Who we are

Founded in 2025 by Michael Shehane, InStride Leadership helps leaders navigate complexity with clarity, confidence, and humanity.

We are a small but growing team who work with individuals, teams, and organizations to align values, embrace technology, and lead with emotional intelligence. In so many words, be present about what we are doing.

We believe leadership development isn’t just about solving problems, it’s about building the capacity to meet what’s next. That’s why we’re integrating AI-powered coaching and workshops to support leaders in real time. (Stay tuned: online coaching portal and learning modules coming soon).

3 key words to describe InStride Leadership: grounded, strategic, and ready for what’s ahead.

  • Founder

    I’m Michael, the founder of InStride Leadership. I’m an executive coach with a background in linguistics, organizational psychology, and intercultural communication. I’ve worked with leaders at places like Meta, Netflix, Airbnb, Stanford, and Genentech—helping them lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and presence.

    My approach is strategic and human. I don’t just help people say the right thing—I help them become the kind of leader who knows what to say when it matters most. At InStride, I guide individuals and teams through the messy, meaningful work of leading in complexity—one clear, confident step at a time.

  • Tech Advisor

    I’m Marco, Tech Advisor at InStride Leadership. I’m a software engineer with a background in cognitive science, systems engineering, and enterprise-scale development. I studied at the Hasso-Plattner Institute in Germany and spent years at SAP, where I built secure, scalable systems and led cross-functional teams through complex challenges.

    At InStride, I’m helping us become a leadership company with an AI mindset—crafting systems that engage leaders, support deep collaboration, and hold people accountable to their growth. My goal is to turn big ideas into tech that feels simple, human, and smart.

  • Creative and Marketing Advisor

    I’m Lyndsay, Brand & Marketing Advisor at InStride Leadership. I bring a background in lifestyle marketing, social media, and entrepreneurship—along with a strong eye for design and storytelling. I’ve led campaigns that drive engagement, build community, and turn ideas into experiences people remember.

    At InStride, I help us express who we are and what we stand for—visually and strategically. From brand voice to content design, I make sure our message feels clear, consistent, and human. I’m here to make the work not just look good—but feel aligned, inside and out.

  • Facilitator & Coach

    I’m Johann, leadership and communication coach at InStride Leadership. I’m an executive coach with a background in performance, facilitation, and technology. I’ve worked with emerging and established leaders across industries—helping them speak with purpose, lead with presence, and connect more deeply in the moments that matter.

    My approach is grounded and compassionate. I don’t just help people craft better messages—I help them become the kind of leader who cuts through the noise and shifts the energy of a room. I support individuals and teams in navigating the ever changing work of leadership—one honest, intentional conversation at a time.

  • Applied AI Advisor

    I’m Gaurang, Applied AI Advisor at InStride Leadership. I’m a data scientist with over a decade of experience building machine learning systems that not only perform, but adapt, evolve, and integrate into how people actually work.

    At InStride, I’m exploring how AI can deepen, not replace — human connection. I prototype LLM-powered tools that support team alignment, shared understanding, and better decision-making. From RAG and agentic workflows to semantic search and model fine-tuning, my work focuses on the future of workplace communication, where AI acts less like a machine and more like a collaborator that helps people listen, reflect, and move forward together.