Transformational Leadership: Driving Change at an Accelerated Pace - Lesia Crumpton-Young
Transformational leadership is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Organizations, whether in academia, corporate settings, or government, must adapt swiftly to remain competitive. But true transformation doesn’t happen by chance. It requires bold vision, strategic execution, and the ability to inspire teams to push beyond their perceived limits.
This is where I thrive.
Throughout my career — as a university president, a CEO, and an engineer — I have been at the helm of large-scale transformations. Many leaders speak of five- or ten-year strategic plans; I’ve always believed in accelerating change. When I took on the role of President at Texas Southern University, I didn’t wait to set things in motion. Within two years, we implemented more institutional improvements than most organizations accomplish in a decade.
How?
- Inspiring People to Exceed Their Boundaries
True transformation starts with people. My leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in servant leadership — empowering others to achieve what they never thought possible. Whether working with faculty, students, or executives, I focus on removing barriers and fostering a culture where innovation thrives. I encourage teams to look beyond traditional limitations and explore new opportunities, asking not just “What’s possible?” but “what’s best? - Developing Winning Strategies
As an engineer, I’ve always approached challenges through a systems-thinking lens. Change isn’t just about having a vision — it’s about executing it with precision. At every institution in my career, I’ve led, I’ve implemented data-informed strategies, restructured outdated systems and processes and launched new initiatives that drive measurable results. - Transforming Organizations at an Accelerated Pace
Change at a slow pace isn’t transformation — it’s evolution. True transformation requires the ability to rapidly assess challenges, design innovative solutions, and mobilize teams to quickly implement change at scale. When I was a CEO, I restructured leadership, redefined institutional priorities, and secured multi-million-dollar funding, all in record time. That ability to execute quickly, without compromising quality, is what sets me apart.
As I look to the next phase of my career, I see an opportunity to bring this expertise to corporate boards. In today’s dynamic business landscape, companies need directors who not only understand governance but who can also challenge the status quo, drive innovation, and inspire meaningful change. My experience leading large institutions, managing billion-dollar budgets, and developing high-performing teams uniquely positions me to help organizations navigate transformation successfully.
For me, leadership isn’t about maintaining the status quo. It’s about envisioning what’s possible — and making it happen, faster than anyone thought possible.
Connect with Lesia on LinkedIn.
