Her Story
About Sheryl
Sheryl Raphael Whitaker is a leadership transformation expert, executive coach, keynote speaker, and Amazon #1 bestselling author who is redefining leadership through the power of joy. Sheryl began her career in operations and leadership at State Farm before making the unconventional decision to step back from a fast-track executive path to pursue her passion for learning and development. That pivotal move led to more than two decades of leadership experience across Fortune 100 organizations, including senior learning and talent development roles at AIG and USAA, where she served as Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Learning, shaping leadership strategies for a workforce of more than 37,000 employees.
In 2024, Sheryl founded EdenAnthony Elite Talent Solutions, transitioning from corporate executive to entrepreneur with a mission to help leaders and organizations place joy at the center of their work. As the creator of the "Joy is my COO™" philosophy, she teaches that joy is not merely an emotion but an operating system that drives authentic leadership, resilient teams, and sustainable performance. Through executive coaching, leadership consulting, facilitation, keynote speaking, and her weekly live show, It Starts With Joy LIVE, she equips leaders to move beyond burnout and lead with clarity, purpose, and humanity. Her work has earned recognition through her Amazon #1 bestselling book, It Starts With Joy, while her thought leadership continues to inspire organizations navigating transformation and change.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sheryl is deeply committed to developing future leaders and giving back to her community. She serves as an advisory board member and executive champion for The Climb, supporting women of color advancing into senior leadership, and is an active advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A graduate of Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in Marketing and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation, she combines formal education with decades of executive experience to inspire leaders to embrace authenticity, cultivate meaningful relationships, and build workplaces where both people and performance thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, writing poetry, reading, and spending time with her husband, their two mothers, and Bella, their beloved Newfoundland dog.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sheryl
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors, allies, and sponsors who believed in me and helped me recognize potential I didn't yet see in myself. Their support, combined with my belief that great results come through people, has shaped my career. I strive to genuinely see, value, and empower others, and I lead with the same commitment and support that I hope to receive. Building authentic relationships and investing in people has always been the foundation of my success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to recognize and manage your inner critic early in your career. I like to think of mine as a character with a name because it reminds me that self-doubt is normal—it’s there to keep us safe, not to define our potential. Acknowledge that inner voice, but don’t let it make your decisions. Let it ride in the back seat if it must, but you should always be the one driving your career with confidence and purpose.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that many organizations invest heavily in leadership training but not enough in true leadership transformation. Developing exceptional leaders takes time, intentionality, and a focus on personal growth—not just training programs. At the same time, AI is creating an opportunity to emphasize the human side of leadership. As technology evolves, the ability to build trust, foster meaningful relationships, and lead with empathy will become even more valuable.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value that guides both my work and personal life is love. I believe we are here to care for, support, and uplift one another, and that philosophy shapes how I lead, build relationships, and make decisions. To me, there is no separation between my personal and professional values—leading with compassion, kindness, and genuine care is essential in every aspect of life.
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