Leilani M. Brown headshot 2

LEILANI M. BROWN, CEO

Leilani M. Brown is the founder and CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, a consulting firm at the intersection of strategy, culture, and the future of work. The firm serves a diverse portfolio of clients, including executives and boards from corporate businesses, non-profit organizations, arts and cultural institutions, healthcare, and educational organizations such as colleges, universities, and independent schools. Leilani is also the host of "Your First Job," a podcast about early career experiences and bridging generational gaps in the workforce.

Before founding Giant Steps, Leilani was an award-winning executive at leading companies, including Stride, Starr Insurance Companies, The Economist Group, MetLife, and American International Group.

Leilani also serves as Vice Chair for Middlebury College, her alma mater, and is a board member for the Charleston Literary Festival.

For over 15 years, Leilani has been a board member and trustee for various non-profit, education, and arts and culture organizations. Her previous board roles include President of the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, Chair of the Governance Committee for Buckley Country Day School, and Secretary for the Executive Leadership Council.

Her book, "From Campus to Career: 25 Tips for Your First Professional Year," is a celebrated career advice guide for interns, new graduates, and young professionals. She is a sought-after keynote speaker at colleges, universities, companies, conferences, and national events. Recognized as a thought leader on workforce development, equity, and inclusion, her opinion articles have appeared in Newsweek, Fortune, EdTech Digest, Authority Magazine, and Scary Mommy.

Leilani holds a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College and a Master's in Public Administration from New York University. She also holds a Directorship Certification® from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).