In today’s rapidly changing world, leadership demands more than managing others—it calls for influence, intentionality, and a deeper connection to both self and community. Leaders who embody these qualities become agents of transformation, capable of driving systemic change within their teams and beyond.
Aang Lakey is an expert leadership coach with an extensive academic background in Social Work and Human Relations, specializing in Executive Leadership. Their expertise spans decades of experience in violence prevention and DEIAB (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging), including key roles such as SHARP Program Manager for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard, and Senior Advisor for Inclusive Leadership at the U.S. Department of State.
What sets Aang apart is their belief that increasing consciousness in leadership is essential, not optional. For Aang, leadership goes beyond traditional frameworks—it’s about cultivating a deeper awareness of oneself, others, and the systems we operate within. Shaped by key mentors in their own life, Aang’s unique approach blends intellectual rigor, self-exploration, and personal guidance, driving leaders to become catalysts for change.
From Hardship to Leadership: Aang’s Journey
Aang’s passion for leadership is deeply rooted in their personal journey—a path shaped by hardship, resilience, and the power of mentorship. Raised in an environment marked by chaos and instability, with parents in and out of jail and struggling with substance abuse, Aang frequently went without housing, power, food, or water. Despite this turbulent upbringing, key mentors and sponsors played a crucial role in helping them break the cycle of generational trauma and open doors to a different life.
One of the pivotal figures was Aang’s aunt, who provided financial support and a sanctuary of stability. Her guidance allowed Aang to focus on their education, ultimately paving the way for them to attend Norwich University. Another was a military captain who offered Aang a life-changing opportunity. Recognizing Aang’s potential, he advocated on their behalf and played a crucial role in securing a scholarship to Norwich. His support was symbolized by a gift engraved with the words, “Rainbows Come After Storms,” a quote that still resonates deeply with Aang.
A third key influence was Aang’s academic advisor in graduate school. In an environment of privilege so different from their upbringing, they grappled with self-doubt. The theoretical knowledge they were learning felt disconnected from the real world, and they nearly dropped out. During this difficult time, their advisor offered guidance. She recognized Aang’s unique ability to translate theory into practical impact and encouraged them to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application—an insight that has since become a cornerstone of Aang’s leadership philosophy.
Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Southard
Increasing Consciousness as a Leadership Imperative
Aang’s transformative experiences with mentorship shaped their current work with leaders and executive teams. Their signature mastermind, Consciousness as a Leadership Imperative, is designed to help executives drive systemic change by focusing on three interconnected areas: personal, social, and systems mastery.
Personal mastery begins with self-awareness, which involves mindfulness practices to enhance focus and presence and the development of emotional intelligence. Leaders explore mind-body connection as a tool to understand how their emotional states influence decision-making.
Social mastery focuses on interpersonal dynamics, helping leaders build empathy, cultural intelligence, and inclusive leadership practices. Leaders learn how to recognize historical oppressions, foster anti-oppressive practices, and guide their teams with greater awareness of social and cultural differences.
Systems mastery goes beyond individual and social interactions, helping leaders understand broader systemic dynamics within their organizations and the world. Leaders explore concepts like systems theory, social ecology, and intersectionality to see how various elements within an organization interact and influence one another.
At the core of Aang’s approach is intentionality—the deliberate focus on aligning actions with values across all three domains. Leaders learn to bring intention to each aspect of their personal growth, interpersonal interactions, and systemic influence, allowing them to create lasting change within their organizations and beyond.
Turning Awareness into Action: How Increasing Consciousness Empowers Executives
Aang Lakey’s Consciousness as a Leadership Imperative initiative addresses a critical need. Many leaders today are eager to create more inclusive and equitable environments but often lack the skills to turn intention into action. While executives may understand the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB), they frequently struggle to bridge the gap between awareness and real organizational change. Despite good intentions, DEIAB efforts often fail to create the lasting, systemic impact leaders hope for.
This is where Aang’s methodology offers a solution—enabling leaders to move beyond intellectual understanding of DEIAB principles and integrate them into their leadership and organizational cultures. By blending personal development with actionable strategies and ongoing mentorship, Aang’s approach helps leaders drive change from the inside out. Through mastery of personal, social, and systemic dynamics, leaders not only transform themselves but also empower their teams to create lasting, systemic impact.
Leading with Purpose, Creating Lasting Change
Aang Lakey’s Consciousness as a Leadership Imperative is more than a program—it’s a blueprint for creating leaders who can transform not only their teams but the world around them. Leaders who embrace this philosophy set a new benchmark for what leadership can achieve in today’s world, creating a legacy of equity and impact.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
