Her Story
About Alyssa
Alyssa Schmalz, M.Ed., is a strategic Talent Management. Leadership Development and Organizational Effectiveness leader with more than 18 years of experience helping organizations build leadership capability, strengthen culture, and drive transformational growth. As a leadership and learning architect, executive coach, and organizational development expert, she specializes in aligning talent strategies with business objectives to create high-performing, future-ready organizations. Throughout her career, Alyssa has partnered with global enterprises and complex organizations to design innovative talent ecosystems that accelerate performance, foster engagement, and develop the next generation of leaders. Drawing on experience across healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and global corporate environments, Alyssa has led enterprise-wide initiatives in leadership development, succession planning, learning and development, organizational design, culture transformation, and performance enablement. Her work with organizations ranging from Fortune 50 to Fortune 500 companies, including industry leaders such as Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Bristol Myers Squibb, has enabled her to identify organizational challenges, close capability gaps, and implement scalable solutions that support sustainable business success. She has also held senior leadership roles with ETS and WuXi Biologics while continuing to lead her consulting and executive coaching practice through QuantumEdge Performance. Alyssa's leadership philosophy is rooted in her early career in emergency medical services and health education, where she developed a deep appreciation for resilience, service, and outcome-focused decision-making. A certified Executive Coach, Mentor Coach, and Change Leadership Coach, she is passionate about helping leaders and organizations navigate change, unlock potential, and create environments where people thrive. Beyond her professional work, she is an active community builder and networking leader, committed to fostering meaningful connections and empowering professionals to grow personally and professionally while shaping the future of work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alyssa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to a combination of continuous learning, meaningful relationships, and the guidance of exceptional mentors and coaches throughout my life and career. I've been fortunate to learn from leaders who challenged my thinking, expanded my perspective, and provided invaluable insights that helped me navigate important decisions and opportunities along the way.
Those experiences reinforced my belief that growth rarely happens alone. We all benefit from people who invest in us, encourage us to stretch beyond our comfort zones, and help us see possibilities we may not see in ourselves. That perspective has shaped how I lead and why I'm so passionate about developing others.
Throughout my career, I've focused on building leadership capability, strengthening organizations, and creating environments where people can thrive. What I find most rewarding is knowing that stronger leaders and stronger organizations can drive meaningful outcomes that ultimately improve the lives of employees, customers, patients, and communities. That's the impact that continues to inspire and motivate me every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was to focus less on chasing titles and more on creating impact.
Early in my career, I learned that meaningful growth comes from continuously building your capabilities, embracing new challenges, and looking for opportunities to contribute beyond your formal role. Titles may change, but the ability to create value, develop people, and solve important problems is what ultimately opens doors and creates lasting opportunities.
That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. It has encouraged me to remain curious, invest in continuous learning, and take on experiences that stretched me professionally and personally. Most importantly, it reinforced the belief that leadership isn't defined by position—it's defined by the positive impact we have on the people, teams, and organizations around us.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are growth, service, authenticity, and connection. I believe we're all capable of more than we realize, which is why I'm passionate about continuous learning and helping others reach their potential.
I also believe leadership carries a responsibility to serve others. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to work in organizations where strong leadership and organizational performance can ultimately improve people's lives. That has reinforced my commitment to creating meaningful impact while building authentic relationships based on trust, respect, and shared growth.
For me, success is measured not only by results, but by the positive difference we make in the lives of others.
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