Brilliant leadership starts from the inside out.
Carol Hedgspeth, Ph.D.
About Me
I’m Carol, Founder and Lead Coach at The Brilliance Lab, a leadership coaching and organizational effectiveness practice built with women of color in leadership at the center and open to all leaders who are ready to lead fully, authentically, and on their own terms. We do this by offering one-to-one and team coaching, and strategic leadership development engagements.
I bring more than 20 years of experience as a nonprofit education leader, during which I built teams and cultures from scratch, and shaped strategy, often as the only woman of color in the room. Over time, I came to know intimately the gap that can exist between what a leader has to offer and what an organization is willing to see. I founded The Brilliance Lab in 2025 with the clear conviction that leaders and organizations must be developed simultaneously, from the inside out. I work to uncover leaders’ authentic strengths and leadership identity, build their influence, and help them design cultures where they and their teams can genuinely thrive.
THE SELECTION OF
My Services
The Brilliance Intensive
The Brilliance Intensive is a personalized 1:1 coaching engagement designed with women of color in leadership at the center, and open to all leaders who are ready to lead fully and authentically.
The Brilliance Collective
The Brilliance Collective is a group coaching program that brings together a cohort of 10 to 15 leaders for a shared journey of growth, reflection, and community.
The Doctoral Collective
How We Build Leadership
The Brilliance Lab Method
I founded The Brilliance Lab with a clear conviction that leaders and organizations must be developed simultaneously, from the inside out. We do this in 3 steps:
Discover
First, we get clear on where you are as a leader and what you need to get where you want to be.
Design
Illuminate
Happy clients
Words from my Clients
D.B.
Communications Specialist
Working with Carol has been transformative for my career. From our first session, I felt understood, supported, and guided by someone who genuinely cared about my professional growth. Her insights helped me navigate a challenging work environment, advocate for myself effectively, and ultimately negotiate a favorable severance package.
A.R.
Research and Policy Leader
I can’t speak highly enough of Carol. I have worked with her now at two different organizations now, both laterally and as her direct report. I knew from my first interview with her that she was an incredible mentor and coach. She is one of the most thoughtful, kind, and caring people I know.
D.B.
Communications Specialist
Working with Carol has been transformative for my career. From our first session, I felt understood, supported, and guided by someone who genuinely cared about my professional growth. Her insights helped me navigate a challenging work environment, advocate for myself effectively, and ultimately negotiate a favorable severance package.
MY LATEST
Blog Posts
Are You Okay?
The Leadership Practice ofChecking In With Yourself During Trying Times The world feels heavy...
Why Coaching Matters
Before I ever became a coach, I was coached. And that experience changed everything about how I...
Leading Through Change
Finding Steady Light When the World Feels Unsteady The pace of change today can feel relentless....
The Brilliance Blueprint: 5 Essential Steps to Fast-Track Your Leadership Growth
Providing actionable advice and insights for scaling the career ladder with confidence...
STAY IN TOUCH WITH ME
News and Updates
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