Her Story
About Leigh
Leigh Darnell is the Global Director of Talent and Organization Development at Klipboard, where she leads global workforce transformation initiatives that align people strategy with business execution across a multinational enterprise. With more than 20 years of experience in organizational development, leadership development, talent management, learning and development, and enterprise transformation, she has helped organizations build scalable capabilities through job architecture, organization design, workforce planning, succession, change strategy, sales enablement, and AI-driven transformation. Her expertise spans technology, engineering, retail, and professional services, enabling leaders and organizations to navigate change while strengthening performance, culture, and long-term growth. Darnell began her career in education after earning a Master of Arts in Education from Columbus State University, later transitioning from classroom teaching into corporate learning, performance consulting, and organizational development. She gained certifications in corporate training, instructional design, and later received her introductory Six Sigma qualification. Leigh has also been through a Ruth Clark Needs Analysis/Performance Consulting certitication. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles with organizations including Lowe's Companies, CompuCredit (Now Atlanticus), The Home Depot, Avid Solutions, Kerridge Commercial Systems, and Klipboard, where she has successfully translated strategic business objectives into practical talent and organizational solutions. Known for her ability to bridge business strategy with workforce capability, she is recognized for building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and guiding organizations through complex transformation initiatives, including the evolving integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace. Beyond her corporate leadership, Darnell is deeply committed to community service and professional development. She has served in volunteer leadership roles with organizations including the Junior League, Carolina Children's Museum, and The Nurtured Nest, while actively supporting children's literacy initiatives, the United Methodist Church, and the arts community. Guided by the principles of clarity, trust, and consistent execution, she is passionate about helping organizations and individuals reach their full potential. Through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for thoughtful workforce transformation, Darnell continues to shape workplaces where people and businesses can grow together in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Leigh
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to three core principles: building strong relationships, maintaining clarity around desired outcomes, and consistently following through on commitments. I believe strategy only creates value when it is translated into practical actions that people can execute. Paying attention to details, earning trust, and aligning others around a shared purpose have been essential to delivering meaningful and lasting results.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that execution matters more than intention. Having great ideas is important, but success comes from turning those ideas into practical actions that improve day-to-day performance and create measurable business impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women not to worry about creating the perfect career plan. Instead, focus on developing valuable, transferable skills and building credibility through consistent performance. Take time to understand how businesses operate, how customers are served, and how organizations create value. Build trust by following through on your commitments, being transparent, and showing up consistently. Opportunities naturally follow those who are thoughtful, reliable, and committed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Artificial intelligence represents both one of the greatest opportunities and one of the most significant challenges facing organizations today. Successful AI transformation is not simply about adopting new technology - it requires organizations to redefine leadership expectations, clarify roles and workflows, and identify where work should be automated versus augmented. Businesses that thoughtfully prepare their workforce, invest in new skills, and help employees adapt to changing ways of working will realize the greatest long-term value. There is also an ongoing opportunity to improve representation and recognition for high-performing women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are clarity of purpose, integrity, trust, accountability, and respect for people. I believe in following through on commitments, building meaningful relationships, and treating people with dignity, particularly during periods of organizational change. I am also committed to fairness, continuous learning, collaboration, and creating environments where individuals and teams can thrive while contributing to meaningful business outcomes.
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