We had the good fortune of connecting with Shanta Eaden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanta, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own business to affect the type of change I want to see. Organizations have powerful strategies and many times they do not have the resources and/or capacity to execute them. This includes the areas of DEI and business-enablement technology & operational processes. Strategy without the proper alignment and execution, is meaningless and the workforce and the organization will not reap the benefits. Leader’s Edge provides fractional services, to be a bridge in these areas. We seek to empower the workforce and enrich cultures.

What should our readers know about your business?
Leader’s Edge Consulting is a fractional enterprise change leadership company. We offer fractional leadership, in the areas of technology, operations and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). I’m excited to provide fit-for-purpose solutions and agile change leadership to organizations.

Taking the leap was not easy. However, after many discussions with organizations and my own experiences over the course of my career, during the pandemic, like many, I felt compelled every day when I woke up to do more. There was a calling to take the leap — to affect more change. Once my heart, and mind aligned – I was decided. I began to formulate my thoughts, and brainstorm about I how can support organizations to deliver these major change initiatives, utilizing all of the variations of my experience. This is how Leader’s Edge Consulting was born. In true project & change management fashion, I developed a plan, I talked to mentors and friends, and I executed on my plan. I quit my job, and I leaped.

There were many lessons, one that stands out the most is — just do it. You absolutely need to plan, and then you need to trust yourself, your purpose and give your gifts to the world. Be open. A piece of great advice I received from another entrepreneur, ‘if you don’t put yourself out there – you will never know what’s meant to be’. That was powerful, as I struggled with spotlight and leveraging social media. It was definitely timely and helped me make the right choices to make Leader’s Edge more visible and expand my reach.

My experience in managing operations, technology implementations, and leading DEI and culture transformations, uniquely positions me to be that objective, trusted partner to execute strategies, and deliver outcomes. I want to give organizations the benefit of experienced leadership, at a fraction of full-time executive cost.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a native Houstonian, and there’s no other place like Houston in the world. I believe Houston has the best food. When I travel, I can’t wait to get back here for the food (and my family!). We have great chain restaurants that are special in Houston, i.e., Shipley’s and Whataburger. However, the local spots are everything. My favorite local spots include The Breakfast Club, Zydeco’s, Cafe Rian Cajun Cafe, Davis St. at Hermann Park — to name a few. One I the things I love about Houston is that you can drive 30 minutes, in either direction and end up in a great location for food and fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people to be grateful for! I have read great books, and have had great trainings, managers, mentors, and friendships over the years — all of which have shaped me. What has had the most impact in my life are my parents. They grounded me (and my sisters) in faith first and encouraged us to be ourselves. They taught us to take care of each other, and others. This has shaped my leadership style over my career, and ultimately embolden me to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Website: www.leadersedgeconsult.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanta-eaden-mba-pmp-cdp-1309b79/

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Fred Agho Photography

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