ABOUT
INNOVATION
INSIGHTS
LAUNCHED SEPTEMBER 2023
We transform your career journey through the art of storytelling, via our consulting, coaching, and career management services. We provide enlightening content from captivating blogs and podcasts to dynamic seminars, webinars, and workshops. We are dedicated to showcasing your unique talents through digital innovation by elevating your professional story. Together, we unlock the potential of your career.
OUR MISSION
Be a guiding light in the dynamic realms of academia and industry, empowering individuals to navigate and thrive in their professional journeys.
We are committed to providing innovative consulting services and workshops that transcend traditional boundaries, fostering an environment where academics and industry professionals alike can develop their careers with purpose and excellence.
OUR VISION
Be a global leader in fostering transformative change, uniting academia and industry for unparalleled innovation and professional development.
We aim to create an ecosystem where continuous learning and collaboration inspire a culture of limitless creativity. Our vision is to be the cornerstone of a community that shapes careers, pioneers solutions, and propels society forward into a future defined by excellence and ingenuity.
OUR TEAM
A dynamic assembly of seasoned experts and consultants who bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the table.
With backgrounds spanning academia, industry, and innovation leadership, our team is dedicated to guiding individuals through strategic consulting and impactful workshops. Each member is committed to empowering professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving landscapes of academia and industry.
Mark D. Leslie, MBA, leverages over 35 years of experience in the fashion industry to offer unmatched expertise in job searches, career coaching, and professional development. His distinguished career includes impactful roles at Fortune 500 companies like Mercantile Stores, Saks, Inc., Macy’s, and Kohl’s, where he spearheaded merchandising strategies and omnichannel growth. Mark’s deep understanding of industry dynamics and career management allows him to provide tailored guidance that enhances career trajectories from entry-level to executive roles.
Mark holds degrees from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning. His passion for mentoring is evidenced by his role in coaching over 30 students' entries in the prestigious Fashion Scholarship Fund case-study award. Working with Mark, clients gain access to a seasoned expert who delivers actionable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of career advancement and achieve professional goals. Based in Fort Worth, Mark's approach integrates industry knowledge with personal and professional growth commitment.
With over two decades of education and hospitality management expertise, Dr. Valerie Salter offers profound insights into career development, job searches, and professional coaching. Dr. Salter’s extensive global network and industry connections are critical resources for clients seeking to expand their professional reach. Her background in managing international study tours and integrating digital solutions into education allows her to offer tailored advice and strategies for building and sustaining professional networks. Clients engaging with Dr. Salter gain access to a seasoned expert who can significantly boost their career prospects and professional development in hospitality, tourism, and other business-related industries.
Her role as the owner of Service Solutions Consulting, specializing in luxury Airbnb experiences and guest services, further enhances her understanding of market demands and customer service excellence. This unique blend of academic leadership and entrepreneurial spirit enables Dr. Salter to guide those navigating the competitive business industries.
Jay Calderon, BS, is a seasoned marketing professional with a proven track record in digital marketing, including SEO, social media management, content creation, and website development. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Iowa State University's Ivy College of Business, Jay has devoted his career to boosting online visibility and engagement through strategic digital campaigns and effective customer relationship management.
His extensive experience encompasses crafting tailored marketing strategies for individuals, small businesses, and large corporations, ensuring their brands resonate well in the digital space. Jay’s expertise is crucial for clients aiming to develop a compelling digital presence, enhance their online branding, and communicate effectively with their target audiences.
Jay’s commitment to crafting engaging online experiences and his passion for delivering measurable results make him a key asset for any client looking to improve their digital marketing efforts. His creative flair and analytical precision enable him to provide actionable insights and innovative solutions that drive growth and contribute significantly to the evolution of digital marketing practices.
Jian Yu, MS, holds a Master's degree from Iowa State University and a Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University, specializes in Python, SQL, and Tableau and has advanced skills in data visualization, sentiment analysis, and statistical modeling. His proficiency enables him to transform complex data into actionable insights.
Jian's expertise in data visualization is particularly valuable for clients looking to articulate performance metrics clearly and compellingly, setting them apart from competitors. His industry experience and academic background make him an excellent mentor for job searches, career transitions, and navigating graduate education applications. With Jian, clients gain a partner to guide strategic decision-making and drive operational improvements through robust data analysis.
In his career, Jian has significantly enhanced system efficiencies and optimized data utilization for industries such as insurance, where he managed renewals and developed vital Excel reports. Jian's analytical skills were recognized when he ranked in the top 10 of the 2020 SAP ERPsim competition.
EULANDA SANDERS, PHD
FOUNDER / CONSULTANT
MARK D. LESLIE, MBA
CONSULTANT
VALERIE SALTER, PHD
CONSULTANT
JAY CALDERON, BS
CONSULTANT
JIAN YU, MS
CONSULTANT
Dr. Eulanda A. Sanders, an innovator, educator, and businessperson, is widely recognized for her profound impact on career management and job search methodologies in various industries. She has presented these methods professionally. She has coached numerous industry professionals and faculty through job searches, negotiations, start-up packages, annual evaluations, promotions, and tenure. She has also mentored individuals as they transition from or back into the workforce due to life changes such as retirement.
Her expertise has guided numerous undergraduate and graduate students to successful completion, facilitating academic and industry professional growth. Her former students, faculty, and mentees are industry and academic leaders, ranging in positions from entry-level to the C-suite in Fortune 500 companies and vital academic programs. With over 30 years of industry and teaching experience, her workshops, presentations, and lectures have influenced countless students and professionals globally. Dr. Sanders' leadership has fueled growth in academia and industry, fostering excellence, inclusivity, and workforce development.
