Carrie Alexander Colella is the founder and CEO of Listen First Consulting, LLC,
where she helps individuals rediscover purpose and direction through powerful 90-day transition programs. With more than two decades of experience in social work, child welfare, and nonprofit development, Carrie has dedicated her life to supporting those at a crossroads—especially individuals re-entering society after incarceration.
Before launching her own consulting firm, Carrie served in the DC Government for over 18 years, where she worked in foster care, policy development, and program management.
Her passion for helping others reclaim their lives is rooted in real-world experience, heartfelt empathy, and an unshakable belief in second chances. This book is a reflection of her journey, her work, and her mission: to help people ask themselves, “If not now, when?”
Formerly titled Communication, this newly envisioned work—Listening—shifts the spotlight to the most overlooked yet powerful aspect of workplace dynamics: the ability to truly hear one another. In many organizations, communication flows downward—from management to staff—leaving little room for meaningful input from the workforce. In Listening, author and consultant Carrie Alexander Colella draws from over two decades of experience to explore how intentional, two-way communication can transform organizational culture. With practical insights and real-world examples, she demonstrates how fostering a culture of listening leads to greater trust, productivity, and purpose. After all, as Webster (2012) reminds us, communication means “to make known or to express oneself effectively”—and listening is where that begins.
