Why Leverage Leadership?
We believe that if you want to go far, go together.
Our magic lies in partnering closely with clients to clarify needs, co-create solutions, and deliver lasting impact — powered by our award-winning, research-based methodology and a team of experts who bring accountability, heart, and a personal touch to every engagement.
Our Values
At Leverage Leadership, we believe leadership has the power to transform organizations and create thriving workplaces.
Our core values set us apart, guiding how we lead, partner, and deliver results.
-
Be a GREAT LEADER to DEVELOP leaders
-
Embrace COURAGE to INSPIRE others
-
Be a CATALYST for CONNECTION
-
Relentlessly pursuit EXCELLENCE
We believe in living our values so we can equip leaders to confidently navigate challenges and inspire their teams to reach new heights of success.
Our Team
At Leverage Leadership, we’re a small team with big commitments - to our clients, to each other, and to impactful solutions
The team has a minimum of 20+ years’ experience, are credentialed at the highest levels, can deliver in multiple languages and have held executive and senior leadership positions in HR, Learning and Talent prior to joining Leverage HR.
Our team’s experience in house and as consultants has provided us unparalleled experience – from leading Strategy, Talent, Learning, and Organizational Development for top organizations in various in over 15 countries to deliver leadership development, executive coaching, and DEI solutions.
Our Leadership
Sapna Welsh
As Founding Partner, Sapna is dedicated to Leverage Leadership’s mission of developing leaders and elevating cultures.
She established Leverage HR in 2016 and has grown it into a premier leadership development firm servicing organizations across the US and Europe. She has led Talent Development at JPMC, Nationwide, and Deloitte. Recognized as an “Enterprising Women of the Year,” her firm was named “Best in Business for Coaching & Career Development” by Inc. Magazine.
A thought leader in women’s leadership, she has authored two books and contributed to international research. She holds a Master’s from OSU, a BBA from GWU, and certifications in HR, coaching, and assessments.
She serves on the NC4K and Leadership Westerville boards and enjoys time and travel with her husband and three children.
Bob Welsh
As a Partner, Bob brings 25 years of executive leadership and consulting experience to the firm. He works with individuals and teams to help them hone their focus, and tailors solutions to ensure measurable impact.
Prior to joining Leverage Leadership, he was the top executive leading Talent & Learning for several Global / Fortune 500 companies, with one achieving recognition as #1 Most Admired HR function by HRE and Korn Ferry. He continues to be a sought after speaker on leadership at public and private sector conferences.
Bob holds a BA from George Washington University, an MBA from Otterbein University, and is an ICF (PCC) credentialed coach. He serves on the Board of FMF, chairs / serves on committees for the International Coaching Federation, and serves on several committees, including the Small Business Council, for the Columbus Chamber. He is passionate about family, friends, community and music.
Christa Lyons
As a Project Director and Consultant with Leverage Leadership, Christa manages client and consultant relationships to ensure flawless execution of solutions. Christa brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources working with Leadership Teams to drive high performance.
Prior to consulting, she held various internal HR roles for Fortune 500 companies from HR Generalist evolving into an Executive Director in HR leading Leadership Development, Coaching, IT,Strategy and Organizational Transformation.
Christa earned her BA in Psychology from Miami University and her Professional Coaching Certification from the Institute for Professional Coaching (iPEC). She is an ICF credentialed coach (PCC). She loves spending time with family and friends, animal rescue, and reading.
Our Operations Team
Jennifer Glasgow
As Operations Manager for Leverage HR, Jennifer drives operational excellence through service and project management, executing project timelines, streamlining and documenting processes, and integrating technology solutions into all deliverables.
Liv Rutherford
As a Talent Management Specialist with Leverage Leadership, Liv is applying a keen sense of streamlining processes and organizing HR projects to elevate the Firm’s go-to-market, design and delivery strategy.
Presentation Highlights over the Years
-
JDS Hollister, Global Leadership Forum, Barcelona, Spain
-
OSU, Working MBA Commencement Speaker
-
PMI, Development Conference, Track Presenters: Diversity in Project Management
-
Bank of America, Key Note: Courageous Leadership, APAC
-
AIG, Keynote: Harnessing Your Personal Power, Japan
-
TEDx Southlake Salon, Facilitator: Driving Social Change (with 4 US/South Asian Executives)
-
DHL / WISC (Women in Supply Chain Conference), Keynote: Mentorship, Sponsorship, Allyship
-
Financial Times / Headspring, Facilitator: Retaining and Supporting Women in the Midst of Covid’s Impact
-
TEDx, Presenter: Worldly Women, Bonn, Germany
-
HR360 - HR Innovations Tour, Keynote Presenter, Connecting Business and HR Strategy, Vienna, Austria
-
Oracle Innovation Tour / Human Capital Institute, Keynote Presenter
Giving Back
Sapna and Bob are committed to their family and community.
When they are not working or spending time with dear friends and family, they enjoy giving back, traveling, fitness, and music.
They, along with the LL team, serve many organizations dedicated to supporting at risk children. Current Boards and volunteer organizations include NC4K, FMF, Commit to Change, A Special Wish Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Professionally focused involvement includes ICF global nominating board, Leadership Westerville board, WPO, and the Columbus Chamber small business council.
Their commitment to their community extends to promoting carbon-neutral practices by incorporating green solutions to include materials, reducing travel emissions, and selecting sustainable suppliers and partner, incorporating technology and digital options where possible.
Our History
Leverage HR launches
Following a nearly 15-year corporate career Sapna launches Leverage HR with three other women in Ohio
The firm offers world class training solutions to small and mid-sized regional business.
Work takes Sapna and her family to Europe
Leverage HR introduces coaching solutions preparing European leaders for successful expatriation to leadership roles in the US
Caroline Kerstin becomes a partner in Leverage HR
Sapna and Caroline begin research on barriers women face in “breaking the glass border” and interview 60+ female executives from across the globe
Leverage HR Expands to Europe
Worldly Women is published
Sapna and Caroline publish Worldly Women: The New Leadership Profile
Sapna delivers a TEDx talk on the research and solutions
Harriet Lamb, CEO of FairTrade writes an op ed on Worldly Women for the Huffington Post
Worldly Women is selected by GetAbstract’s CEO for inclusion in their global library and recognized in ATD and SHRM articles
Sapna repatriates and moves from book to business with renewed focus on Women’s Leadership Development
Leverage HR develops the Gender Parity Spotlight (GPS) survey and launches a European study with JUMP
The JUMP study is published highlighting which barriers women most face in advancing careers
Leverage HR returns to the US
Women Leaders is published
Sapna and Caroline publish Women Leaders: The Power of Working Abroad
Financial & Professional services sectors emerge as sector focus areas
Caroline leaves Leverage HR to lead in house programs at Bayer
Bob Welsh joins Leverage HR as a Partner bringing 20+ years leading Talent and Learning for Fortune 500 companies
Leverage HR adds Organizational Effectiveness Services as the 3rd service line
Leverage HR wins a series of industry awards for their work in DEI
Leverage HR is the recipient of Inc.Magazine’s best in Coaching award
Sapna is recognized by Enterprising Women as an award winner
Leverage HR triples it’s team of Consultants to support growing client demand