We had the good fortune of connecting with Shavonne Ekeledo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shavonne, how does your business help the community?
Impactful Leadership & Management Solutions, LLC™ (ILMS) is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community and the world through our comprehensive range of services. We are a trusted provider of Leadership Training, Operations Management, and Organization Development Consulting, with a deep commitment to delivering tailored strategic solutions that address the unique needs of each organization.

Our primary focus is on driving measurable and sustainable changes within the workforce, company culture, community, supplier base, and marketplace. We believe in fostering practical and effective organizational change, which has a ripple effect that extends beyond the boardroom.

Key aspects that set ILMS apart from our competitors include:

Personalization: While we have a wealth of established frameworks and models, we pride ourselves on tailoring our services to maximize positive impact specific to each client’s unique business model. This approach ensures that our solutions are not one-size-fits-all but finely tuned to address individual needs.

Tangible Impact: We are dedicated to creating a direct connection between our services and our clients’ business success. Our aim is to bring about measurable improvements that lead to growth and prosperity.

Affordability: ILMS stands out by maintaining competitive pricing, making our services accessible to start-ups, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. We understand the financial constraints these entities often face and work to enable them to achieve their developmental goals within their budgets.

Our founder, Dr. Shavonne Ekeledo, MBA, PhD, leads our team. With over 15 years of experience in finance, operations, and organization development, Dr. Ekeledo’s extensive background, research, and education make her an authority in the field. Her commitment to lifelong learning drives ILMS to assist organizations in fulfilling their strategic and tactical goals by employing an amplified approach that combines knowledge, consulting, research, and leadership.

At ILMS, we believe in the power of transformative leadership and operational excellence not only to benefit our clients but also to have a positive and lasting impact on the broader community and the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work at Impactful Leadership & Management Solutions, LLC™ (ILMS) is deeply rooted in helping organizations achieve their full potential. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to delivering customized solutions that address the specific needs of our clients. We pride ourselves on being a full-service provider of Leadership Training, Operations Management, and Organization Development Consulting. Our focus on driving measurable and sustainable change in the workforce, company culture, community, supplier base, and marketplace sets us apart from the competition.

The path to where I am today professionally has been characterized by dedication, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to making a difference. It has not always been easy, as I encountered challenges and obstacles along the way. These challenges have taught me valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of a growth mindset.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the power of continuous education. My academic journey, which includes a Ph.D. in Organization Development with a focus on Organizational Learning Theory and Leadership, has equipped me with the knowledge and expertise to drive meaningful change in organizations. It has also reinforced the importance of staying open to new ideas and approaches.

What I want the world to know about ILMS and my story is that we are dedicated to helping organizations thrive by combining knowledge, consulting, research, and leadership in a personalized and impactful way. We aim to make a positive impact not only on our clients but also on the broader community and the world. Our commitment to affordable solutions means that organizations of all sizes can access our services and benefit from our expertise.

At ILMS, we are excited about the transformative potential of our work and are proud to be at the forefront of leadership and management solutions that drive real change. We look forward to continuing our journey and helping organizations achieve their strategic and tactical goals in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Chicago offers a fantastic array of experiences, and I’d want my best friend’s visit to be memorable. Here’s a week-long itinerary that would showcase the best of the city:

Day 1: Welcome to Chicago

Morning: Start with a classic Chicago-style breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s.
Afternoon: Explore Millennium Park, take a photo at “The Bean,” and enjoy the surrounding art and architecture.
Evening: Try deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s for dinner.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Morning: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago for a world-class art collection.
Afternoon: Explore the Museum Campus, including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.
Evening: Enjoy a show at one of Chicago’s famous theaters like the Chicago Theatre or the Goodman Theatre.
Day 3: Shopping Extravaganza

Morning: Head to the Magnificent Mile for some retail therapy.
Afternoon: Stroll through Navy Pier for shopping, dining, and lakeside views.
Evening: Have a dinner at a trendy Chicago restaurant, such as RPM Italian or The Purple Pig.
Day 4: Music and Nightlife

Morning: Visit the historic Blues Heaven Foundation.
Afternoon: Explore Chicago’s neighborhoods, like Wicker Park or Logan Square.
Evening: Catch a live concert at the iconic Chicago venues, such as Metro, House of Blues, or the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge.
Day 5: River and Architecture

Morning: Take an architectural boat tour along the Chicago River.
Afternoon: Explore the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy lunch at a riverside cafe.
Evening: Try a rooftop bar, like Cindy’s or The J. Parker, for stunning city views.
Day 6: Local Flavor

Morning: Enjoy a hearty brunch at a local hotspot like Yolk.
Afternoon: Head to one of the city’s unique neighborhoods, like Pilsen or Andersonville.
Evening: Sample craft beers at one of Chicago’s many breweries or enjoy a tasting menu at a trendy restaurant.
Day 7: Farewell and Festivals

Morning: Visit a local farmers’ market for a taste of fresh, local produce.
Afternoon: Explore Grant Park, and if timing aligns, attend one of Chicago’s renowned festivals, such as Lollapalooza or the Taste of Chicago.
Evening: Share a farewell dinner at a top-notch restaurant, such as Alinea or Girl & the Goat.
Chicago is a city of diverse experiences, and I’d want my best friend to enjoy the rich culture, delicious cuisine, vibrant arts, and friendly neighborhoods that make the city so unique.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible mother. She has been the driving force behind my journey, always emphasizing the value of education and the importance of pursuing what we love. My mom’s unwavering support was instrumental in putting my siblings and me through the best schools and colleges. She stood by my side through the demanding years of degrees, research, and building a career. Her love, mentorship, and encouragement have been the foundation of my success, and I am deeply grateful for her role in shaping my story.

Website: https://www.impactfullms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactful_lms/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactful-leadership-management

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Impactfullms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Impactfullms/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/impactful-leadership-and-management-solutions-mount-prospect

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ImpactfulLMS

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