Koffman Innovation: Write, Speak, Inspire

BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – Our latest segment of Koffman Innovation features a leadership consultant who uses her artistic talent and creativity to promote personal and professional development.

Sharlene Provilus is the Founder and CEO of Write Speak Inspire, an educational platform that provides leadership and learning opportunities for students and adults.

Through workshops and lectures, Provilus helps participants connect with their own personal story. Its goal is to develop soft skills such as communication and conflict resolution.

Provilus says it’s not necessarily about learning new skills or information, but about being inspired to connect with the talent and abilities you already possess.

She draws inspiration from her own difficult journey.

“I had a very, very difficult childhood, honestly. There was a lot of traumatic things that happened. I think that really influenced my path, it gave me a passion to do what I do, especially to help populations that look like me, that have gone through similar things. I was in foster care, I was adopted, so that had a significant impact on how I see the world and it still does,” Provilus said.

Provilus has clients all over the country, and while she offers hybrid training, she is more than happy to travel to meet with clients in person. She is also a spoken word poet who feels energized when she is on stage.

Provilus says Write Speak Inspire trainings are dynamic and experiential.

“Not only am I good at performing on stage as an artist, but I also love seeing people light up. So for me, it was just about merging my passion. So I used that opportunity and what I’ve learned as a storyteller, as a poet, to really translate that into my work as a speaker. That’s probably what makes me most unique as a keynote speaker because I bring that artistic, creative element to my work,” Provilus said.

Before moving to Binghamton about a year ago, Provilus worked in youth development for a nonprofit in North Carolina. Locally, she provides services at the Crime Victims Assistance Center.

Although Write Speak Inspire does not have a formal mentor/mentee relationship with the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, it does take advantage of the coworking space available.

Provilus says she loves the beautiful, supportive setting and takes advantage of the special programs and networking opportunities the Koffman offers.

For more information, visit WriteSpeakInspire.com.