In order to create a more sustainable, regenerative society, we need cultural transformation. That’s why at Green, we want to highlight individuals who are focused on maintaining change through a cultural shift.
Meet Shanta Eaden, Founder and CEO of Leader’s Edge Consulting – and also, Green Success Stories’s Person of the Week! Leader’s Edge is a company focused on providing solutions and guidance to those hoping to create impact and sustain change. As a recognized DEI strategist, change leader and project management executive, Shanta closes the gap between strategy and execution to impact organizational culture. Let’s learn more about Shanta!
Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
I am a wife, and a mother. I have worked both in the Finance and Energy sectors, leading technology and operation teams focused on enterprise change. This includes acquisition integration, process improvements, establishing effective project management offices (PMOs), leading DEI and culture change initiatives. I am a people-first leader, and believe it is the collection of individuals which create organizational culture. Executing on sustainability, DEI, culture and any other strategies start and end with the inclusion of all people.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am all in for football and basketball games! This is one of the major reasons why I became an entrepreneur: to have the flexibility to be present with my boys.
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
Climate change and sustainability is an important topic today because people have experienced the effects of it. It’s getting closer and closer to home. Many of us are asking, what can we do to make a positive impact to address climate change and drive sustainability in our homes, organizations, communities, etc. I also believe that as environmental, social, governance (ESG) becomes a demand for shareholders and leaders, organizations must be intentional when addressing it. This is another reason why I leaped into entrepreneurship and started Leader’s Edge Consulting; I want to help organizations move from talking about it, to action. And not only in the area DEI, but any enterprise change which is set to advance our organizations and our communities.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
I don’t know what the industry will look like 10 years from now, but I’m hopeful! It’s my hope that it evolves with diversity (in all dimensions), and that the industry is inclusive and equitable. In the context of sustainability, I hope all actions and decisions are considerate to the impact of the black and brown communities and that there’s acknowledgement, education, technology, solutions, etc. which address the inequities that exists today. I also hope DEI and Sustainability isn’t considered a separate initiative or a fad, but it’s engrained into organizational cultures. My hope is that the works of great leaders and influencers today, have disrupted the status quo and put us on an equitable path for the future.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
Do something! We’ve all heard the saying, ‘see something, say something’ — let’s add do something. Take action that drives positive impact to what you care about the most. I think we’ll all be amazed if we tapped into our passion and natural gifts, to drive change. The average person can make a difference by speaking their truth, sharing their experiences and observations, even a small gesture. Let’s not settle into inaction yet acknowledge the disparities and work together to solve them — one interaction at a time.
Green Success Stories is a television show, podcast, social media, and news platform, hosted by Dylan Welch, that highlights climate change scientists, renewable energy experts, and clean tech entrepreneurs by giving them a voice in the mainstream media. The Green podcast highlights leading experts in cleantech, sustainability, media, finance, and real estate. Tune in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple or Spotify to listen to interviews with leading cleantech and sustainable experts. If you are interested in being featured on Green, click HERE.