Member Spotlight: Applegate Talent Strategies

Member Spotlight by [Applegate Talent Strategies]

Provide us with a brief summary of your business’ services

Applegate Talent Strategies helps organizations build better bosses by making leadership intentional, practical, and repeatable.

Our signature offering, LeaderShift™, is a leadership development platform designed for associations, chambers, and employers to support supervisors and managers with shared language, practical tools, and ongoing learning.

We also provide leadership training, organizational consulting, and executive coaching to help employers deepen and apply LeaderShift™ principles inside their organizations—strengthening culture, accountability, and day-to-day leadership practice.

Tell us about your company’s mission and values

Our mission is to help leaders create workplaces where people can do great work and work well together—because leadership isn’t about fixing people, it’s about being intentional about how we lead them.

Our work is grounded in the Mutual Learning Approach, which values transparency, curiosity, accountability, and respect. We believe great leaders model the behaviors they want to see, coach instead of control, and understand that strong culture is built through everyday interactions—not one-time trainings.

What are the services you use the most (or are looking forward to using) from the Columbus Chamber?

The Columbus Chamber has long been a connector, convener, and translator between employers, communities, and systems—and that role feels more important than ever. The Chamber’s commitment to supporting a strong business community recognizes that when businesses grow and thrive, the entire region benefits.

I value the Chamber’s ability to create meaningful connections, elevate employer learning, and provide insight into what’s changing across Central Ohio—especially around workforce and leadership needs. I’m particularly excited about opportunities to collaborate with other chambers and associations to strengthen leadership capacity across the region and support long-term economic vitality.

How do you stay engaged with trends that you see in your industry?

I stay close to practice, not just theory. My work spans small businesses, nonprofits, public-sector leaders, and associations, which gives me a front-row seat to how leadership challenges actually show up on the ground.

I also stay engaged through research, peer networks, speaking engagements, and ongoing learning in leadership and organizational development—continually testing what works, what no longer does, and what leaders need now.

What is your company culture like?

Our culture reflects the leadership practices we teach: clarity, honesty, curiosity, and care.

We value thoughtful work, meaningful relationships, and creating space for reflection and learning. Whether working with clients or partners, we aim to model the kind of leadership culture we help others build—one grounded in trust, accountability, and respect for people.

What does it take to be a successful employee at your company?

Success at Applegate Talent Strategies is defined by integrity, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to helping others lead well. Leadership here is a daily practice—how we show up, communicate, and take responsibility for our impact. A successful team member takes ownership of their work, communicates openly, and approaches challenges with both rigor and compassion.

What makes Columbus such a great place to do business?

Columbus has a rare combination of collaboration, humility, and ambition. Leaders here are willing to learn, experiment, and work across sectors—whether business, nonprofit, education, or government.

It’s a region that understands growth isn’t just about scale, but about building systems and cultures that support people. That mindset makes Columbus an ideal place to do leadership and workforce work.

Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaapplegate/
Website: applegate-talent.com