• 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.

  • Programs

    Programs

    Morningstar Ventures offers intensive signature programs for your leadership and team development.

    Two 3sSM is a group coaching program based on the book, What Leaders Need Now, by Andrea Chilcote.

    Advanced Consulting Skills is an intensive two-day course for navigating complex relationships in business

  • Thought Leadership

    Thought Leadership

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    What We Carry – The Journey of Self Compassion

    By Andrea Chilcote

    Perfectionism. It’s a label thrown around often, sometimes carelessly. It can be used in a pejorative way yet can be worn as a badge of honor. Perfectionism is not a mental health disorder—it’s a personality trait. And like any personality trait, taken to an extreme, it can be debilitating.
    In this series, I seek to help readers lighten the load of the burdens we all carry, often unconsciously, that cause us to be less than compassionate, kind, and loving toward ourselves.

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    What Leaders Need Now: Authenticity | Episode 8

    What Leaders Need Now co-founder, Andrea Chilcote, has a very personal and courageous discussion with former executive and now leadership coach, Dianne Earley, on authenticity. Dianne brings forth some of her experiences and learnings to the benefit of others and provides insight into why authentic leaders and cultures are a requirement to stay competitive in today’s business world. Dianne’s very real stories will make you ask yourself “why not?” and cause you to rethink compassion in the workplace.

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    What We Carry – The Journey of Self Compassion

    By Andrea Chilcote

    Do you genuinely care about the people in the team or organization that you lead? One of the messages readers have found most affirming in my new book, What Leaders Need Now, is the idea that compassion is a legitimate and essential leadership quality in a world in which the majority of employees are “quiet quitting” (not engaged), according to Gallup’s 2023 Global Workplace report. One client put it simply: “Times have changed, and people need people who actually care.”

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    What Leaders Need Now: Reflection | Episode 7

    Leadership expert Andrea Chilcote talks with her good friend and colleague, Randy Hain, of Serviam Partners about the power of reflection for today’s leaders. Both authors have written extensively about this key practice and its ability to guide leaders in their day-to-day actions. Learn about time thieves and how consuming data has changed our reflective practices. Randy also discusses the importance of “savoring the moments” and being present.

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    What Leaders Need Now: Courage in the Workplace | Episode 6

    WLNN co-host Laura Roccaforte is joined by special guest Scott Focht of the Omaha Public Power District and together they discuss courage in the workplace. Scott shares how he developed his leadership courage through the power of yes and calming the chaos by listening to the orchestra of compassion, courage and humility & dancing to that music.

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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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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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