Ever wonder what distinguishes flourishing enterprises from those that merely endure? For Lee Ann Schwope, Owner of Lee Ann Schwope Consulting, the key resides in strategic marketing. Propelled by a passion for problem-solving and a yearning to witness palpable outcomes, Lee Ann empowers organizations across disparate sectors to attain deliberate expansion through strategic planning and execution. Her path toward consulting wasn’t direct, however, experience in operations, manufacturing, sales, and business development afforded her a unique perspective of the predicaments businesses encounter, kindling a curiosity that ultimately inspired her to enable companies to enact significant transformation. This route, she discerned, wouldn’t be easy; with focus and intentionality it is clear that progress and improvement can be achieved. It would necessitate entering the arena, accepting the unavoidable missteps, and consecrating herself to the endeavor.
As Theodore Roosevelt so eloquently articulated, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” And it was in the domain of strategic marketing where Lee Ann found her calling; she could meld her ardor for problem-solving with her impetus to assist businesses in genuinely thriving.
A Trailblazer in Business, STEM, and Social Impact
With a rare combination of strategic wisdom, sharp business acumen, and a commitment to impact, she has built a career defined by innovation, mentorship, and transformation. Whether crafting groundbreaking strategies, negotiating intricate licensing agreements, managing P&Ls, or advancing business intelligence, she consistently delivers results across industries. A master at building high-performing teams, her track record speaks for itself—marked by exponential sales growth, proven business development, and high-impact commercialization.
Her contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. Lee Ann has been honored with prestigious accolades, including the Texnikoi Outstanding Alumni Award from The Ohio State University and the WEPAN President’s Award for her dedication to advancing women in engineering.
Leading her consulting firm, Lee Ann doesn’t just advise businesses—she elevates them. She architects strategies that drive revenue growth, designs workshops that foster forward-thinking leadership, and empowers organizations to navigate change effectively.
At Battelle, she held multiple executive roles, overseeing business development, securing multimillion-dollar revenue opportunities, and leading a key initiative to transform the sales leadership across the organization. As VP of Business Development for National Security, she led significant sales expansion through strategic planning, market analysis and clear decision making. Earlier in her career, she revitalized a struggling division at Solidica, Inc., and secured major DoD contracts at Excera Materials Group, Inc.
Championing Women in STEM & Driving Social Change
This entrepreneur has always believed that the future of STEM should belong to everyone. With a heart for advocacy and a mind for action, she has spent her career breaking down barriers for women and underrepresented groups, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they deserve.
As the past President of WEPAN (Women in Engineering ProActive Network), Lee Ann didn’t just talk about change—she made it happen. She worked to transform engineering education and workplace cultures, pushing for environments where diverse voices aren’t just welcomed but valued. Her passion for empowerment also shines through her leadership in Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), where she has served in key roles, from fundraising to donor relations, always working to uplift women around the world.
Beyond STEM, Lee Ann’s impact reaches deep into the nonprofit world. Whether serving on the boards of Battelle Japan, Innovation Research Interchange, Ohio Aerospace Institute, or the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, she brings the same drive and dedication.
A Legacy of Leadership & Lifelong Learning
Lee Ann’s academic foundation has been instrumental in shaping her success. She holds a B.S. in Materials Science Engineering from The Ohio State University and an A.S. in Engineering from the State University of New York–Orange. She is also a certified Decision Mapping Facilitator & Coach, a Miller Heiman Client Associate, and a graduate of Leadership Columbus and LeadDIVERSITY Cleveland.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lee Ann is an accomplished author, sought-after speaker, and dedicated mentor. Her book Perspectives: Authenticity in the Workplace, reflects her passion for guiding others toward meaningful careers. Another book she has authored is Mission Matters: World’s Leading Entrepreneurs Reveal Their Top Tips to Success, which highlights the importance of leadership in every enterprise. As a TEDx speaker, she has shared her insights on creating a regret-proof life driven by social impact. She is also a member of Buckeye Engineering Women in Executive Leadership and Junior League. But what makes Lee Ann’s heart truly shine? While she’s rightfully proud of her professional wins, her greatest joy comes from giving back. Whether supporting food security, human rights, or access to education, Lee Ann believes that the most enduring success is measured by the lives we uplift along the way.
Leading by Empowering: Cultivating Trust and Transparency
Ranked among “The Most Inspiring Women Leading Business in 2025,” Lee Ann isn’t just a leader—she’s a catalyst for change. Her leadership philosophy is clear-cut: empower others to grow. She advocates authentic, servant leadership, believing trust and candor are the cornerstone of resilient, high-achieving teams. She nurtures an atmosphere where employees feel assured in her decisions and at ease sharing their own viewpoints, knowing their voices will help shape their collective course. This conviction in the power of shared vision spurred her contribution to Perspectives, where she delves into how earnest leadership sparks enthusiasm and forges deeper bonds.
For Lee Ann, servant leadership is about emboldening individuals to take initiative, fueling fulfillment, efficiency, and loyalty. That commitment to growth and integrity extends beyond the company’s walls, resonating with customers and proving that lasting success stems from a culture of trust and transparency.
Finding Balance: A Life by Design, Not Default
Over the years, Lee Ann has learned that a fulfilling life isn’t about perfectly balancing work and life; it’s about integrating them thoughtfully. She follows the principle of prioritization, inspired by the story of a professor who demonstrated how filling a jar with “big rocks” first ensures that smaller things find their place. Defining priorities makes it easier to stay on track—without that clarity, it’s easy to get lost in the urgent but unimportant.
Lee Ann uses exercise as a perfect example: without intentionally scheduling it, other demands can quickly crowd it out, making consistency a real challenge. It’s a reminder that we must design our lives or risk having them designed for us. So, what’s her secret to work-life integration? Prioritize, set boundaries, and recharge. She believes success starts with intention and notes: “Once you decide, schedule, and stick to that routine, everything can fall into place.”
For her, embracing authentic leadership demands courage and has meant navigating difficult choices, particularly when deciding whether to support or step away from inauthentic leaders. With Lee Ann, transparency, adept conflict resolution, and crucial conversations aren’t simply commendable qualities—they’re the cornerstones of a thriving culture built upon the open and honest communication she prizes above all else.
Walking a Tightrope: Mastering the Art of Strategy and Action
Running a business is like walking a tightrope—lean too far into planning, and nothing gets done; dive too deep into daily tasks, and the bigger picture blurs. That’s exactly the balance Lee Ann strikes every day as both a consultant and a businesswoman.
She leaped into entrepreneurship, launching her consulting firm just months after joining a business partner purchasing Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm. With two lively ventures under her belt, no two days unfold the same way. For her, success isn’t about busyness but sharp focus. She believes setting crystal-clear goals lets her shift smoothly between big-picture thinking and hands-on execution.
In her consulting world, she wears many hats—carving out a vision, reeling in new business, rolling up her sleeves to get the work done, and keeping daily operations humming. It’s a juggling act, but one she thrives on, turning ambition into action every step of the way.
Guiding Principles for Aspiring Women Leaders in Consulting
With a twinkle in her eye and a wealth of stories to share, this seasoned consultant often finds herself surrounded by bright, ambitious young women eager to make their mark in the consulting world. Lee Ann knows the path isn’t always easy, but she also knows the rewards are immeasurable. So, she gathers them close and shares her hard-earned wisdom. She emphasizes honing analytical skills, sharpening them to cut through complex problems. Mentorship is another key point, urging young women to seek guidance from those who have walked the path before. Confidence, she stresses, is crucial – they need to speak up, share their unique perspectives, and let their voices be heard. Networking, building strong connections, and supporting one another is equally vital.
Lee Ann understands the demands of consulting and the importance of balance. She encourages them to nurture their personal lives and avoid letting work consume them entirely. Since hard work and dedication are essential, Lee Ann reminds them to establish themselves as trusted experts. And, crucially, she highlights the value of bringing their unique perspectives to client projects, making a real and meaningful impact.
Then, she shares a quote by Henry David Thoreau with quiet conviction, which resonates deeply with her own journey: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” For her, this quote serves as a reminder to aspiring leaders to pursue their dreams with authenticity. She believes that finding balance and embracing simplicity will help illuminate their path forward.
Shaping Success: The Mindset of a Great Consultant
If a young consultant is like a sapling, eager to grow into a strong, resilient tree, Lee Ann is the steady hand that nurtures it, knowing exactly what it needs to blossom. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, she accentuates, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” believing young professionals must first embody the qualities they seek to grasp.
The veteran says the essential ingredients for success aren’t just about sharp analysis, though that’s important. It’s also about learning to bend with the wind – adaptability – and having the problem-solving savvy of an ace craftsman. It’s about seeing the bigger picture, the strategic view from the treetop, and always keeping the client, the life-giving sun, in focus. And just as a flourishing garden requires ongoing care, Lee Ann underscores the need for constant growth, a continuous learning mindset.
How does this sapling, this young professional, cultivate these qualities? By reaching for the sky – seeking diverse experiences – and listening intently to the whispers of the wind – actively listening to clients. It’s about learning to sing clearly – practicing clear communication – and stepping up to guide others, taking on leadership roles. And, of course, constantly nurturing the roots with new knowledge through learning opportunities.
