Meet Sherri Hillie
The Change Strategist Who Unlocks Analytical Talent
I believe the most impactful leaders are those who honor their authentic selves while building the strategic awareness to create meaningful change in complex organizations.
My Journey to Empowered Leadership
For too many years, I tried to succeed by becoming someone I wasn't. I attended networking events that felt performative, adopted communication styles that didn't fit, and constantly sought external validation for my worth.
Despite 20 years of success in HR—leading change initiatives, developing talent strategies, and building organizational capabilities—I often felt like I was playing a role rather than being myself. Sound familiar? I've discovered that many of the most capable, thoughtful leaders carry this same quiet struggle.
Everything changed when I experienced profound personal loss. The unexpected severe mental illness diagnosis of a loved one, followed by taking on caretaking responsibilities, forced me to confront what really mattered. Through this grief came an unexpected gift—I discovered a resilience within myself I never knew existed.
This turning point taught me to redirect my focus toward what I could actually control: my own actions, responses, and way of being in the world. I began honoring my personal interests and strengths instead of seeking validation from others.
Not only did I start enjoying my work more, but my contributions were recognized and appreciated by colleagues and leaders around me. I was no longer afraid to be authentically myself, and I felt more expansive, confident, and saw unlimited potential in my career.
This journey taught me something crucial: the leaders who create the most meaningful impact aren't the loudest voices in the room—they're often the thoughtful ones who've learned to align their authentic strengths with strategic awareness.
Now I work with analytical professionals who, like I once did, find themselves caught between their natural tendencies and what they believe leadership "should" look like. Together, we explore how to build influence that feels genuine, navigate complex organizational dynamics with dignity, and create the kind of sustainable success that honors who you actually are.
Because sometimes the most powerful leadership comes not from becoming someone else, but from becoming more strategically aware of who you already are.
My Professional Journey
Early Career: The High-Achieving Analytical Professional
Started as an HR generalist, quickly recognized for my systematic approach and ability to solve complex organizational challenges. Excelled in technical expertise but struggled with organizational politics and self-advocacy.
Mid-Career: Systems Thinking Emerges
Transitioned into change management and organizational development roles. Began understanding how individual behaviors connect to larger organizational systems, but still felt the need to prove myself through external validation.
Leadership Roles: Learning to Influence Authentically
Advanced to talent management and transformation consultant positions. Developed expertise in helping analytical professionals grow while learning to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and matrix organizations
Personal Transformation: Finding My Authentic Voice
Through personal crisis and profound loss, discovered the power of internal alignment over external validation. This shift transformed both my personal well-being and professional effectiveness.
Change Insight Practice: Sharing the Journey
Launched Change Insight to help other analytical professionals navigate their own journey from individual excellence to authentic change leadership that honors complexity.
Credentials & Experience
Johns Hopkins University
Graduate degree in Strategic Human Resources and Organizational Development
Georgetown University
Executive certification in leadership coaching
20+ Years Developing Analytical Talent
Change management, talent development, and organizational transformation across global companies
Global Experience
Led people, process, and technology programs across complex international organizations
What I Believe
Authentic Growth
True leadership comes from aligning your analytical strengths with strategic awareness, not from becoming someone you're not.
Systems Thinking
Understanding how you fit within larger organizational ecosystems enables more effective and sustainable influence.
Sustainable Progress
Meaningful change happens through consistent, thoughtful shifts in awareness and practice, not dramatic personality transformation.
Dignified Vulnerability
Sharing struggles and growth experiences while maintaining professional strength and credibility
Beyond the Professional
When I'm not coaching, you'll find me exploring the quiet corners of Maryland's countryside, walking local trails that offer space for reflection, or settling in with a book that challenges my thinking.
I believe deeply in the power of small, consistent actions to create meaningful change—whether that's in a career, a relationship, or a life. This philosophy guides both my personal choices and my approach to coaching analytical professionals.
My own journey has taught me that the most fulfilling success comes not from external achievements alone, but from the alignment between who you are and how you show up in complex organizational systems.
Ready to Explore Your Journey Together?
If my story resonates with your experience, I'd love to hear about where you are and where you're hoping to go.