Charlene Dark | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

Charlene Dark is the Chief Operating Officer of Avania, a MedTech industry clinical development partner, and CEO of Summus Advisors, LLC, a leadership development firm specializing in executive coaching and leadership team development in the clinical research industry. With over 30 years of experience, she blends statistical expertise from NC State University with business acumen from her UNC Chapel Hill MBA.

As a certified executive coach, Charlene has dedicated her career to empowering leaders and fostering organizational growth. Colleagues know her as a natural connector—someone who brings diverse minds together to build relationships that last well beyond the boardroom.

Outside of work, Charlene enjoys reading, DIY projects, and cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes. She shares her life with a blended family of four children and eleven grandchildren.

Charlene wrote Mindset Reimagined to share the lessons, reflections, and practical tools that have shaped her own journey. Through storytelling and lived experience, she invites readers to challenge old patterns, embrace change, and reimagine what’s possible—one mindset shift at a time.

Current position (3)

Chief Operating Officer

Avania

Founder and CEO

Summus Advisors

Strategic Advisor

Avallano

Degrees (2)

Masters, Business Administration

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

2006 to 2007

Bachelors of Science, Statistics

North Carolina State University

1991 to 1994

Presentations

Presentations (3)

Mindset Reimagined: Disrupt to Reinvent

True transformation doesn’t start with doing more — it starts with thinking differently. In this presentation, Charlene Dark shares the simple but powerful mindset shifts that move leaders from overwhelm to clarity, from division to connection, and from stagnation to reinvention. Audiences will leave with practical tools to disrupt limiting patterns, embrace micro-changes, and lead with authenticity in every area of life.

Leading with Authenticity in a Polarized World

Today’s leaders face increasing pressure to perform while navigating cultural divides, organizational silos, and conflicting priorities. Charlene Dark equips leaders with strategies to communicate intentionally, build trust across differences, and maintain integrity without burning out. Participants walk away with actionable frameworks for creating harmony, fostering collaboration, and choosing their battles wisely.

Emotional Freedom: The Key to Resilient Leadership

External challenges don’t have to dictate internal peace. In this engaging session, Charlene Dark introduces the Time Box method and other practical strategies to process emotions productively, reduce stress, and build resilience. Leaders will learn how to remain centered under pressure, turning disruption into opportunity and leading with strength, compassion, and clarity.

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Expertise (11)

Leadership