Tanisha King, Ph.D., LSW

Dr. Tanisha T. King is an executive strategist, leadership coach, licensed social worker, and organizational transformation expert dedicated to helping leaders and organizations thrive through psychological safety, belonging, and high-performance leadership. As the Founder and CEO of Dr. King Speaks, Inc., she partners with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and mission-driven companies to strengthen leadership effectiveness, navigate organizational change, and build resilient workplace cultures. A former Chief Inclusion Officer in academic medicine, Dr. King is widely recognized for her ability to bridge executive performance with human-centered leadership, enabling leaders to communicate authentically while fostering environments where people can contribute at their highest potential. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education and nearly a decade as a speaker, coach, and consultant, Dr. King has built an accomplished career at the intersection of healing, leadership, and belonging. She began her professional journey as a counselor supporting survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence before advancing into leadership roles at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and later serving as Chief Inclusion Officer, where she led diversity, equity, inclusion, and culture initiatives across multiple campuses. Today, she provides executive coaching, leadership development, strategic change management, keynote speaking, and organizational consulting, helping senior leaders and teams navigate complex challenges with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Beyond her consulting practice, Dr. King is the creator of Sovereign, a leadership and personal development platform that empowers women to heal, lead, and rise through intentional growth and self-leadership. Her work is especially focused on supporting women—including executives, survivors, and those navigating major life transitions—in building sustainable success without sacrificing personal well-being. A three-time graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology, a Master of Social Work, and a Ph.D. in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership, Dr. King continues to inspire audiences worldwide through her coaching, writing, teaching, and thought leadership, championing workplaces and communities where authenticity, belonging, and purpose drive lasting success.