Book

Walk, Climb, or Fly: Surviving and Thriving in the Workplace Wilderness is a passion project birthed from decades of experience at the intersection of technology, people and change. The book introduces Operational Styles Theory, a fresh, visual, easy-to-internalize framework that highlights the three operational styles present in every workplace. It decodes complicated workplace dynamics, by delivering style-associated insight into the way people work, career attitudes and perceptions, and the way people use relationships to get work done. The book offers an important lens for navigating complex work dynamics, helping readers embrace and manage their own operational style while recognizing and adapting to the styles of others – and avoiding the style clashes that quietly erode productivity, profitability and morale. Walk, Climb, or Fly offers practical guidance that can help readers who feel stuck and frustrated secure a better job “fit,” unlock the potential of workplace collaboration and open the door to a more satisfying and gratifying professional life.

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accolades

"I've worked with Leigh in multiple capacities over he years - from her leadership with Upward Women to hiring her as a strategic advisor at National Grid partners, and recommending her for GKFF portfolio companies. She is a high caliber senior leader with deep expertise in digital, marketing and business strategy.... Leigh brings a unique combination of strategic insight and multidisciplinary execution. She shows up with high ownership, empathy and emotional intelligence and goes the extra mile to deliver impact. She is a trusted partner with the expertise and agility to navigate complexity and lead meaningful transformation." Lisa Lambert Founder, National Grid Partners, Upward Women, Whitestone Capital
"I've worked with Leigh Durst in several capacities over the past decade: As a writer and speaker, as a CX/UX consultant, and as a digital strategist. That fact that I've hired her more than once should speak volumes. But in case you need it said more directly: She's smart, motivated, and (not unimportantly) a clear communicator who sets clear expectations and delivers on them beautifully." Ann Handley Chief Content Officer, Marketing Profs, Best-Selling Author
"Leigh is a powerhouse consultant, mentor, and true partner in every sense, and she delivers. What sets Leigh apart is that no task is too big or too small... whether tackling high-level strategy or rolling up her sleeves to troubleshoot technical details, she leads with expertise and action. She’s also an incredible teacher, walking stakeholders through each step to ensure alignment and breaking down even the most complex issues into clear, understandable solutions.....If you’re looking for a sharp, experienced consultant who bridges strategy with hands-on execution, I highly recommend Leigh. She not only solves problems — she'll sets you up for future success." Emily Williams Demand Generation Lead, ConnectWise (formerly Duarte Inc.)
"In a word, Leigh is "exceptional." ... I had the pleasure to work with and be mentored by Leigh on a large initiative for a major pharmaceutical company. Collaborating with her was inspiring... (and) made me a better consultant.... from digital transformation to organizational strategy, requirements to UX and CX, process design to her understanding of technical strategy and trends.... (our) team became stronger ...because we had an opportunity to collaborate with her. I'd work with Leigh any day of the week. " Cindy Campbell, CSPO,PMP Product & Strategy Leader, Warner Brothers,
"I’ve had the privilege of working with Leigh over several decades—in roles ranging from partner and client to mentor, strategist, and trusted advisor. Time and again, I’ve seen her lead executive teams through pivotal moments of change with clarity and conviction.
... I’ve had the privilege of working with Leigh over several decades—in roles ranging from partner and client to mentor, strategist, and trusted advisor. Time and again, I’ve seen her lead executive teams through pivotal moments of change with clarity and conviction.
" Kelly Goto CEO, Gotomedia, Best-Selling Author
 

Speaking

Leigh has presented at SXSW, New Media Expo, Tech Up for Women, MarketingProfs B2B, Bay Area Women’s Leadership Network, RSA, Upward Women, Passion Talks (Google), Industry Podcasts and an array of client events.   She has contributed to interviews with best selling authors and has been featured featured in Fast Company, CNN, CNET, ABC News, and National Geographic.  Her work starting the SXSW4Japan grass-roots fundraiser iwas also featured alongside Wikipedia and the #Occupy movement in the 2013 .Org Domain feature documentary “Social Good in a Digital Age.”

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Consulting

Leigh has been referred to as a “force multiplier” for senior executives tasked with driving growth and transformation. Her company, Live Path, is a boutique consultancy that leverages a network of proven, independent experts, scaling to meet the needs of companies of any size, and flexibly engaging where help is needed the most. Leigh understands how to help organizations gain traction – bridging strategy and execution with data-driven analysis, business and use cases, actionable strategy, and hands-on leadership for mission-critical initiatives. She understands how to practically leverage AI and emerging technology to create market-leading products, services and experiences, supported by branding, content and GTM strategies that fuel awareness, understanding and acquisition. Her work also fosters operational excellence – empowering staff, streamlining and improving business processes and establishing smart operational frameworks that boost efficiency.  By consistently delivering measurable results that exceed expectations, she continues to earn client loyalty and enjoy relationships that have lasted over 10 years.

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Contact

Please feel free reach out to discuss your needs, consulting opportunities, services, media or press inquiries – or to book Leigh for public speaking, podcasts, webinars!  She is unlikely to respond to:

  • requests to guest post on your site(s)
  • advertising and SEO solicitations
  • spammy sales solicitations
  • third-party lead generation
  • requests to “pick her brain”