"I am so much more that what I do. It is the who of me that influences my ability to be exceptional at what I do and why I love doing it!"
About Me
I am a 2x TEDx Speaker and Keynote Speaker and pull from my mother's influence — my first authentic leader – to create stories about life, leadership, and acceptance that connect with people. I'm a master storyteller with thought-provoking ideas about "race" and "difference" that force people to re-examine and often shift their perspectives and belief systems. My approach to everything I do is with honesty, authenticity, and vulnerability and the intent to leave people better than I found them.
With over 20 years of experience as a Lean Six Sigma leader, DEI disrupter, and master educator, I specialize in communication, team building, DEI, and continuous improvement: of self, in leaders, teams, processes, and organizations. I'm a Six Sigma Black Belt with certifications in Laser Coaching, Extreme Leadership, DEI Leadership, DEI Strategies, and Leadership Development,
After 15+ years of leading or participating in DEI initiatives, I realized most of them failed because they weren’t designed to be operationalized into the DNA of the organization with measures and KPIs for continuous improvement. Instead, they unintentionally created shame, blame, and anger. They also missed the opportunity to improve communication, embrace accountability, and inspire self-awareness - the root causes of most failed business initiatives. This realization led me to develop my groundbreaking Kaizen Your Culture organizational program and Lean into Love keynotes, which integrate Lean Six Sigma and DEI principles and methodologies upon a framework of L.O.V.E.:
-
Listen with the intent to learn,
-
Open-mindedly with
-
Vulnerability and
-
Empathy.
.png)
"I came into this world to spread love and help others reach their highest potential by falling madly, deeply, wildly in love with themselves!"
ORGANIZATIONS HIRE ME TO:
-
Deliver thought-provoking, inspiring, and engaging keynote speeches.
-
Teach and implement Kaizen Your Culture and Lean into Love to operationalize DEI and continuous improvement
-
Inspire and increase innovation, productivity, and employee retention and engagement.
-
Provide transformational leadership development, communication, DEI, and wellness/self-love coaching and workshops.
-
Work with new and emerging leaders and teams as a Coach & Team-building Facilitator.
I am also the celebrated author of the award-winning coming-of-age novel Salmon Croquettes. I love my Tibetan Terrier, Tashi, my weighted blanket, breakfast for dinner, and Self-love Sunday, my favorite day of the week.
My Story
.png)
I was born Kimberly Denise Mitchell on July 28 to a 16-year-old unknown mother, and immediately became a ward of the state of California.
On September 9, 1967 Frances Champion became the first Black woman in California to adopt a child as a single parent. And I became Glodean Champion.
I was always the tallest kid in the group! One of the best things my mom ever did was to insist I be proud of my height. She constantly reminded me to "Stand up straight!" I've been standing straight and proud ever since.
In 4th grade I reached for a violin and the teacher handed me a cello. By the time I reached high school I was also playing the upright bass, bass guitar, xylophone, bells, and cymbals! I was in every band Lynwood High School offered.
Prince's album, Controversy, changed my life. It taught me that being true to oneself is the most important thing we can ever do. Are you being true to you?
I graduated at 16 with no interest in college and no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Mom said, "get a job or go to college." So, I figured out a way to get a job as a Receptionist at a CPA firm.
I joined the Navy in 1985. Two days into boot camp I became the Recruit Chief Petty Officer, leader of my company. This experience revealed my natural leadership skills.
After many years in Corporate America I stepped off my path to the C-suite and returned to the classroom. I graduated with a BA from Mills College and an MFA from California College of the Arts in 2008.
My first short story, Heathens, was published in Woman's Work: an Anthology.
.png)
In 1991, I moved to San Francisco. A few years later, I found a new career in Information Technology. I started at the Help Desk and worked my way up to Network Engineer before I found myself in management.
Mills College reconnected me to my inner artist and educator. In 2007, this photo along with three others were published in the book, Black Artists in Oakland.
In 2010, I walked into my first classroom as a student teacher at City Arts & Tech Charter School and discovered my love of educating children.
On November 29, 1996 I lost my anchor. Somehow, through my grief, I focused on the love she pored into me and the life she'd given me. I wouldn't be the me I am without her and I still thank her for it.
In 2008, my photographic exploration into colorism, The Brown Paper Bag Test, was featured in the Color(')s Within: The Inner Splendor of the Black Female exhibit.
In 2008, I moved to Chicago to finish my novel. I began teaching at Chicago State University in 2009, as well as Columbia College. There's nothing more rewarding that enlightening young minds.
In 2011, I followed my love of educating young minds to Ghana where I was a volunteer English teacher for an orphanage in the village of Bawjiasi, about 60 km NW of Accra.
I found teaching opportunities in the best places. One of my favorites was as Workshop Leader for the Neighborhood Writing Alliance in Chicago.
In 2013, I worked for the BEST leader of my career and he introduced me to Lean Six Sigma. We became the Continuous Improvement team and I excelled at leading Kaizen events.
I helped this group of IT professionals improve the company's NPS process to increase and effectively measure NPS responses.
The Communicate Like a Champ workshop with the Senior Leadership Team at VOX Network Solutions!
On March 24, 2021, my debut novel was published. It has receive great reviews and been considered a "catalyst for change, love, and greater understanding.
I used compression planning to help the team of Job Developers set their regional goals and outline their plans for future events and activities.
My keynote speech on leadership at the Extreme Leadership Experience, 2020. It was a tribute to my mom, my 1st Extreme Leader.
In 2021, I drove from my home in Monterey, CA to as far south as Macon, GA. Along the way, I talked to people about love and all the things that connect us. Over 50 people agreed LOVE is the bridge that connects us.
2019
Graduation day from the Extreme Leadership Certification workshop! I love these folks!
As like many people, the 2020 murder of George Floyd made me ask the Universe what I could do to help make the world a better place. The answer came back, "Love" and I've been living in my purpose ever since.
In 2022, my vision of being on the TEDx stage came to fruition - TWICE. In "The Power of Place and Purpose in Our Lives" I share how moving to Monterey, CA saved my life. My next TEDx is out in February 2023.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"Glodean was able to see great abilities within me, more than I could see in myself, and helped bring it out of me. She has taught me that if I believe in something, do it. And if it doesn’t work out, it’s always better to ask for forgiveness."
AIMEE GARCIA, PROJECT MANAGER
"I was amazed by Glodean's level of professionalism and knowledge. Her ability to facilitate with multiple people and personalities was impressive. Her witty sense of humor and outgoing personality really made the day enjoyable!"
JENNY HUGHES, CAREER EDUCATION / OUTREACH SPECIALIST
"If I had to pick one of Glodean's best traits, one...more important than her unrelenting positive attitude or uncanny ability to meet unrealistic deadlines, it would be her clarity. She can express a concept in as many ways as the listener needs to hear in order to understand."
ELIZABETH COOK, ENGINEER