Her Story
About Loreal M.
Loreal M. Newson is a seasoned Operations and Change Management Consultant with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations navigate complex transitions with clarity, purpose, and people at the center. Rooted in a philosophy of finding a better way, she has built a distinguished career across multiple industries — most recently in healthcare technology — where she leads large-scale software implementations, drives stakeholder engagement, and delivers leadership development and training that equips teams to thrive through change. Her academic foundation includes a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management, complemented by an extensive portfolio of certifications spanning Agile methodology, change management, Lean Six Sigma, Everything DiSC®, The Five Behaviors®, and AI literacy, among others.
What sets Loreal apart is her conviction that sustainable change is never just about systems or processes — it is fundamentally about people. She brings a systems-thinking lens to every engagement, designing governance structures, readiness assessments, and adoption strategies that address both the operational and human dimensions of transformation. Her work has produced measurable outcomes across healthcare, higher education, and nonprofit sectors, including significant gains in process efficiency, workforce performance, and leadership retention. A certified coach and skilled facilitator, she draws on tools such as StrengthsFinder® and resilience-focused frameworks to cultivate high-performing teams and foster cultures where individuals are empowered to lead at their highest potential.
Beyond her consulting practice, Loreal is a committed community contributor and lifelong learner who volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America and serves as a CPR instructor and ambassador for the American Heart Association. She is an active member of both the Project Management Association and the Change Management Association, and has been recognized multiple times as a top performer across large organizations, including as a two-time recipient of the Ron Taylor Award at Chamberlain University. An early adopter and advocate for ethical AI integration, she is passionate about helping organizations embrace emerging technology in ways that elevate people rather than replace them — guided always by her core values of integrity, responsibility, and kindness.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Loreal M.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith, and to the foundation my parents gave me — they instilled in me a love of learning from a very young age. That curiosity has never left me. It has driven me to continuously grow, seek out new knowledge, and embrace emerging tools and technologies, including being an early adopter of AI. I believe that staying open to learning is what has allowed me to evolve and lead effectively across industries.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was to "bloom where you're planted." It is a reminder to show up fully and give your best in whatever role or environment you find yourself in, rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity. When you consistently demonstrate what you bring to the table, you naturally create the conditions for growth and open doors to what comes next. That mindset has guided me throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to stay curious and remain open — because change is the one constant we will always face, especially in the AI-driven world we are living in right now. Rather than fearing change or new technology, lean into it. Learn how to work alongside AI and use it as a tool to elevate and amplify your expertise. The professionals who will lead in the future are the ones who approach uncertainty with a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most significant challenges I see is that technology and change management remain male-dominated spaces, which means diverse perspectives — particularly those of women — are still underrepresented at the table. At the same time, the rapid growth of AI presents an enormous opportunity. Organizations urgently need skilled change management professionals to guide the adoption of AI in ways that are thoughtful, equitable, and people-centered. I believe the key is bringing in a wide range of perspectives to ensure AI is adopted in a way that helps people rather than displaces them.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, responsibility, and kindness are the values that guide everything I do. Integrity means I show up honestly and consistently, whether anyone is watching or not. Responsibility means I am always mindful of the broader impact of decisions and changes — not just the immediate outcome, but the ripple effects on people and organizations. And kindness is the foundation of how I lead and engage, because meaningful transformation only happens when people feel respected, seen, and supported.
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