Cheryl Jekiel

With a transformative career that began at Sweetheart Cup, this visionary leadership expert has dedicated their professional life to revolutionizing workplace cultures and empowering organizations to achieve extraordinary results. Their journey, sparked by a life-changing early career experience, has evolved into a powerful mission of transforming how people contribute to their organizations.

Drawing from their remarkable success in transforming a specialty bakery through inclusive leadership practices, they recognized the untapped potential of engaging entire workforces in problem-solving initiatives. This insight led to a groundbreaking revelation: the critical role HR must play in fostering continuous improvement cultures. As a passionate advocate for this approach, they have been instrumental in uniting the Lean HR community through various sponsored events.

As the innovative force behind the CORE Leadership Program, they have pioneered a comprehensive approach to leadership development that transcends traditional training methods. Frustrated by the limitations of conventional leadership programs during their tenure as an HR leader, they created a revolutionary long-term solution that emphasizes practical application and community support. The CORE Leadership Program stands as a testament to their vision, empowering leaders at all levels to build collaborative, high-performing teams.

Their expertise continues to shape the future of organizational excellence through their role as a Shingo Fellow, where they co-facilitate the Shingo Human Resources Action Learning Community. This prestigious position allows them to support organizations in their pursuit of excellence through executive education, world-class recognition, and research-based methodologies founded on the Shingo Model.

Organizations seeking to transform their leadership approach can explore their groundbreaking insights through their latest book, "Let Go to Lead," which offers practical strategies for leadership transformation. They welcome opportunities to discuss how their expertise, particularly through the CORE Leadership Program, can be integrated into organizations ready to embrace positive change. Their door remains open for complimentary consultations to explore these transformative possibilities.