Leadership development often focuses on frameworks, strategies, and systems.

But what about the human side of leadership?

In this episode of Elevate, host Joy Fajardo sits down with Kimberly Fraleigh, Director of Leadership Development at Lippert, to explore what it really takes to grow leaders from the inside out.

Before coaching executives and frontline leaders across a global organization, Kim spent nearly two decades as a high-performance athlete. A career-ending injury forced her to pivot in ways she never expected, a moment that ultimately shaped how she thinks about resilience, adaptability, and leadership today.

In this conversation, Kim shares:

• Why great leaders must draw inward before they can lead outward.

• The surprising parallels between elite athletes and corporate leaders.

• What leaders often underestimate about change and transformation.

• The idea of “identity capital” and how small experiences shape leadership growth.

• Why the future of leadership development will be more human.

You’ll also hear practical reflections on self-awareness, building influence, navigating career pivots, and creating cultures where people truly thrive.

If you're leading teams, navigating change, or simply trying to grow as a leader yourself, this episode will leave you with plenty to reflect on.