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Suzanne Meldeau Leonard- Founder and CEO

Suzanne Leonard is the Founder and CEO of Vanguard—The Thought Leaders' Alliance. She formed the company around a revolutionary principle-centric model that allows for free agency in the new paradigm and economy of thought leadership and intellectual property.

The origin of this vision can be summed up in one question, “Where have all the legends gone?” This question led Suzanne and her team of industry leaders into several years of deep research to crack the code on how to create a legacy, which has evolved into strategic solutions not only for the legends and thought leaders but also for the current global conditions. Suzanne and her team will soon announce the long anticipated organization that will activate these findings.

Suzanne’s work as senior advisor to the leadership team of CoveyLink Worldwide and Franklin Covey paved the way for the development of the Vanguard Group. As Executive Director working directly with Founder Stephen M. R. Covey, Suzanne was instrumental in orchestrating the growth of CoveyLink, and was a driving force behind Stephen M. R. Covey’s book, The Speed of Trust, reaching best-seller status. This effort staged the transition of CoveyLink Worldwide to form the new Global Speed of Trust Practice at Franklin Covey.

Suzanne is proud not only to have created but more importantly maintained global partnerships with the leadership teams of organizations and governments in over 31 countries such as: AT&T, Wal-Mart, Penske, IMD Switzerland, World Economic Forum, IBM, Microsoft, US Department of Defense, Lenovo, FedEx, Kimberly-Clark, National Counsel of BBB’s, SHRM, ASAE, various Chambers of Commerce, Ethics Alliances, Universities, Healthcare Systems, and many, many more.

Suzanne has over 18 years of experience in international strategic development and marketing. She has a highly influential ability through her combined expertise, vision and pro-active nature to find new opportunities while leveraging existing assets.

Originally from Winter Park, Florida, Suzanne spent 17 years residing across the US as a military spouse ending up in Utah where she made a mountain home for herself and children. Suzanne currently resides in Naples, Florida and counts her two grown daughters and grandson as her greatest accomplishment.

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Endorsements:

“Suzanne is tremendous!… She makes things happen. Her sincere intent is to have all parties win. Suzanne’s proactive personal efforts in promoting my speaking helped significantly in making The Speed of Trust a global best-seller.”
Stephen M. R. Covey- New York Times and # 1 Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The Speed of Trust

"Suzanne Leonard is the consummate professional. All of our leadership development activities involving Suzanne have achieved positive results. She is creative, thorough, and committed to excellence. Plus, she has the highest ethical standards which is a prerequisite for Lumen Institute. When it really counts, Suzanne is one individual you want on your team. We certainly plan to work with Suzanne in the future"
James Hislop- Trustee, Lumen Institute and Chairman and CEO, Penske Capital Partners

"Suzanne’s drive to provide only world class services is matched only by her unending energy to deliver those services. In a time when others seem to be stalemated and unable to see beyond their personal agendas, Suzanne continues to demonstrate her commitment to improving the quality of life for the community at large and in particular for those generally under-served. Her professionalism, integrity, skills and network make her uniquely positioned to deliver extraordinary results through her visionary work.

"By surrounding herself with a team comprised of some of the top thinkers and achievers in leadership, Suzanne and Vanguard have succeeded in revamping the thought leadership paradigm. Through their efforts, communities can have access to leaders who have long histories of creating positive large scale change. Leaders can leverage their wisdom and knowledge to ensure future generations have the benefit of starting from a place of strength."
John Guerra- Founder and CEO of Aztec Worldwide, Former President and Managing Director of AT&T Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean, and Former President of HISPA

"Suzanne is result oriented, passionate to develop new ideas and is committed to do what is right. She clearly defined the needs and cooperates with us to be successful. She was well organized and impresses us with her capability to meet the deadlines. She has a positive attitude, which helps the others go through problematic situations very easily. She is also very successful in putting together her expertise and creativity to produce results. It has been a pleasure for us to work with her."
Alper Toper- Founder & Managing Director, HRdergi Istanbul, Turkey

“Suzanne is the spark to explode your business. It is due to her commitment, enthusiasm and determination, that we managed to bring Stephen M. R. Covey to work for the first time in Italy. She is a problem solver and she is able to find the ideal person for every type of event. Finally, she knows the “ninja’s strategies” to guide customers to their desired result.”
Max Formisano- Founder and CEO, Max Formisano Training, Rome, Italy and bestselling author of If Only I Could...

Suzanne is a visionary who has a true passion for creating change and leading for the future. Her heart’s purpose is realized by lifting up thought leaders around the world and allowing their stories, messages, and giftings to be unleashed to radically transform the world. Suzanne naturally brings out the best in others through her guidance and inspiration. Her energy and motivation are infectious. She is truly a catalyst leader who is resetting the hearts and minds of a generation.
Dr. Jason Brooks, President of The RESET Group, Author and Creator of RESET

"Suzanne Leonard serves! Her uncanny ability as a Visionary Leader makes her a trend-setter, trail blazer, and a force of nature. She knows the market, she recognizes the ‘open space,’ and she serves with passion, absolutely! Suzanne Leonard dreams big! She has the gift of attracting the right people at the right time, who recognize the opportunities she is able to create, manifest, and then implement with win/win solutions. She is sees the possibilities and potential outcomes to address the biggest challenges that confront today’s global arena. Suzanne Leonard connects! Her success is based on creating relationships based on trust and integrity. She listens. She learns. She identifies needs and objectives, and then she goes to work, creating alliances that deliver her promise. Suzanne’s presence matters! She is a shining light, a champion who is determined to do all that she can to create a better world!"
Susan Brooks- Founder and former CEO Cookies From Home and Author of Serves You Right! and Outrageous, Courageous and Highly Contagious Leadership


"Suzanne Leonard's vivacious and engaging way is a breath of fresh air. She builds trust and hope for everyone she comes in contact with. I have had the great pleasure of knowing Suzanne for over 5 years now and I look forward to each and every opportunity to connect with her. It is timely that Suzanne has taken on this challenge in these uncertain times. While many are hesitant to lead and grow, Suzanne has chosen a different path, one of commitment and new opportunity. Her competence is only surpassed by her incredible personal character attributes for building meaningful and trusting relationships with all who have the privilege of knowing her. I have no doubt that The Vanguards will be a huge success."
Kenneth J. Abrams- MD, MBA Senior Vice-President, Clinical Operations, Chief Quality Officer, and Associate Chief Medical Officer, North Shore-LIJ Health System

"Almost half a century ago, the Beatles wrote, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” Times have changed but that reality hasn’t. Suzanne Leonard is a master ‘people person’ who sparkles with the kind of confidence and connectivity that allows you to leave all the details to her and delight in her ability to deliver more than you expected."

Kathleen Calligan- CEO Better Business Bureau Middle TN

"Suzanne's energy is contagious, from the moment you engage with her you find yourself more energized and uplifted. It was my pleasure to work with her organizing "Speed of Trust" work with our organization. She knows her stuff, has high integrity, and follows up well! I recommend her work and know she will enhance any initiative you engage her on. It is exciting to see her on this journey."
Cyrus DeVere- Vice President, Human Resources at Cafe Rio, Inc. and former Vice President at Panda Restaurant Group