Heels Feature Friday, Delphine Carter

Before founding Boulo, Delphine created highly effective teams at some incredible companies. But she struggled to find quality candidates and was mired in uninspiring resumes, un-vetted skills, and no diversity. Until she tapped a hidden talent pool.

In her mom life, Delphine discovered “carpool geniuses,” driven, educated women with a proven work history. She knew she’d struck gold.

While a lack of flexibility in their prior career forced these women to sideline their full-time jobs, a lack of quality childcare, gaps in resumes, limited flexible work options, and missing professional networks continued to result in their unfilled professional aspirations. Even worse, their non-linear career paths keep them “hidden” on traditional job boards.

The answer was Boulo. Connecting employers who need quality hires with women who need the flexibility to return to, or stay in, the workforce.

Boulo is the recruiting industry’s go-to resource connecting results-driven employers with a diverse pool of talent – including women, mothers, and caregivers- looking for flexibility.

Join us as we interviewed Delphine and learned a little bit more about her journey, the best advice she has received, and what keeps her motivated on the days when you feel like giving up.

How did you enter your industry?
Accidentally! I was laid off from a job in pharmaceutical sales while I was pregnant. I decided I didn't want to go back to that same industry. A friend in my network worked at a tech company that was looking for a person to help start a new business unit. My non-linear career of doing a variety of roles well paid off because they thought I would be a quick learner and bring new ideas to the table. I haven't wanted to leave the technology sector since.

Did you always know you wanted to have this career?
NopeI I'm traditionally risk-averse when it comes to taking chances with my career and salary.

If you could tell yourself one thing when you first started your career, what would it be?
You're going to put a lot of pressure and expectations on yourself that others don't have for you. Take time for yourself and don't feel so much guilt when you do so!

How do you manage imposter syndrome?
I'm not sure I manage it well. For me, it stems from feeling like I don't know enough. So, I read a lot of books, research online and find experts to learn from. Now is probably when I should mention I'm 5 on the Enneagram 😂

If you could go back and tell your teenage self advice what would it be?
Quit stressing so much that you don't know what you want to do when you grow up. It will find you and it will be amazing.

Where are we likely to find you on the weekends or when you aren't working?
Running on the trails in Birmingham with my two dogs, reading a good book on my back porch, sitting outside a brewery relaxing!

Name 3 things you cannot live without
The outdoors, cell phone hot spot, and people that make me laugh.

What are you currently listening to? Podcast? Favorite song that motivates you?
I love the Daily Drive feature on Spotify (Spotify curated compilation of news and songs) and Spotify's 'I love my East Coast Classics'!

How do you get yourself out of a funk when you are having an off day?
Quick Strategy: I text a friend whose meme game is strong. I always know they'll send me something that will make me laugh. The long game: I turn to my Bible app. It reminds me that there is a greater purpose, we're playing the long game, and whatever knocked me off kilter is part of my journey.

What would surprise us about yourself?
I didn't move to the US till high school.

What is the best advice you have received?
Quit should-ing all over yourself

What are some career highlights and biggest career accomplishments?
Accomplishment: Breaking the $1M in annual revenue mark is a career accomplishment. Only 1.7% of women-owned businesses earn over $1M in a year. I am very proud of the Boulo team for blowing past that milestone. Highlight: We've helped over 400 people, mostly mothers, find rewarding careers with companies that offer flexibility.

Contact information: Where can members connect with you?
delphine.carter@boulosolutions.com; boulosolutions.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/delphinecarter/