We recently connected with Leili Sadaghiani and have shared our conversation below.

Leili, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

One of the biggest things that Corporate America often gets wrong in leadership development and change management is the tendency to focus on processes over people. Many organizations invest heavily in tools, frameworks, and methodologies, assuming that structured processes alone will drive success. Leadership isn’t just about implementing strategies; it’s about understanding human dynamics, fostering inclusion, and creating a culture that supports change. With the world of AI, this is becoming more important than ever before.

In my experience working with leaders across various industries, I’ve seen companies roll out large-scale transformation initiatives without truly engaging the people impacted by the change. For example, during one rollout I was involved in, the initial focus was heavily on system implementation. Leadership expected employees to adapt without addressing their underlying concerns, resistance, and emotional investment in existing processes. It wasn’t until we incorporated change champions, early adopters, and consistent two-way communication that real progress was made.

Another common misstep is undervaluing emotional intelligence in leadership roles. Leaders are often promoted based on their technical skills rather than their ability to effectively inspire, connect, and lead. This results in disengaged teams, resistance to change, and a lack of psychological safety—key factors that drive innovation and long-term success.

To truly thrive, Corporate America needs to shift its mindset from “change management” to “people management during change.” And dare I say “people management after change” too? The most successful leaders I’ve worked with are those who understand that empathy, active listening, and adaptability are just as critical as strategy and execution.

Successful transformation isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about bringing people along for the journey. This is one of the most important pieces I coach leaders on.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Leili Sadaghiani, and my passion lies in helping individuals and organizations navigate change, develop leadership capabilities, and create meaningful impact. My journey into the fields of leadership development, change management, and strategic consulting started with a deep desire to understand how people, processes, and performance intersect to drive organizational success.

With a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership and an MBA in Organizational Leadership, I’ve had the privilege of working across various industries, guiding teams through complex transformations and leadership challenges. I’m also a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and SAFe 5 Practitioner, which allows me to bring structured yet flexible approaches to managing change effectively in dynamic environments.

Through my business, Invivo Leadership Strategies, I provide services in Change Consulting, Leadership Coaching, and Leadership Training. My work focuses on equipping leaders with the tools they need to embrace change, foster resilience, and inspire their teams—whether they are implementing new technologies, navigating cultural shifts, or evolving their leadership style to meet today’s challenges.

The problems I solve for my clients often center around overcoming resistance to change, improving organizational agility, and fostering inclusive (transformational) leadership. I specialize in helping leaders align their strategic goals with their day-to-day operations while maintaining employee engagement and well-being.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach—I don’t just focus on the tactical aspects of leadership and change; I dive into the human elements that truly drive success. I believe that effective leadership starts from within, which is why I incorporate elements of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and strategic reflection into my coaching and consulting work.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve made on women in leadership, especially those navigating challenges such as imposter syndrome, work-life balance, and professional growth in male-dominated industries. My work is aimed at empowering leaders to embrace their strengths, build confidence, and take their careers to new heights.

For those looking to connect with me and my work, I want them to know that my mission is to create meaningful change, empower leaders to find their authentic voice and help organizations build cultures where everyone can thrive. Whether you’re a leader looking to elevate your impact or an organization seeking to navigate complex changes, I’m here to support your journey.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am incredibly passionate about what I do because I’ve lived through the challenges that many leaders face today. Not long ago, I was in a high-level leadership position, sitting in the corner office, overseeing operations in the insurance sector. From the outside, it looked like success—but on the inside, I was hurting. I wasn’t fulfilled. I found myself surrounded by hubristic leaders, individuals who operated with excessive pride and a lack of self-awareness, which ultimately created a toxic and disengaging work environment.

This experience was a turning point for me. It inspired my doctoral research, focusing on mid-level managers and their experience dealing with the hubristic behaviors of senior leaders. I wanted to understand the deeper impacts of poor leadership and, more importantly, how to help leaders break free from these patterns.

That pivotal moment pushed me to step away from my corporate role and pursue my true calling—helping leaders become the most authentic versions of themselves. I earned my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and launched my consulting firm, Invivo Leadership Strategies, with a mission to empower leaders at all levels to embrace their potential and lead with purpose.

Today, leadership is no longer about formal titles—it’s an expectation that spans all roles, whether you’re in the C-suite or working as a business analyst. Leadership is about influence, accountability, and self-awareness. My goal is to help individuals recognize that and become the best leaders they can be, wherever they are.

This journey has been challenging but deeply rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve found my purpose, and now I dedicate my work to helping others find theirs.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation in the leadership and change management space has been a combination of authenticity, deep expertise, and a relentless commitment to empowering leaders. My journey has been shaped by personal experience—having been in leadership positions myself, I understand the real challenges leaders face daily. This firsthand experience allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level, offering practical, real-world solutions rather than generic advice.

One of the biggest factors that helped establish my credibility is my focus on authentic leadership development combined with execution. I believe that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about how we show up every day, how we influence others, and how we stay true to our values. I emphasize this in my work, and my clients appreciate the genuine, no-nonsense approach I bring to leadership coaching and consulting.

Additionally, my reputation has grown through consistently delivering results—whether it’s helping organizations navigate complex change initiatives, guiding mid-level managers through leadership challenges, or coaching leaders to step into their power confidently. Word-of-mouth referrals and client testimonials have been a significant driving force, as leaders who have worked with me often recommend my services to others facing similar challenges.

Finally, I’ve built my reputation by staying engaged and visible in my industry. Through speaking engagements, content creation, teaching in universities, and networking, I continue to share insights and thought leadership that resonate with my audience and position me as a trusted voice in the field of leadership development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.invivoleadershipstrategies.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invivoleadershipstrategies
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilisadaghiani/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h1mMmpqd9TDOJfapD9cxd?si=4cb0786f808247ed

Image Credits

Ryan Gallagher Photography