MEET THE FOUNDER & CEO
Desiree Guilliard-Young
I firmly believe that people are the most valuable assets in a company. Employees have unlimited potential if supported, held accountable, challenged, heard/seen, and developed.
As organizational leaders, we have a strategic responsibility to cultivate an environment where employees thrive—regardless of role or rank. True leadership extends beyond management; it requires intentional workforce development, organizational design, and a commitment to employee success. By developing, inspiring, supporting, coaching, and mentoring our teams, we create a culture where individuals feel empowered to produce their best work, explore ideas freely, and contribute to the company’s strategic direction in meaningful ways.
STRATEGIC EXECUTIVE PEOPLE & CULTURE ARCHITECT
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Founder & CEO Professional Journey
2006
Graduating from Baylor University in 2006 (D1 Collegiate Athlete & Starter)
Selected for AT&T’s prestigious, high-intensity Sales Leadership Development Program in Atlanta (2006-2007)
2007
In 2007, I launched my sales career as a Sales Executive in the competitive Los Angeles market.
Promoted to Senior Account Executive – Premier Clients, I relocated to Houston to manage a high-value portfolio of Fortune 500 clients, overseeing 150–200 accounts with a combined annual revenue of $100M.
2010
By 2010, I had mastered the art of sales but craved more—greater challenges, broader impact, and deeper business acumen. It was time to expand beyond sales and push into new frontiers.
Pivoted within AT&T, transitioning into a Human Resources - Program Execution Analyst role within the Leadership Development Program in Atlanta. In this role, I designed and executed talent development initiatives for 200+ college graduates annually—my first deep dive into program strategy, HR, and process innovation.
Just as I was hitting my stride, an Atlanta-based SVP tapped me to lead a struggling AT&T Wireline Solutions sales team—my first experience managing a large, diverse team of inside and outside sales reps. The team was green, underperforming, and experiencing high churn. I stepped in, made mistakes, learned fast, and refined my leadership approach.
This managerial assignment reshaped my understanding of leadership. I embraced discomfort, vulnerability, and transformation, ultimately proving that true leadership is about elevating others to win.
2013
Made a strategic move into Global Operations as an HR Manager, expanding my expertise in learning & development, sales enablement, and operational strategy.
Deepened executive exposure, sharpened project management and stakeholder engagement skills, and positioned myself at the forefront of enterprise-wide initiatives.
Led the design, launch, and rollout of key applications, processes, and employee training initiatives over three years, driving efficiency and performance at scale.
2016
In 2016, I faced my first layoff—an unexpected but pivotal moment that forced me to pause, reflect, and redefine my professional path.
By Q4 2016, I stepped into a high-impact role at ADP as Chief of Staff, leading strategic initiatives within a 5,000+ person organization spanning the U.S., the Philippines, and India.
From 2016 to 2019, I drove enterprise-wide transformation across People Operations, Client Services, and DEIB. I led workforce management and planning, spearheaded corporate communications, and executed major systems rollouts and new site expansions.
In 2017, I achieved a personal milestone—earning my MBA from Georgia Institute of Technology—further strengthening my foundation in business strategy, leadership, and executive decision-making.
2020
In 2020, I returned to my lifelong passion—health, wellness, and fitness—stepping into a full-time leadership role with Sanctuary Fitness as Chief People Officer, Board Member, and Chief Operating Officer.
Scaled the business in partnership with the Founder & CEO from a two-location, 15-employee, six-figure operation to a four-location, 50+ employee, seven-figure brand, maintaining a 17% churn rate in just three years.
- Organizational Strategy & Business Expansion
- People & Talent Strategy
- Operational Excellence & Process Optimization
- Brand & Market Positioning
- Culture, Leadership Development & Training
- Customer Experience & Retention
Blended business strategy, HR leadership, and operational execution with my passion for fitness, driving both financial success and cultural impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
2023
Led the sale of Sanctuary Fitness to a venture capital firm in May 2023, marking the culmination of a transformative journey in boutique fitness.
Served as Director of People Operations, ensuring a seamless transition for employees across Sanctuary Fitness and the broader studio portfolio, managing change management, workforce integration, and organizational strategy.
Stepped back at the end of 2023 to reflect, recharge, and focus on the next chapter of my career, finally dedicating time to launching Femme Consulting Corp, a long-held vision.
2024
Discovered a passion for speaking and knowledge sharing in 2024, turning industry engagements into keynotes, panels, and thought leadership opportunities on HR strategy, DEIB, M&A, and the future of work.
Partnered with leading fitness industry organizations—including the Health & Fitness Association, European Congress, Walla, and the Boutique Fitness Solutions Network—to drive industry innovation and elevate leadership conversations.
Committed to using my voice, experience, and expertise to transform industries, develop people, and create lasting impact.
A LEADER WHO PUTS PEOPLE FIRST
At the heart of every thriving organization is a leader, or leadership team, that knows how to build trust, foster real engagement, & create a culture where people don't just work—they belong.
Ready to lead with impact? Let’s get started.