Our Founder –
Kathleen Wisemandle
Hi, I’m Kathleen Wisemandle, the founder and principal of Aspire to Grow, Leadership Coaching and Consulting.
I’ve spent over three decades leading teams and driving innovation in biotechnology and pharmaceutical R&D. Along the way, I learned a simple truth: the success of any organization depends on the strength of its leaders, managers and employees.
As a lifelong learner, I completed my BS in Biochemistry from Michigan State University. I hold a MS in Organizational Change and Learning from Northwestern University(2020), and I completed by Executive Coaching Certification from Northwestern University in 2022. I’m currently pursuing my PhD in I/O Psychology at Capella University with a dissertation focus on High Performing Professional Women with Adult Diagnosed ADHD.
Today, I partner with leaders at every level and start-up founders to develop the skills, confidence, and alignment they need to unlock the full potential. My approach blends real-world operational leadership experience with research-backed insights from Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The growth we create is practical, meaningful, and sustainable, rooted in your values.
I have lead functions and teams within my senior leadership positions within Takeda, Astellas, AbbVie and Seagen, while delivering on large organizational transformations and a pandemic. All with a focus on employee engagement and well-being.
Aspire to Grow…
To your full potential.
Learn more about me, and my podcast for leaders, The Rooted Leader podcast
Our Experience is the Difference
Clinical Operations Leadership
30 years of pharmaceutical experience and >25 years of Clinical Trial Operations team and department leadership. Within the last 10 years, a strong focus on leading the operational execution of complex First in Human and Early-Stage Development oncology and non-oncology global clinical trials with a strong focus on translational research.
MS, Learning and Organizational Change
Completion of a curriculum of organizational change and learning, with a strong focus on leading in complex environments while supporting and maximizing the value of people and processes within the enterprise.
Executive Coaching Certification
Completion of the Northwestern University ELOC Coaching Certification including coaching strategies founded on evidence-based research and frameworks and on facilitating the self-awareness to be a reflective coach practitioner.
Leader as Coach experience for over 25 years. Coaching founders and executives for 3 years (400 hours).
PhD in I/O Psychology
Pursuing my PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology to deepen my understanding of what truly drives effective leadership and team performance. It ensures the coaching and programs I design are grounded in evidence, helping leaders and organizations navigate both the big-picture changes in their industry and the day-to-day dynamics that shape their teams.
“There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than what you are capable of living.”
— Nelson Mandela