Wyles Daniel
From the moment Laurie Maddalena assumed her role as a credit union executive, the human side of business has intrigued her. Her time in credit unions taught her that great leadership can not only shape the results of a business but also the lives of the employees.
Now a consultant and professional speaker, Maddalena draws upon years of knowledge to help others learn the framework of what makes a successful leader and how to create a culture in which people thrive.
Creating Culture as Competitive Edge
During her experience in the credit union industry, Maddalena learned that the real-world challenges that come with balancing people, results, and the pressure of leadership cannot be understated.
“Leadership isn’t about a title,” Maddalena shares. “It’s about the mindset and daily practices that create trust, connection, and results.”
With only 31% of employees engaged at work, Maddalena emphasizes that strong leadership is essential—not only for retaining top talent, but for creating a work environment that’s sustainable for both teams and the managers who lead them.
Today’s Management Stressors and The Elevated Leader Experience
Today’s leadership roles are often weighed down by constant demands. Ongoing interruptions, shifting priorities, and rising employee expectations make it difficult for leaders to stay focused, leaving many stretched thin both at work and at home.
While most managers are instructed to fix problems, the modern workplace and its varied demands require a different approach than what has been previously taught. To accommodate these demands, Maddalena says that an essential shift must take place, during which today’s leaders must move from fixing to facilitating in their roles.
“This shift can be especially difficult for long-time managers conditioned in more traditional environments,” Maddalena shares.
While the challenges of leadership are real, Maddalena recognizes there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In her online program, The Elevated Leader,, she emphasizes that leadership is a daily practice—not just a title. Through the seven-session program and the accompanying book, she helps managers build the skills and habits that facilitate exceptional performance and foster cultures where both people and businesses thrive.
Maddalena also states that leaders are often promoted based on their technical skills. In many industries she’s worked in, managers aren’t equipped with the necessary competencies or training needed for success, which then leads to ill-equipped leaders who often contribute to toxic work environments and disengagement with their teams.
“Not everyone is meant to be a leader,” Maddalena shares. The bar must be raised for what we expect of those we promote, and emerging leaders must be provided with the necessary development before they step into a role.
This all lines up with Madallena’s mission, which she says “is to rid the world of bad management practices and help organizations create cultures where people love to come to work.”
Blending Lived Experience with Research
Maddalena’s experience in the world of leadership stems from her personal experiences and the insights gained through research. She brings not only a human-centered perspective rooted in experience, but does so in a way that’s designed to be practical, not theoretical.
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about creating the space for others to grow, contribute, and feel seen,” she states. The best leaders don’t fix everything; they empower and coach people to step into their potential.
While leadership is more demanding now than ever before, the ability to lead people remains unchanged. It requires not only emotional intelligence, clarity, and adaptability, but also the skills to lead people with different personalities, values, and perspectives. These so-called “soft skills” are no longer just expected, they are essential in today’s business environments.
Redefining Leadership for the Modern Workplace
Maddalena provides guidance and a practical, proven solution for businesses facing growing disengagement and evolving workplace dynamics. Through her book The Elevated Leader and her consulting practice, she’s redefining leadership by equipping managers with the confidence and skills to elevate both their leadership and their teams.
To learn more about Laurie Maddalena’s programs and thought leadership, connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.