Slow & Steady Wins the Business: How Authentic Connections Built Leaders Partner

Founders Future

In this episode of Founders Future, host Ammar Elm sits down with Marcie Shelton, founder and CEO of Leaders Partner, a leadership coaching and strategy consultancy dedicated to transforming organizations through intentional leadership development. Marcie shares her journey from corporate America burnout to building a purpose-driven business, sparked by her move to Sacramento during the pandemic. She reveals how her "slow and steady" approach—focusing on community building and authentic connections—laid the foundation for her consulting success, while also discussing her innovative second venture, Give to Lead, which reimagines corporate philanthropy by replacing traditional marketing swag with nonprofit donations.

Marcie dives into her philosophy of leadership transformation, emphasizing that real change starts when leaders humbly recognize their role in organizational challenges. She explains her tailored coaching approach, from one-on-one executive sessions to organizational roadmaps built on data-driven insights. With refreshing honesty, Marcie reflects on the balance between scalability and personal fulfillment in consulting, advocating for a "medium pace" that prioritizes impact over burnout. Her dual mission—helping leaders thrive while diverting marketing waste to nonprofits—showcases her unique blend of pragmatism and purpose.