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Collaborating with leaders to bridge talent gaps, and build thriving, inclusive workplaces.

🗣️ “Our workforce isn’t ready for what’s next.”
Over 70% of organizations report skill gaps that hinder innovation. The pace of change isn’t slowing down.

🗣️ “Turnover and disengagement are draining us.”
Purpose, belonging, & growth opportunities retain top talent. Every departure drains resources & slows progress.

🗣️ “Leading in a complex world is tough.”
Emotional intelligence, adaptability, & resilience are key to fostering connection, trust, and progress—no matter where teams are.

🗣️ “Our teams aren’t driving innovation & connecting with diverse markets.”
Alignment & inclusion enable organizations to innovate & access +$6T in purchasing power from diverse communities.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

​​The good news? That's where we come in. Thrive & Lead by Design's mission is to work with you to solve your biggest talent challenges and build a workplace that thrives.

Our people-centered solutions are grounded in research and built to deliver real results for people and organizations.

My Journey

How I Rose Up to Become a Business Leader

Hi! I'm Cecilia Hajredinaj (Rodriguez Gallardo)
Growth Strategist

My story began with a bold move from a small town in Honduras to the United States at the age of 16. A decision that shaped my perspective on resilience, adaptability, and the power in personal growth.

For over 25 years, I’ve held leadership roles with global organizations like Citigroup, PwC, and Morgan Stanley, where I led teams & businesses, solved complex problems, and coached leaders to achieve impactful results.

As a Latina navigating corporate America, I learned how to innovate with limited resources, lead strategically through complexity, and adapt to constant change. These experiences shaped my unique approach to leadership and problem-solving: combining creativity, empathy, and strategy to tackle even the toughest talent and business challenges.

As I advanced in my career, one issue stood out: workforce strategy gaps often prevent companies from building thriving, inclusive workplaces where both people and organizations can succeed.

This realization inspired me to launch Thrive & Lead by Design.

Today, I draw on my corporate expertise, entrepreneurial insights, and certifications as a business coach and DISC & Motivators trainer to help leaders design and act on strategies that create lasting impact.

 

My focus is on building pathways that unlock potential for all talent—especially the most marginalized—because when everyone thrives, so does the organization.

Cecilia Hajredinaj profile picture
business coach certification
insights tool for self awareness
  • LinkedIn
Team meeting

How We Can Help

We offer people-centered solutions designed to help leaders overcome talent challenges, optimize performance, and achieve impactful results - all through the lens of building a thriving, inclusive workplace that drives meaningful change.

Additionally, we collaborate with a network of trusted partners as needed, depending on the scope of work, ensuring a comprehensive approach to every project.

Organizational Talent Strategies

We work with you to design and integrate talent solutions that foster inclusivity, sustainability, and measurable growth - from talent acquisition and retention to leadership development & readiness, and succession planning.

Our progressive approach:
• Situation Analysis: Understanding the current landscape to identify gaps & opportunities
• Informed Recommendations: Delivering research & data-backed insights to drive impactful change
• Tactical Plans & Implementation: Crafting and executing custom action plans
• Guides & Playbooks: Developing resources for ongoing business growth & leadership development

Team Optimization

We work with teams using a strengths-based approach to enhance performance and cohesion by identifying strengths, addressing gaps, and implementing strategies that boost productivity and innovation.

Personalized Coaching

We provide one-on-one coaching designed to unlock potential, sharpen leadership skills, and help achieve professional goals with clarity and confidence.

Process

The simple method behind everything we do

01.

Analysis & Research

Finding unique challenges and 
opportunities for growth

02.

Strategy

Crafting tailored solutions that align with your core objectives

03.

Execution

Creating impactful, lasting results

04.

Ongoing Support

Monitoring and providing support as needed

Success Stories

"The coaching sessions taught me to be kinder to myself and appreciate my accomplishments.  Also, to value my time and delegate to others when possible.  Cecilia was a great listener to my challenges of the week and helped me to navigate through them and set priorities. The career projection exercise was challenging and very effective. It brought to light professional areas of interest I had been contemplating, but had not put on paper in this way. It is a great tool and will use it in the future."

Stephanie C., Commercial Finance Leader (brewing company)
NY

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