Founder and Principal Consultant
Sherri Hillie
About Me
A fellow traveler on the journey to authentic leadership
I believe the most powerful leaders are those who honor their authentic selves while building the strategic awareness to create meaningful change.
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 quiet, capable 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 intentionally yourself.
My Professional Journey
Early Career: The High-Achieving Individual Contributor
Started as an HR generalist, quickly recognized for my analytical 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 learning consultant positions. Developed expertise in helping others 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.
Coaching Practice: Sharing the Journey
Launched Change Insight to help other thoughtful professionals navigate their own journey from individual excellence to authentic systems leadership.
Credentials & Experience
Johns Hopkins University
Graduate degree in Strategic Human Resources and Organizational Development
Georgetown University
Executive certification in leadership coaching
20+ Years HR Leadership
Change management, talent development, and organizational consulting 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 natural 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.
Incremental Progress
Meaningful change happens through consistent, thoughtful shifts in awareness and practice, not dramatic 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.
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 the world.
Let's 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.
Schedule a Conversation