About Dr. Sheila Cornea
Hi, I'm Sheila.
I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about.
I’m a Christian leadership strategist and advisor helping women move forward with the meaningful work God has entrusted to them.
I’ve worked in a few different worlds.
I started my career teaching middle school language arts. Since then, I’ve led a school, served as a nonprofit executive director and leadership pastor, taught and worked in university administration, and helped lead a global ministry.
The settings have changed, but a thread runs through that work: helping people recognize what they have to contribute and figuring out how to put it to good use.
I’ve been the person responsible for the vision—and the person figuring out how we were actually going to do it. I know a promising idea brings questions about people, priorities, resources, and all the responsibilities that don’t disappear when something new comes along.
That’s part of what I bring to our conversations. Your work may look different from mine, but I understand how much you can care about something and still appreciate another experienced mind at the table.
My doctorate is in organizational development and leadership, and I’m a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. I love learning how people and organizations work, especially when that understanding helps us see a possibility or find a practical way forward.
Here’s what I’m listening for.
When you tell me about your work, I’m listening for what matters to you and what you hope it will make possible for others. I’m curious about the idea itself, but also about the experience behind it, the people connected to it, and the opportunities you may not have considered yet.
Sometimes there’s more to work with than you realize.
A resource you’ve already created, a relationship you’ve cultivated, or something that comes so naturally to you that you haven’t recognized its value. I love helping you notice those things and consider what you could do with them.
I’ll ask questions, make connections, and offer an honest perspective. We may explore a possibility further, reconsider an assumption, or decide that something worthwhile simply doesn’t belong on your plate right now.
My relationship with Jesus shapes how I live, lead, and work with you. I want to be attentive to where the Lord is leading and faithful with what He’s entrusted to me, and I bring that same care to the work you share with me. Our conversations make room for prayer, Scripture, and discernment as we consider the decisions and practical steps ahead. I believe we can take our calling seriously while honoring the people, relationships, and responsibilities God has placed in our lives.
"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:1
"Dr. Cornea is a gifted and engaging communicator whether she is standing on a platform speaking to multitudes or sitting around a casual table mentoring in a small group setting.”
Wendy Shea, Mentor & Writer
And when we’re not talking strategy…
I’m based in Lakeland, Florida, where life includes my husband, Keith, our family, and the grandkids. I love meaningful work, and I also love having people and places that remind me how much there is to enjoy beyond it.
Give me a historic downtown to wander, a few antique shops, and time for coffee, and I’m quite content. I enjoy books and podcasts, appreciate a good story, and have a particular affection for things that feel cozy.
I’ve also been the only woman at the boardroom table, and I care deeply about women having room to contribute. Over the years, that has meant advocating for equitable pay and well-deserved titles—and, on one memorable occasion, leading a “no more pantyhose” charge.
Some changes are simply overdue.
Now I’d love to hear about you.
What are you working on or finding yourself thinking about more and more?
If you’d value a thoughtful partner to explore the possibilities and help you move the work forward, take a look at the ways we can work together.
Let’s keep thinking together.
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