As the Founder and President of Leap into Leadership, Lela Panagides provides innovative approaches that elevate and advance individual and organizational performance. Recognized for her deep resolve and unwavering passion to create environments where everyone can contribute and thrive, Lela harnesses the power of design thinking to help individuals and organizations develop pathways to solve complex problems, strengthen performance and build leadership and organizational capacity.

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One of the hallmarks of Lela's success is her ability to assist leaders to help their teams through times of tremendous change, transformation and growth. She has held senior HR leadership positions in Fortune 50 companies, lived and worked in six countries and continues to deliver outstanding advisory services to her clients and customers around the globe. She is based in Southern California. 

 

Hailed as a difference maker and thought leader, and named as one of the most influential women, by The Springfield Business Journal for her innovative work, Lela continues to be recognized as a dynamic advocate for advancing innovative, feasible and sustainable approaches and solutions to small and large scale challenges. 

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Lela gives back to her community in a number of ways. In 2020, she was elected Board President of Rapid Response Housing Solutions a volunteer, community-based non-profit that provides rapid response assistance to prevent homelessness. Lela is also a Blue Courage Certified Instructor.