Menu

Who We Are

Based in Los Angeles, Lead Different is built on the belief that we are all capable of leading from any position and that leadership can come in many different forms or roles.

With the ever-evolving state of change of organizations we have witnessed the best leaders are the ones that can adapt, adjust and we are willing to learn new ways to think outside of the box. We are coaches and conversation catalysts that will encourage you to think different, be different, and lead different.

Lead Different Consulting is Award-Winning

Lead Different Consulting received a Silver Brandon Hall Group Award for Excellence in the Best Development Program for Frontline Leaders category for the flagship WarnerMedia Management Essentials program: Equipping Leaders To Lead Themselves, Lead Teams, & Lead The Business. We were also named one of HRO Today’s 2021 Superstars for our partnership with WarnerMedia around the Management Essentials Program.

About The Founders

DR. Julie Shaw

She/Hers

Based in the LA area, Dr. Julie Shaw is a multipotentialite who is a former professional basketball player, an experienced academic as a professor for Gonzaga University, and restauranteur owning Kale Me Crazy a superfood health cafe in West Hollywood.

She is a change agent whose passion lies in personal development, leadership development, and transition. Dr. Shaw comes from the world of athletics having been a collegiate women’s basketball coach for close to 15 years helping lead teams to multiple championships and the NCAA Sweet 16. She has also been a part of the NBA, hiring and overseeing 50 coaches for a training program with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Dr. Shaw also had the opportunity to serve as the Director of Education for Billie Jean King’s non-profit, The Women’s Sports Foundation.

Shaw has devoted her time and expertise to the field of diversity and inclusion starting with earning her doctorate in Leadership & Administration focusing on creating safe space climates on college campuses. She has also been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, women’s equity, and social justice. Using her ability and talent to connect with people, Dr. Shaw has facilitated and presented for organizations on topics of leadership, communication, team building and diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Julie Shaw’s Credentials

FUN FACT: Tried out for American Idol

About The Founders

Erica Ferguson


She/Hers

After being an All-American collegiate and semi-professional basketball player, Erica spent the first part of her professional career as a collegiate women’s basketball coach and collegiate men’s football strength & conditioning coach where she specialized in supporting athletes both on and off the field through “Mental Conditioning,” that is sessions that trained athletes how to process thoughts, emotions and actions across all areas of their lives.

Erica went on to be recruited by the Secret Service, but declined to pursue her dream of running and expanding a successful chain of superfood health cafés and fitness facilities.

Since then Erica has worked as a Stress Management & Performance Coach, a Certified Coach, Trainer, and Facilitator and has now worked with hundreds of companies and thousands of participants from all over the world.
Erica graduated from William Jewell College with Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Marketing) and Critical, Thought & Inquiry (Philosophy). She went on to obtain her Master’s Degree from The University of Central Missouri in Sport & Athletic Business Administration. While Erica is no longer seeking academic degrees, she considers herself a student of life and seeks to either learn something new or confirm something she’s previously learned every day. Erica happily resides in Los Angeles, CA with her wife and dog.


Erica Ferguson’s Credentials

FUN FACT: Recruited by the Secret Service

LEAD DIFFERENT CONSULTING

Message From
Our Founders

Thanks for being here!
Welcome to Lead Different Consulting, a place where we embrace the athlete mindset of pushing boundaries and challenging ourselves to be our best selves. As former athletes and college coaches, we know what it takes to dig deep, lean into discomfort, and come out on top. We bring that same mentality to our work with clients, helping them think different, be different, and lead different.
At Lead Different, we’re passionate about helping leaders like you invest in yourself, reach your full potential and believe you can do this from any position. We created this space for leaders who are ready to embrace their unique qualities, challenge themselves, and make a real impact. Our coaching, facilitated sessions, programs, and array of services are founded on our three lenses of inclusion, leadership, and well-being. We’ve learned that to be a great leader, you need to create an inclusive environment, inspire others to be their best selves, and take care of your own well-being. We also believe in the power of meaningful connections, so we invite you to join us in engaging in thoughtful conversations and truly connecting with each other.
 
We’re excited to have you here, and we invite you to learn more about us and what we have to offer. We love to work with people who want to become better people for themselves and others around them . We cant wait to met you and do this together!

With gratitude,

it’s time to get started

What are you waiting for? Let's do this!

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you lead different and take your organization to the next level.