Strategic Leadership for Generational Change
Who We Are
Since 2011, The Gaia Leadership Project has equipped change-makers with the tools to lead differently—strategically, powerfully, and for the long haul.
We work with progressive leaders across sectors: nonprofit executives, corporate innovators, movement organizers, public interest advocates, and candidates for public office.
We believe that legacy-level change requires more than just passion—it demands a strategic, supported approach rooted in justice, equity, and visionary leadership.
We’re here to help you build it.
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Our flagship incubator for leaders committed to generational, systemic change (see below)
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For values-driven organizations and corporations creating equitable, just, sustainable impact
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For progressive candidates and campaigns working to win elections and build coalition-based power
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For nonprofits reimagining their structures, messaging, and public presence
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Public speaking, YouTube analysis, and strategic visibility support to shift culture and mobilize people
We’re not a leadership consultancy in the traditional sense. We’re an incubator for impact.
Every engagement is tailored to your unique vision and context—because movements, companies, and campaigns that challenge the status quo don’t thrive with cookie-cutter solutions.
We work across five key domains:
Every consulting engagement is built from the ground up to meet your moment. We are highly selective about our clients. If you believe our values align, get in touch here →
Meet Elizabeth
Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, Founder and CEO. Elizabeth is a former Wall Street and human rights attorney turned global leadership strategist. She’s a lifelong organizer, political analyst, best-selling author, and the force behind Resistance Live, The Ripple Effect Institute, and The Gaia Leadership Project.
Elizabeth has trained and advised thousands of leaders—from Fortune 5 executives to frontline activists—to move from burnout to brilliance, from chaos to clarity, from overwhelm to strategic, legacy-level impact.
Her work has been featured in CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and many more.
Program Highlight: The Ripple Effect Institute
At the heart of our work is The Ripple Effect Institute—a high-impact strategic incubator for leaders ready to build generational change from the ground up.
This isn’t just another leadership program. It’s a transformation chamber for movement-builders, campaign strategists, educators, nonprofit founders, and executives who are ready to:
Clarify their long-term legacy
Lead sustainable, values-driven initiatives
Break cycles of burnout and overextension
Build community power and strategic capacity
Take bold, necessary action in this unprecedented moment in history
The Ripple Effect Institute isn’t for everyone. But for those called to create a better future, it may be the most important step they take.
Our Free Resource To Start Strong
Activation Challenge: From Outrage to Action
If you’re tired of outrage without direction, this challenge gives you the tools and first steps to shift from paralysis to real organizing power.
You’ll Leave With:
Clarity about why waiting and reacting keeps us stuck.
Tools you can use to orient yourself every time chaos hits.
A personal action map — so you’re no longer wondering “what can I do?”
Real Stories From Our Community
“I finally stopped second-guessing myself and started designing what’s next.”
“I didn’t have to explain the stakes. Everyone already got it.”
Let’s Build What Comes Next
We are standing at the edge of a generational turning point.
Whether you’re leading a campaign, a classroom, a company, or a community—you don’t have to do it alone.