( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Phillips Created FullCircle Leadership Group
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
Lani Phillips’ journey from a leader at Microsoft to the founder of FullCircle Leadership Group is a testament to her unwavering commitment to addressing the critical gaps in leadership today. Through her experiences, she identified that leadership often took a backseat to immediate business demands, which inspired her to create the FullCircle Leadership Group. Lani’s mission is clear: to empower leaders with more than just technical skills but the ability to cultivate empathy, vision, and a thriving culture. By offering human-centered leadership solutions, she has transformed how leaders approach their teams and the evolving challenges of the digital age.
A champion for women and underrepresented groups in tech, Lani has made inclusivity a cornerstone of her work. She believes fostering diversity in leadership requires more than just offering opportunities—it demands active advocacy, sponsorship, and a commitment to mentorship. Lani has built a framework that helps leaders embrace change, cultivate trust, and foster high-performing teams. Her ongoing commitment to reinvention, empathy, and inclusive leadership elevates the tech industry, inspiring others to break barriers and lead with purpose. Through FullCircle Leadership, Lani is shaping the future of leadership on a global scale, one that prioritizes people just as much as performance.
Phillips shares her experience from Microsoft to founding FullCircle Leadership Group. She dives into the critical changes to help more women and underrepresented groups thrive in this industry. In addition, Phillips shows how to approach ‘courageous conversations’ with leaders in corporate spaces, how to stay ahead of the technology curve, and more.
What motivated you to transition from Microsoft to founding FullCircle Leadership Group, and how does your mission address the current gaps in leadership today?
My journey at Microsoft gave me invaluable experience, but I realized something profound concerning a growing gap in leadership development as I progressed. Leadership fell lower on the priority list, overshadowed by immediate business demands. This led me to found FullCircle Leadership Group, driven by a mission to address this leadership crisis head-on. Leaders need more than technical skills in today’s fast-paced and complex workplace. They need empathy, vision, and the ability to foster a culture where people thrive. FullCircle Leadership Group focuses on bridging this gap by offering proven, human-centered solutions that empower teams and create high-performing cultures. My experiences navigating these challenges have shaped a leadership framework that is practical, modern, and transformative.
What critical change must we implement to ensure more women and underrepresented groups thrive in this industry?
The most critical change needed to ensure women and underrepresented groups thrive in tech is moving from passive support to active advocacy, sponsorship, and meaningful investment. We need to do more than give opportunities; we must intentionally champion talent, especially when the road gets tough. Advocacy involves using our influence to ensure fair access to opportunities and address barriers that may prevent success. Sponsorship involves actively promoting and mentoring high-potential individuals, helping them navigate the industry’s challenges.
Additionally, we must be careful not to discard talent too quickly when someone underperforms or has a challenging year. Instead, we should invest in mentorship and coaching to address any underlying issues, fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to succeed. This investment in growth, even during setbacks, will truly transform our industry.
How do you approach ‘courageous conversations’ with leaders in corporate spaces that may resist change, and what success have you seen from this approach?
I approach courageous conversations with leaders by grounding them in truth and empathy. Speaking truth to power is essential, but it is about more than just delivering complex messages. It is about understanding their concerns and helping them see the bigger picture. Change is often resisted because it feels threatening or uncomfortable. I focus on aligning my message with the organization’s broader goals while addressing the human elements of fear or uncertainty. Leaders who feel seen and understood are more open to embracing new ideas. One of the most impactful successes I have seen is when these conversations lead to leaders not only accepting change but becoming advocates for it. By fostering trust and open dialogue, I have turned initial resistance into momentum, driving transformative results that have reshaped teams and improved workplace cultures. The key is
approaching these conversations with a balance of openness and care—because real change happens when leaders understand both the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of the path forward.
As a seasoned leader navigating the digital age, how have you continued reinventing yourself and staying ahead of the curve?
As a seasoned leader, staying ahead of the curve requires constant reinvention, driven by a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability. The digital age evolves rapidly, and I have embraced this by continuously expanding my skill set, staying curious, and keeping a pulse on emerging trends. Whether it is learning new technologies, understanding shifts in workplace dynamics, or exploring innovative leadership techniques, I approach each new development as an opportunity to grow. However, reinvention goes beyond just skills; it is about mindset. I actively seek feedback, challenge my assumptions, and stay open to new perspectives. This has allowed me to remain relevant and agile in my leadership approach and develop strategies for others. In doing so, I have helped others navigate change and thrive in an environment that demands continuous evolution.
What role do you see FullCircle Leadership playing in the future of inclusive leadership, and how do you plan to elevate its influence globally?
FullCircle Leadership is poised to play a transformative role in the future of inclusive leadership by championing a holistic approach that prioritizes people as much as performance. In an ever-evolving global workplace, leaders must be equipped to drive results and create environments where every voice is valued, and everyone can thrive. FullCircle Leadership focuses on the human elements of leadership connection, empathy, and accountability while providing leaders with practical tools to navigate complex challenges. To elevate its influence globally, I am committed to expanding FullCircle Leadership’s reach through strategic partnerships, speaking engagements, and digital platforms that allow us to touch leaders across industries and geographies. Our framework is designed to be adaptable, offering a universal blueprint for leadership that resonates with diverse teams and cultures. By empowering leaders to create cultures of trust, innovation, and belonging, FullCircle Leadership is setting the stage for a new era of inclusive and impactful leadership globally.
What advice would you give to young women of color who aspire to lead in the tech world but face systemic barriers?
My advice to young women of color aspiring to lead in tech is to own your power, trust your voice, and never underestimate your value. The barriers you face are real, but they are not insurmountable. Build a strong support network, find mentors, sponsors, and allies who will champion you and help open doors, and remember, it is not about fitting into spaces as they are but about having the courage to challenge the status quo and create new ones. Equally important, focus on delivering results. You must demonstrate your ability to excel in your role before others will invest in your growth. Let your performance speak for itself and show that you deserve a seat at the table and are driving the conversation. If your organization does not recognize your value, move on boldly. Some spaces will see and appreciate what you bring to the table. Stay resilient, invest in your growth, and lead with confidence. Your perspective is essential, and the future of tech needs leaders like you.
Looking back on your career, what are some pivotal moments where you felt you were genuinely breaking new ground?
Looking back, one of the most pivotal moments in my career was when I founded the Women Executive Channel Advisory Network, a community of senior women leaders dedicated to making space for more women in leadership across the channel. This initiative was not just about opening doors. It was about investing in developing women leaders, sharing opportunities, and creating a support system that would uplift each of us as we navigated the complexities of our careers. Bringing these women together broke new ground in how leadership could be shaped and shared. We built a network within the walls of one organization and across an entire industry. Seeing the impact of this network and how it has empowered women to take on more significant roles, drive innovation, and mentor the next generation of leaders was truly groundbreaking for me. It reinforced the importance of creating opportunities and investing in women’s long-term leadership success.
Lani Phillips’ work in the leadership space exemplifies the power of vision and intentionality in driving systemic change. Her impact extends beyond creating high-performing teams; it’s about creating cultures where inclusivity, empathy, and support are foundational to success. By investing in people and cultivating courageous conversations, Lani is paving the way for a new generation of leaders who will excel in their careers and champion change in their industries. As FullCircle Leadership continues to expand its reach, Lani’s mission to create spaces where everyone thrives elevates leadership to new heights, encouraging others to embrace empathy and inclusivity as integral components of leadership.
For more information, visit https://laniphillips.com/ or follow Lani Phillips on Instagram. Connect with Phillips on LinkedIn for future inquiries or assistance regarding FullCircle Leadership. To register for the FullCircle Leadership Academy, visit https://www.fullcircleleadershipgroup.com/academy. To order your “Women Mean Business” copy, go to Amazon.
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