what I've studied

Master of Science: Sociology

Bachelor of Art: Sociology and Studio Art

Certificate in Design Thinking

ICF credentialed Executive Coach (ACC)

work I've done

President & CEO, DePaul Community Resources

Owner/Consultant, TwoChair Solutions

CSA Coordinator, City of Roanoke

Various public social work roles

how I have fun

writing - poems, essays, stories

trail running

cooking and baking

designing handmade greeting cards

reading - novels, essays, nonfiction, poetry

rearranging furniture...lots.

MEET AMANDA, FOUNDER/CEO

Minor in art. Major in people.

Amanda Stanley helps organizations build and sustain thriving cultures. An artist at heart with twenty years experience ranging from front-line social work to the CEO chair, she works with companies and their leaders to design their todays and tomorrows with care.

She approaches her practice with a designer’s mindset, asking questions and uncovering insights in service to a better tomorrow. Helping her clients identify intrinsic values and strengths, she partners with them in judgement-free space to discover new possibilities. Amanda has a unique ability to see beyond today’s constraints to lead others beyond what is true and into what is possible.

Learn more about Amanda's education, work experience, and connections at her LinkedIn profile.

"Leadership is making something new, taking people somewhere they've never been - and no one's going to give you instructions."

Learn about Amanda's transition from CEO to self-employment and why we think art deserves a place in leadership development.

watch video

MEET KATE,
MANAGING CONSULTANT
FOR CULTURE AND STRATEGY

listen, learn, lead

Kate Means joins The Artisan Leader after working primarily in the nonprofit sector. Her roles - Chief of Staff, Interim CEO, and directors of programs and quality - have given her the chance to support and grow every part of a company: from client services to finance, technology, and human resources. The thread throughout all has been a focus on major strategic projects aimed at culture change.

Her formal education is in social work - she earned her MA in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. She sees significant overlap in the practice of social work and the work of culture and strategy: Uncovering core human need and ensuring sustainable support for the future are essential elements of workplace health - whether the focus is on customers, partners, or employees.

In addition to providing leadership development training, Kate's early work will focus on facilitation of team retreats, strategic planning, and consulting projects for companies that are creating compassionate workplace cultures.

Learn more about Kate's education, work experience, and connections at her LinkedIn profile.