Sheila Holley, MBA, MS
Sheila Holley, MBA, MS, is a Fractional People & Culture Executive, speaker, and author based in Orange County, California. With over 15 years of experience across HR leadership, organizational development, and talent strategy, she partners with founders, executives, and leadership teams to build scalable people systems, strengthen leadership capability, and create intentional workplace cultures. Her work focuses on helping organizations move from reactive HR practices to structured, sustainable, and growth-oriented people operations that align with business goals.
Throughout her career, Sheila has held senior HR leadership roles across industries including telecommunications, manufacturing, financial services, and med-tech. She has served as a Director of Human Resources and HR Business Partner, where she led initiatives in employee engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion, talent acquisition, performance management, and organizational design. In a prior med-tech leadership role, she helped scale a growing organization by building HR infrastructure from the ground up, supporting rapid headcount growth, and implementing systems that improved efficiency and reduced operational risk.
Beyond her corporate and consulting work, Sheila is also a speaker, mentor, and community advocate. She uses her platform to help women navigate identity, healing, and career transformation while empowering professionals to lead with clarity and confidence. She is the founder of Trinity City Consulting and the Trinity Legacy Youth & Sports Foundation, where she supports workforce readiness, youth development, and underserved communities through coaching, mentorship, and education initiatives. Through both her professional and community work, she is committed to developing people, strengthening leadership, and creating environments where individuals and organizations can thrive.
• Strayer University - MBA / MS
• SHRM
• PIRA
• Collab Community Development
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, which has kept me grounded and motivated, and to my children, who inspire me to show them that anything is possible through perseverance. A defining moment in my career came in 2018 when I became an HR Director and realized through a difficult experience that I did not have to remain in environments where I was not valued, which strengthened my sense of self-worth. That turning point led me to launch my career coaching business in 2020, where I have supported over 100 individuals—primarily women of color, along with others—in transitioning into careers they love. Throughout my journey, I have also been uplifted by a community of like-minded women who encouraged me, challenged me, and reminded me that I was never alone.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to not take things personally. I’ve learned that what people say or project is not always a reflection of the truth, and choosing to take offense is ultimately a personal decision. When I stay in that mindset, I avoid unnecessary rumination and protect my focus and peace of mind. Instead, I do an internal check-in to reflect on what I can improve and what went well, and I also lean on my trusted community for perspective and feedback. This approach allows me to stay grounded, growth-oriented, and in control of my response rather than my emotions.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to start by writing out a clear plan, committing to it, and giving themselves grace to adjust and get back on track when needed. I would also encourage them to intentionally build a strong community of like-minded women who are in similar spaces or further along in the journey, because having that support system is invaluable. For me, it wasn’t just my faith that carried me, but also being surrounded by women who encouraged me when I didn’t feel motivated, pushed me when I doubted myself, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. When you are in a grounded, level-headed community, you’re not only learning—you’re also growing alongside others who help elevate you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is overcoming stereotypes, particularly as a woman of color in corporate America, where I’ve often had to work harder to have my value recognized. Over time, I’ve learned to stand confidently in my expertise and trust that I belong in every space I enter. A key opportunity right now is the responsible integration of AI in HR and compliance work. Through my consulting, I help organizations use AI in a practical and safe way, especially around risk, psychological safety, and regulatory compliance, with the understanding that AI should support—not replace—human judgment.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith is my foundation in both my personal and professional life, as it guides my decisions and keeps me grounded. Community is also essential to me—whether personal or professional, I value being surrounded by people who encourage, support, and challenge me to grow. Above all, I prioritize integrity, as it shapes how I show up, how I lead, and how I build trust in every space I’m in.