Life at university can often feel like wandering through a labyrinth—full of twists, turns, and big decisions. But what if you had a guide to help you navigate it all? Meet Carol Boston, a former tennis pro turned sales expert and entrepreneur, whose story and insights offer a treasure trove of wisdom for students and anyone seeking direction. With a career spanning decades and a passion for helping others, Carol’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and purposeful living.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into her experiences and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From discovering your core values to mastering communication and trusting the process, Carol’s advice is both practical and inspiring. Whether you’re figuring out your next step or just looking for a bit of clarity, her story offers a roadmap to a more intentional life. Let’s explore how her insights can light your path.
From Tennis Courts to Boardrooms: A Tale of Reinvention
Carol Boston’s life is a testament to the power of reinvention. She started as a collegiate and professional tennis player—an LSU Fighting Tiger, no less—before spending 26 years as a sales expert in Fortune 100 companies. But the real twist came when she left corporate America behind. “I fought it for a long time,” she admits, recalling how she spent her entire 401k searching for a job rather than launching her own business. Yet, that resistance gave way to a bold leap into entrepreneurship.
Now a speaker and coach, Carol’s infectious energy shines through as she helps others find their footing. Her journey wasn’t a straight line—it was a winding path of unexpected turns, from Dallas to Miami and beyond. For students facing their own crossroads, her story is a reminder that purpose doesn’t always come with a clear signpost. Sometimes, it’s about trusting the detours and embracing the chance to start anew.
Values as Your Compass: Building a Life That Fits
What drives you? Carol believes that knowing your values is the foundation of a meaningful life. “So many people don’t truly understand what they value,” she observes. Without that clarity, it’s easy to chase goals that don’t resonate, leaving you unfulfilled. Her solution? A deep dive into self-discovery with an exercise she calls the “300 Values” list—sifting through pages of options to pinpoint your top 10.
This isn’t just theory; it’s a practical tool Carol uses with clients. She explains, “If you don’t know your values, you can’t align your behaviour with them.” For university students, this can be a lifeline—helping you choose a career, nurture relationships, or set boundaries that reflect who you are. Imagine making decisions with a compass that always points to your true north. That’s the power Carol’s approach offers: a life built on what matters most to you.
Speaking Their Language: The BANK Code to Connection
Ever wonder why some conversations click while others fizzle? Carol swears by a tool called BANK, created by Codebreaker Technologies. It’s a system that cracks the code of communication in under 90 seconds, identifying four personality types: Blueprint, Action, Nurture, and Knowledge. “It’s like speaking the same language,” she says, recalling how 85% of her past clients shared her dominant code when she tested it.
For students, BANK is a game-changer. Whether you’re bonding with mates, negotiating with a professor, or acing a job interview, understanding these codes helps you adapt your approach. Picture this: a Nurturer craves connection, while a Knowledge type wants facts. By tailoring your words to their style, you bridge gaps and build trust fast. It’s not about changing who you are—it’s about meeting others where they’re at, making every interaction more effective and authentic.
The Magic of Questions: Unlocking Possibilities with Curiosity
Carol’s nickname, the “Queen of Reframe,” comes from her mastery of empowering questions. She’s adamant about ditching “why”—it sparks defensiveness and shuts down dialogue. Instead, she favours questions starting with who, what, how, or where. Her go-to? “What else is possible today?” It’s a phrase that turned a speaking gig’s mic dilemma into a win when she secured a lavalier mic after persistent curiosity.
She shares a childhood memory to illustrate: her dad once asked, “Why’d you get a B?”—prompting defensiveness. What if he’d asked, “What one thing could you do differently next semester to improve that grade?” The shift is subtle but seismic, inviting solutions over blame. For students, this skill can transform tricky talks—think flatmate disputes or career chats—into moments of growth. By swapping judgement for curiosity, you open doors to possibilities you never imagined.
Steps to Purpose: Three Gems for a Fulfilling Path
Carol distils her wisdom into three tips that resonate deeply for anyone, especially students carving their futures:
Trust the process: You don’t need the full picture—just the next step. Carol likens it to a lamplight guiding her feet, a faith that kept her going through tough transitions.
Borrow belief: Lean on someone else’s confidence in you until yours kicks in. It’s how she landed a tennis scholarship and pivoted into sales with no experience.
Give, then ask: Lead with value, not expectation. Service-first opened doors for her as a speaker and coach.
These aren’t just platitudes—they’re lived lessons. Take her leap into a job with a 70% pay cut: “I got in line and stayed in line,” she says, trusting it would lead somewhere great. For students, these nuggets offer a framework to navigate uncertainty with courage and generosity, turning challenges into stepping stones.
Your Journey Starts Now: Small Actions, Big Shifts
Carol’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a call to action. Here’s how to weave her wisdom into your life today:
Uncover your values: Jot down what matters most or try the “300 Values” exercise. Clarity starts here.
Rethink your questions: Drop “why” and try “what” or “how” instead. Ask, “What else is possible today?” and see where it leads.
Take the next step: Trust the process, even if it’s small. Carol’s leaps began with single strides.
“You’re right where you’re supposed to be,” Carol insists. Her path—from athlete to entrepreneur—shows that purpose unfolds daily, not overnight. For students, it’s a nudge to embrace the messiness, ask better questions, and trust that every step is shaping a life worth living. So, what’s your next move?
