• About

    About Andrea and Her Work

    “I’ve lived my life for this moment in time. The work is here to be done, and I am honored to be a guide.”

  • What Leaders Need NowSM

    What Leaders Need NowSM

    What leaders need now is to recognize the human needs we all share in this time of great change: compassion, courage, and humility.

  • Services

    Our Services

    We’re more inspired than ever before to help leaders navigate a world in which the rules are being rewritten, and the very foundation is shifting.

  • Thought Leadership

    Thought Leadership

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    What Leaders Need Now: Humility | Episode 5

    Leadership expert Andrea Chilcote talks with Dr. Todd Strumwasser, anesthesiologist, health system executive, and former President of the Northern California Division of CommonSpirit Health, the second largest non-profit hospital chain in the US. Andrea and Dr. Strumwasser discuss his leadership journey from operating room to senior executive, and how humility plays a critical role in effective leadership. Ego-strength is not what you think it is; it’s about being open-minded with stakeholders during the decision-making process, and admitting when you’ve made a mistake.

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    Why Leaders Need Courage Now | Episode 4

    Leadership experts Andrea Chilcote and Laura Roccaforte discuss leaders having courage in the workplace. They share personal stories as well as examples from real-life clients. They will show how exhibiting this leadership quality connects you with your team members and aligns with your own values, which ultimately elevates your company culture.

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    Why Leaders Need Self-Compassion in the Workplace | Episode 3

    Leadership experts Andrea Chilcote and Laura Roccaforte discuss the importance of leaders having and demonstrating self-compassion in the workplace. Andrea examines three relatable personas, or archetypes, and how they derail self-compassion. They are joined by Kathy Gauthier, founder of Connective Living, who worked extensively with healthcare leaders during and after the pandemic. Kathy shares how a lack of self-compassion affects you as well as others around you. She will take you through an exercise that illustrates the importance of self-compassion “breaks.”

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    Why Leaders Need Compassion Now: Compassion in the Workplace | Episode 2

    Leadership experts Andrea Chilcote and Laura Roccaforte address the first attribute leaders need now: compassion. Joined by executive coach and mindfulness teacher, Sheppard Lake, they discuss how leaders must be better equipped to recognize when employees are struggling and demonstrate compassion for their well-being. Sheppard walks us through a special exercise to bring forth this leadership attribute. 

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    Introduction to What Leaders Need Now | Episode 1

    Is leadership something you take for granted? Have you ever second-guessed your ability to lead your team through these tumultuous times? In this new podcast series, leadership experts Andrea Chilcote and Laura Roccaforte dive into the shifting needs of leaders and their teams and introduce leadership attributes required in today’s workplace.

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    Raveling

    By Andrea Chilcote

    It was early evening on a Friday night. I replied to an email from a client, stating that I had been traveling all week and would get her what she was requesting on Monday. Shortly after hitting send, I glanced at the preview pane and noticed a typo. I had told her I had been “raveling” all week.

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Sheppard Lake

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“I believe leadership is more about being than doing. And it’s not limited to people who lead other people or organizations. We are all leaders of our own experience in work and life – and how we influence the world around us. Leaders are most effective when they truly know themselves and can consistently show up authentically as opposed to how they think others want them to be. I firmly believe that it is in our vulnerability that we show strength. Vulnerability allows us to show compassion, make better decisions and build stronger relationships. Finally, I think nature and wildlife – especially the work I do with horses! – have a lot to share with us about living and leading.”

Sheppard Lake is an executive coach and facilitator with over 20 years of experience in organizational and leadership development. Through engaging clients in their own problem-solving, she influences deeper learning and more sustainable behavior changes. This provides an environment for greater self-awareness, authenticity, and enhanced effectiveness to achieve specified results. She is expert in helping clients rewire unhelpful learning and creating accountability toward established personal and professional goals. Sheppard has worked with small and large organizations in multiple industries, including, but not limited to, medical, telecommunications, IT, financial, government, real estate, oil and gas, retail, and hospitality. Her areas of specialty with organizations include leadership development, employee engagement, and team dynamics.

Sheppard’s clients describe her as dynamic, engaging, inspirational, and savvy. She is a master facilitator who combines professionalism, perspective, and a little fun. She has a unique ability to know where a group is emotionally and adjusts accordingly. One-on-one, Sheppard has been described as present, an exceptional listener, and willing to go to the root of the situation in a way that maintains connection and trust with the client.

Sheppard holds a master’s degree in organizational and social psychology from The London School of Economics as well as multiple certifications including a Master Coach Certification. In addition, Sheppard studied under Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield to obtain her Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification. She attended Meredith College for her bachelor’s degree in business management and psychology. Finally, Sheppard holds a Master Facilitator Certification and acts as a mentor in Equus Coaching (partnering with horses from the ground to assist in self-discovery and awareness).

Native to Winston-Salem, NC, Sheppard currently lives in Boulder, CO. She has traveled extensively and lived in London, Barbados, Arizona, and the Washington DC metro area. She enjoys hiking with her favorite dog, cooking, traveling, and time in nature.

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