negativity.
I was crushed. I was devastated. And my entire world came crashing down.
I know what it feels like to hit rock bottom — to struggle with financial, relationship, and health issues, and to be completely overwhelmed by constant stress and negativity. I also know what it feels like to believe things can never change.
But they can.
MY PRESENT
"Create in me a clean heart … "
Psalm 51:10
Faith became my foundation.
Perseverance inspired progress.
Struggles created new strategies.
My wife and I just celebrated our 30th Anniversary — and our marriage is stronger, deeper, and more fulfilling than it has ever been.
Our faith led us closer:
— to God and to each other
— to Victory Church in O'Fallon, IL
— to a RelationShift of the Heart™
What I teach is not a shallow framework. I lived it. I struggled through it. I grew because of it. And I now pass it on — because transformation is not a theory. It is a decision followed by daily practice.
MY FUTURE
“ … give you a new heart … "
Ezekiel 36:26
My goal is to share what we have learned — and what has already helped leaders and teams rediscover performance, productivity, and purpose.
I have seen burned-out leaders rediscover their passion. I have watched disconnected teams rebuild trust. I have witnessed cultures shift from stress and survival to love, care, and service — and the results speak for themselves.
What changed my marriage is the same thing that changes organizations. It starts with the heart.
Brief Bio
- AWANA Sparks Ministry (Teacher): 3 years teaching as well as sharing my faith to diverse K-2nd Graders, in our O’Fallon, IL, Victory Church.
- Board of Education (BOE Member): 10-year elected public official who helped govern Lebanon, IL, CUSD #9 — focusing on student needs.
- Board of Education (President): served 2 years leading a dynamic team of community volunteers — through and past COVID.
- Boy Scouts of America (Cubmaster): served 3 years leading the pack with fun scouting activities and programs as well as teaching practical skills.
- Leadership Development (Director): spent 2+ years designing/teaching a college leadership program for campus leaders — on leadership skills, habits, mindsets, and more.
- Professor (Education/Psychology): 26+ years teaching diverse courses (Applied, College Success Strategies, Educational, Lifespan Development, and more) in the field of Psychology.
- Rotary Lebanon Club (President): 1-year term leading a dedicated team of community volunteers — and putting our motto "Service Above Self" into daily action.
- Rotary Youth Leadership (Chair): reigniting and redesigning RYLA leadership program in Southern Illinois (Jr. High and High School), focused on “The FUN-damentals of Leadership“ and teamwork.
Carl Thomas Berry
Carl works with leaders running on empty to level-up, lighten-up, and lift-up their team with small mindset and habit shifts — starting with their heart.