About Us
Lesley Curtis | Founder & Director
Lesley is the founder of the Sagely Center and a trusted guide for leaders working in high-stress or trauma-impacted environments. She holds a doctorate from Duke University, where her research explored how historical trauma shapes collaboration, belief, and decision-making—insight that now informs her practical, results-oriented work with leaders.
What sets Lesley apart is her ability to bridge deep understanding with real-world action. By integrating tools from the humanities and social sciences, she helps leaders understand their roles more fully and work strategically with multiple influences. Lesley advises on organizational policies; gives interactive, educational talks and workshops; and supports individuals and leaders one on one. She has taught leadership and innovation at the UNC Graduate School and served as a practicum instructor at the UNC School of Social Work. She is also a certified end-of-life doula through the University of Vermont, specializing in supporting caregivers. To learn more, follow her Substack at Lead Consciously.
Cord Whitaker | Co-Owner & Advisor
Cord Whitaker is co-owner of the Sagely Center and a trusted thought partner to leaders navigating complex change and moments of organizational crisis. He helps leaders resolve the impacts of inherited assumptions, beliefs, and narratives.
A widely published scholar, Cord brings to his work a rare ability to connect with people beyond the intellectual. As a facilitator and consultant, he works across sectors to help leaders stabilize culture during disruption, align action with values under pressure, and build the internal capacity required for sustainable, adaptive change.