Leading Authentically: Kathleen Wisemandle Coaches Women to Thrive Through Uncertainty and Change

“From my experience as an operational and people leader, I know what it's like to lead others through change while delivering critical work, often amid self-doubt.  I ask more powerful questions that allow the clients to pause, reflect, and think.  I'm able to hold space for these leaders, a time they don't always have,” said Kathleen Wisemandle, MSLOC, ELOC, Founder and Principal of Aspire to Grow and the host of The Rooted Leader podcast.

Wisemandle spent over three decades leading teams and driving innovation in biotechnology and pharmaceutical R&D. Now she helps others find their own footing and navigate change. Whether her clients are building on current successes or branching out to new opportunities, Wisemandle wants to ensure they feel heard. 

Wisemandle brings a wealth of experience to her clients. She spent most of her career in pharmaceuticals R&D– which is a fast paced, complex environment. Her lived experience fostered key leadership perspectives that transfer to her coaching practice. As a Leadership Coach and Research Practitioner in I/O Psychology, she blends evidence-based research with decades of operational leadership experience.

“My experiences allow me to understand these leaders' struggles and experiences.  I found that so many of these experiences transcend multiple industries,” she said.

Those experiencing organizational or personal shifts, should consider Bridge's Phases of transition, which includes; Letting go, Neutral Zone and New Beginnings, she shared. The framework provides a visual representation of the process, including our feelings and emotions we have when going through any type of change. 

“If we can name the phase and the feelings, it starts to feel more clear to move forward,” Wisemandle stressed.

Her practice also provides a specialized area of focus: the leadership identity of adult-diagnosed ADHD professionals. ”Neurodiversity is not just one thing. There are so many different ways of thinking. Some attributes are positive, and some can be overwhelming given specific scenarios, so it's not a one-size-fits-all solution for neurodiverse individuals. In fact, many high achievers and entrepreneurs have neurodiverse thinking that allows them to use sensitivity, empathy, hyperfocus and big picture thinking in a way that's unique and powerful.  I like the idea of reframing ADHD and neurodiversity as just different ways of processing, rather than being something that we shouldn't talk about,” she said.

Wisdemandle does not shy away from talking about what matters-- even if those conversations are challenging. Outside of strong leadership and transformation skills, she stressed that women in leadership also need to be open and honest with themselves; they need to “lean into authenticity.”

“A common theme I'm seeing in my coaching is the shift in identity for many women leaders. While we respond to changes, [she asks] how do we hold our whole selves authentically? Part of this involves being confident in our abilities, while still maintaining our boundaries. It's about being competent and assertive, yet allowing ourselves to speak up for change in authentic ways. Authenticity is a huge theme. If we allow our whole selves to show up authentically, we can be more resilient as leaders. And, it serves as a great role model for other leaders. It's not always comfortable, but it's critical for true transformation,” Wisemandle said.

Being authentic also means leaning into the “human side of change.” Wisemandle found that as women “move up the ranks,” it is common for them to “not partner with each other. It ls such a lost opportunity for our growth and support of each other.” 

She continued, “The human side of change is calling out the emotions we feel when things change. The loss we feel while letting go of the old ways, and holding the uncomfortable space when change is taking place.” 

Connecting at a human-level is a cornerstone of Wisemandle’s leadership philosophy and practice. “By naming these feelings, we allow ourselves to connect. We can share the fear and doubt we all have. It's a great way to build connections, which allows us to collaborate for better solutions and support one another,” she said.

This type of collaboration can happen through organizations like Women in Change. She elaborated, “I see this community offering this support as we all move through different changes in our various industries and lives. By sharing experiences, we realize we are not alone, which frees us to think more creatively. It moves us into places of possibility. That simple shift in framing is huge!” Wisemandle is a founding member of Women in Change USA.

To learn more about Kathleen Wisemandle and her work, please visit: https://aspiretogrow.co/coaching/