Leadership isn't a superpower.
It’s a skill.
Hi, I'm Kelleen Lichliter
Founder of Choose to Lead
How We Got Here
I know that feeling. You were the "go-to" person. You hit every deadline, crushed every goal, and made the hard work look easy. So, naturally, you got the "big" promotion.
But suddenly, the rules changed. The "doing" turned into "managing," and the confidence you had as an individual contributor was replaced by a constant, quiet guesswork.
I’ve spent years watching brilliant, heart-centered people hit a wall. I’ve seen the 60-hour weeks, the Sunday night anxiety, and the burnout that follows. This is not because they aren’t "natural" leaders, but because they were never given the Operating System for the job.
I’m here to bridge that gap. I believe that being a great leader is a beautiful blend of technical skill and heart-centered practice. I’ve dedicated my career to teaching new managers how to stop "trying to do it all" and start leading with a blueprint that actually works.
Why Choose to Lead?
Because you deserve a leadership style as brilliant as your work.
My approach is rooted in professional rigor and data, because because moving from doing the work to leading the work requires more than just a vibe. It requires a system.
I’ve spent years mastering the craft of leadership so I can give you the shortcut. As an iPEC-trained coach (CPC, ELI-MP) with an ICF ACC credential, I bring a proven structure to our work. I’ve helped dozens of leaders go from 60-hour weeks to 40-hour balance, and I’ve packaged all that "know-how" into my Learn to Lead framework.
Choose the path that fits how you want to grow.
Learn to Lead
Best for new managers who want structure and skills. Self-paced leadership training for high-performing individual contributors and new managers, built around practical skills you can use immediately at work.
1-on-1 Coaching
Best for managers facing high-stakes situations or fast growth. High-impact, 1:1 coaching to help you install a custom leadership operating system and reclaim your 40-hour week.
Lead-In Library
Best if you’re just getting started and want quick wins. Stop the guesswork. Start leading with these curated tools, templates, and mini-trainings designed to help you reclaim your time.
What Client's Are Saying
“Working with Kelleen has been such a meaningful experience. She’s helped me discover new tools and refine the ones I already had to better navigate my leadership challenges. What I appreciate most is how she helps uncover the real root of an issue and guides me to find the right way to work through it. Our conversations have also made me feel seen and understood — it’s been such a relief to know I’m not alone or “crazy” for the struggles I face. I’m so grateful for her insight, empathy, and the space she creates for honest reflection and growth."
— Andrea A., Global IT Director
"I landed my dream job and I don't think I get there without Kelleen. She redid my resume, helped me figure out a counteroffer I had no idea how to handle, and I felt confident the whole way through. Really glad I had her in my corner."
— Lawrence L., Senior Engineer
"I had a tough conversation I'd been avoiding with a low performer. The scripts in the program gave me an actual framework to work from, so I stopped feeling like the bad guy and started acting like a manager. I do most of my listening on walks or in the car. It fit into my life without adding more to my plate."
— Chris M., Engineering Team Lead
"I was dealing with a really stressful situation with a graduate program application and didn't know how to handle it. Kelleen helped me think through my approach in a way that felt strategic but also really human. By the end I felt prepared and clear-headed in a way I wasn't expecting. The outcome was great, but honestly what stuck with me was how much more confident I felt going into it."
— Amanda G., Graduate Student
"I almost didn't sign up because I genuinely didn't think I had the time. The big thing for me was realizing I'd been doing everyone else's job because it felt faster than teaching them. The Learn to Lead course helped me see that I was the bottleneck and gave me a way out. My team handles things now. I'm not answering emails at 8pm anymore. That alone was worth it."
— Jamie L., Sales Team Lead
"I was in the middle of a major career change and honestly didn't know which way was up. Working with Kelleen gave me a framework to think through where I was headed and the confidence to actually move forward. She has a way of meeting you where you are and helping you find clarity without making it feel overwhelming. I left our sessions with direction I didn't have before."
—Holly H., Senior Audit Consultant