Christine Scarlett Named '40 Under 40' by Arkansas Business

32 Years of Rising Stars and Promising Leaders

As published in the May 25th, 2026 issue of Arkansas Business. To subscribe or view the entire publication, visit their website.

Christine Scarlett

39

Co-Founder

UpSKILLery

Rogers

Professional achievements

• Increased practice revenue by 97% in six months by creating an emotion-focused patient care and communication model.

• Co-founded upSKILLery, a people-skills training platform with a global member base, helping healthcare professionals feel more confident and deliver connected, human, patient experiences, not sterile transactions.

  
  

Community involvement

Served on committees for events like H.O.P.E. Gentlemen of Distinction Gala, American Cancer Society Gucci Party for a Cure, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance Heroes Gala, and more; Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters and named 2015 Big Sister of the Year.

Career passion

“People. I love people, and I always have! I am passionate about helping others feel confident in their ability to connect with and influence the people around them, both at work and in everyday life.”

Making Arkansas more attractive to young professionals

“Anyone I know who visits where I live in northwest Arkansas is blown away. People just have no idea how much it’s evolved and what a great place it is to live!”

Top challenge facing Arkansas

“Ranking as 48th in the U.S. overall in healthcare access, affordability and outcomes. It’s so important to invest in our home state. We need more providers and less burnout. When we prioritize the emotions of not only our patients but also our healthcare providers, everyone wins. There’s not enough training on the emotional, people side of patient care, which is why at upSKILLery we are filling this need.”

First job and lesson learned

“My first job was as an assistant to the C-suite in a national marketing company. I remember thinking that it was an amazing opportunity to get paid to learn how to think like an executive. I was lucky enough to observe and be mentored by the COO, who taught me how to read people and respect how powerful emotions are in negotiation and business. Learning the role relational intelligence plays in human interactions was invaluable.”

What’s a book everyone should read and why?

“‘Surrounded by Idiots.’ Seriously! When we understand the psychology behind our personality types, we can understand and appreciate each other’s differences.”

Learning from a mentor

“Mark McQueen (a past 40 Under 40 honoree himself!) taught me that excellence always pays off, even when no one is looking.”

Most valuable lesson learned

“That perception is reality. It doesn’t matter if you’re the smartest person in the room; if you don’t lead with warmth, people subconsciously feel suspicious. You could care more than anyone else on the team, but if your clients (or patients) don’t feel it, their reality is that you don’t. It’s up to us to create the perception we want through our personal brand and how we show up to the world around us.”

Hardest thing you’ve ever done

“Advocate for myself while maintaining integrity and grace during a difficult business transition. That can be hard to do, but it’s possible. When you walk away knowing you showed up in a way you can be proud of, you always win.”

Career dream as a child

“I always loved how clothes could make you feel different. My mom taught me to sew, so I wanted to be a fashion designer at one point.”

Most fulfilling career moment

“Every moment when a human is empowered through our training app! When members share things like ‘Life-changing work!’ or that it’s changed how they communicate with not only their patients but the people around them every day, it truly gets me every time.”

Best thing about Arkansas

“I’m an Arkansas native and have lived here my entire life! Honestly, to me it’s simple: It’s the people and its natural beauty.”

Where you see yourself in 10 years

“More of what I’m doing now: empowering others to live their best, fullest lives! It might look a little different than it does today, but the core will always be the same.”

Advice for your 18-year-old self

“I’d tell her that any seat at the table can be hers if she really wants it and is willing to earn it. That true leaders are the ones who inspire, not intimidate, so to find and learn from those people because they’ll always welcome you to the table when you’re ready.”

How you define success

“True success at this point in my life looks like the means, time and space to invest in myself, show up for the people in my life at my best, and leave others better for crossing paths.”

One word to describe you

“People-champion.”