Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Madjeen Lorthe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Madjeen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

Companies must focus on developing a leadership pipeline that reflects the diversity of their workforce. Otherwise, any progress made at the top is just a band-aid for a deeper issue. One of the biggest challenges is the “broken rung” — the first step into management that disproportionately holds back women, especially women of color. This barrier slows their progress early on, making it much harder to reach senior leadership roles down the line.

To close the leadership gap, companies should prioritize addressing the broken rung by intentionally preparing and promoting more women, particularly women of color, into management roles. This involves providing targeted training and ongoing resources to ensure they are fully equipped for success. By investing in women at this critical stage, organizations can improve diversity in leadership and reduce the high failure rate among newly promoted managers, creating a stronger and more inclusive leadership pipeline for the future.

I have seen the impact of inclusivity done right. In workplaces that deliberately prioritize mentorship, training, and equitable promotion practices, I’ve watched women—myself included—thrive. These environments foster diversity and a culture of belonging, where different perspectives are valued.

Inclusivity, in my view, isn’t just a policy—it’s a practice that demands continuous effort and genuine commitment to equity.

Madjeen , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a Black immigrant, I grew up watching my parents work tirelessly, often juggling multiple jobs, all in pursuit of the American Dream. That shaped my understanding of hard work and sacrifice. For a long time, I thought success was just about climbing the ladder, checking off accomplishments, and pushing myself to do more. Eventually, I realized I was working at a job that didn’t align with my values. I was working excessive hours, drained, and constantly worried that if I eased up, everything I’d built would come crashing down.

That was a turning point for me. I realized I wasn’t living in alignment with my truth. I took a step back, resigned from the role, and went on a journey of rediscovery. What emerged from that was my passion for supporting others—especially women of color—who often find themselves in similar spaces, feeling disconnected from their purpose, overworked, and undervalued. So, I became a certified life and career transition coach, drawing from my 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and mental health fields. My mission is to help women navigate those difficult life transitions (https://www.transitionswelldone.com/life-transitions), reclaim their power, and lead with confidence.

I know firsthand that not everyone is ready for leadership the moment they step into it. I remember working with Julia, a new executive who doubted whether she was ready to take on more responsibility. She didn’t feel prepared for the career leap, and that uncertainty kept her from seeing herself as a leader. Through our coaching sessions, we didn’t rush her decision. Instead, we focused on breaking down her fears, reflecting on her strengths, and exploring what she really wanted. With time and guidance, she applied for a director-level role and got it! That transformation is why I do what I do—helping women step into roles they didn’t think they were ready for, but are more than capable of thriving in.

What makes my work unique is that it’s deeply personal. I’ve been there—feeling stuck, unsure of my next step, and overwhelmed by life’s demands. I’ve seen how paralyzing it can be, especially when the world tells you to keep pushing through, even if you’re burning out. That’s why my coaching focuses not just on leadership skills, but also on helping my clients find alignment between their personal and professional lives. I help them get clear on what lights them up and how they can create a career that honors their values, not just their skills.

I’m also proud of the workshops I’ve created, like my signature session, ‘Empowering BIPOC Women Leaders to Drive Innovation and Inclusion.’ I’ve facilitated it at events like the Women and Leadership Symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the energy in the room is always electric. It’s incredible to watch women walk away from those workshops with a new sense of clarity and purpose, ready to create real change in their lives and organizations.

At the end of the day, what I want people to know about me and my brand is this: I’m here to support women, especially women of color, in stepping into their fullest potential. Whether you’re unsure about your next career move, struggling to balance it all, or just need someone to hold you accountable to your dreams—I’m here for that. My work is about creating space for women to reflect, grow their leadership skills, and confidently take the next step in their journey. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now, but with the right guidance and support, you can make decisions that feel aligned with who you are and where you want to go. That’s the work I do, and that’s what makes it so fulfilling for me.

Whether through one-on-one coaching, dynamic workshops, or speaking engagements, my mission is to help women find the clarity, confidence, and resiliency they need to thrive in their careers and lives.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I vividly recall the moments when I experienced one of the most challenging chapters of my life. I found myself at a major turning point in my career. I was leading change management efforts at a nonprofit organization, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me. Despite my growing dissatisfaction, I soldiered on, afraid that quitting would label me as a quitter. However, the toll it took on my mental and emotional well-being became unbearable.

Everything changed when I experienced a panic attack. It was a wake-up call that forced me to reevaluate my situation. I realized I had been holding onto something that drained my energy and stifled my growth. Seeking support from career and executive coaches and therapy, I mustered the courage to craft a resignation letter. Although my superiors resisted, I understood the importance of prioritizing my well-being and ultimately parted ways with that toxic environment.

That experience was the start of a paradigm shift in my approach to transitions. I realized the significance of mindful and intentional planning during periods of change. Transitions, whether personal or professional, offer us the opportunity to reassess our values, realign our goals, and tap into our innate leadership potential.

Any advice for managing a team?

Introduce mindfulness to your team not as a trend but as a shared practice. Create moments of intentional pause during meetings or decision-making processes. This collective pause helps teams reduce reactivity, align with values, and make decisions from a place of intention rather than fear.
As we wrap up the year, you can practice bringing mindfulness to your team. Start your meetings with 60 seconds of mindful breathing to ground everyone. Then, encourage reflective conversations—ask your team what’s energized them and what’s drained them this quarter. Creating space for reflection can lead to more intentional actions in Q4.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.transitionswelldone.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transitionswelldone/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madjeen-lorthe-transition-coaching

Image Credits

Shawon Davis – photographer
Chris Kisiel – Tasher Studio – photographer