In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, Chris and Candice welcome Sparkle Sanders, a certified leadership consultant, speaker, and coach with Maxwell Leadership. With over 20 years of experience in business and marketing, Sparkle now leads AddSpark Consulting and partners with organizations ranging from Parkland College to the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and the University of Illinois. She's also the founder of Full Truth LLC, a global ministry centered on encouragement and spiritual growth, and the author of 180 Days of Beautiful Truth.

Sparkle shares the deeply personal journey behind her unique name and how embracing its meaning—"to shine brightly with flashes of light"—mirrored her path toward authentic leadership. Initially trained in marketing, her career pivoted after years of burnout and disillusionment sparked a desire to understand what makes great leaders thrive. Sparkle candidly discusses how she moved from internalizing frustration to discovering her true calling through leadership development. A pivotal moment came during a John Maxwell mastermind course, where she recognized the difference between professional and leadership development and committed to cultivating leaders from the inside out.

Throughout the episode, Sparkle outlines the core leadership challenges she encounters in her work—confidence issues, imposter syndrome, and communication breakdowns—and how she leverages DISC assessments and individualized coaching to help clients rediscover their strengths and lead with clarity. Her approach is deeply reflective and holistic, incorporating her Christian faith, regular journaling, exercise, and even cooking as outlets for balance and rejuvenation. Sparkle’s methodology includes interactive, innovative coaching strategies like the Leadership Game, fostering connection and growth even in remote and newly formed teams.

In a particularly touching segment, Sparkle opens up about hard feedback she’s received and how moments of embarrassment became catalysts for self-awareness and growth. From confronting emotional reactions in the workplace to finding clarity through stillness and faith, Sparkle exemplifies the power of self-leadership. She leaves listeners with a reminder that leadership transformation starts within—and that being seen, understood, and empowered is possible for everyone. Her name may have come from a movie, but Sparkle Sanders lives up to it every day by lighting the way for others.

You can learn more about Sparkle Sanders at https://sparklesanders.com/about-sparkle