Contact Jim Jim Laughlin, M.F.A. Senior Vice President, Leadership Development Over a lengthy career, Jim Laughlin has remained passionately driven to help organizations create exceptional cultures and sustainable leadership practices that enable both strategic execution and continuous learning. Throughout his career as a leadership consultant and business executive, Jim has demonstrated an uncanny ability to identify key trends and future-fit leadership needs. This has enabled him to focus senior leaders on talent development solutions that position their teams and organizations to achieve their greatest goals and aspirations. For companies and organizations worldwide, Jim has developed and implemented integrated leadership assessment and development solutions at the enterprise, team, and individual levels. He and his team are evidence-based development architects who co-create learning and development ecosystems as well as targeted leadership development experiences for all levels of the organization. Jim is also a sought-after executive coach and skilled facilitator for senior and executive teams who helps leaders develop deep self-wisdom and the insights, skills, and practices they need to achieve sustainable results for themselves and the organizations they lead. Away from the office, Jim loves competitive games of all kinds, from board games and snow football to paddleball battles and Ultimate Frisbee. No time is better spent than in the company of his wife, eight grown children and his large, close-knit clan. He’s an organizer, fundraiser and volunteer for several nonprofits serving children and youth. 28 years designing and implementing learning and leadership development systems Deep executive coaching experience developing C-suite and other critical leadership teams and individuals Broad expertise in science-informed people practices, organizational communications, talent system design, high performance team leadership, competencies, organizational change, and transitions Wide-ranging industry experience: biotech, technology, health, manufacturing, consumer, retail, nonprofit Strategic and creative thinker who thrives on forging strong, long-term client relationships Designed, developed, and delivered 75+ distinct leadership development programs that achieved measurable results for individuals, teams, and leadership cultures Leads a team of top developers who have designed award-winning cohort-based development experiences Created and implemented competency-based systems, talent pipeline projects, change leadership initiatives, and organizational restructuring efforts for an array of businesses/organizations worldwide Designed and led extensive action learning projects that delivered measurable business results Developed a unique construct and method to measure the multi-directional impact of development initiatives Improved engagement and retention practices at multiple businesses/organizations Enabled major succession management improvements through multi-year initiatives to identify, assess, and accelerate the development of next-generation of executives University of Massachusetts Amherst, M.F.A., B.A. Published author and guest lecturer at numerous universities on leadership and management topics Member of Strategy Consulting Network, HR Leadership Forum, SHRM, NEHRA Certifications: Leading Organizational Transition, Coaching Leaders, Experience Change, Design Thinking

Contact Sharon Sharon Sackett, Ph.D. SVP of CEO and Board Services and Executive Assessment Sharon Sackett leads the CEO and Board Services practice at MDA Leadership Consulting with a passion for getting it right by helping Boards achieve alignment on what they need from executive leadership, and enabling them to make the right calls to ensure future success. Her clients appreciate her knack for deeply understanding what makes their organizations unique, alongside her partnership and insights to help them evolve for a successful future. Additionally, Sharon oversees all facets of MDA’s Global Assessment services in conjunction with delivering work as an executive coach. Away from the office, Sharon loves to spend time with her family tending to their 90-year old hobby farm in the beautiful bluff country of Southeastern Minnesota. She’s also an avid fan of Broadway shows and other theater both in the Twin Cities and New York City. More than 20 years of experience in a wide range of corporate finance roles in a number of industries spanning retail, education, manufacturing, global transportation, SaaS, and not-for-profit. Over 10 years as a consultant to small businesses, helping with financial plans, acquisitions, profitability, and day-to-day operations. Demonstrated ability to work with an organization to drive profitable results. 20+ years of experience in the areas of leadership assessment, development, and coaching. Supported a variety of public and private organizations to create CEO and C-suite success profiles, conduct readiness assessments, and determine fit of internal and external candidates. Deep understanding of the executive leadership implications of emerging business challenges. Recent Board and CEO engagements include a Fortune 500 industrial design and manufacturing corporation, two large multi-state health care systems, a privately held manufacturing organization, and one of the top 20 privately-owned insurance brokerages in the U.S. Served as Board Chair for a local non-profit organization (Jeremiah Program) with over 30 Trustees representing such companies as US Bank, Wells Fargo, Ameriprise Financial, Target Corporation, Ryan Companies, and Ecolab. Track record of building longstanding trusted-advisor relationships and successfully advising leading organizations with their top-of-the-house succession and talent decisions. Developed MDA’s assessment business into one of the leading providers in the Midwest with a client roster that includes industry leaders and Fortune 100 companies in her previous role. Successfully grew MDA’s first client into one of the firm’s largest clients. Coached executive leaders in such industries as financial services, health care, consumer products/goods, retail, technology, manufacturing, and medical technology. Ph.D. in counseling psychology, University of Minnesota B.A. in business administration and psychology, Hamline University Adjunct Assistant Professor, Psychology, University of Minnesota Past doctoral faculty member, Counseling Psychology, University of Iowa Past president, Minnesota Professionals for Psychology Applied to Work Non-profit board leadership: Jeremiah Program, Minneapolis-St. Paul (past Chair)

Contact Sean Sean Allen, M.B.A., M.S. Finance, Ph.D. President and CEO Sean Allen serves as President and CEO of MDA Leadership, where he leads the firm’s strategy, growth, operations, and continued evolution as a nationally recognized leadership consulting firm. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring MDA continues to lead the way in human-centric, science-informed talent solutions that help clients strengthen leadership capability, align talent strategy with business priorities, and accelerate business performance.   With nearly 30 years of experience advising Fortune 500 executives, Boards, CEOs, and global organizations, Sean is recognized for his ability to connect leadership strategy directly to business outcomes. His career spans executive leadership, consulting, business development, assessment, leadership coaching, succession planning, organization development, and enterprise talent solutions. He has led and delivered consulting solutions across Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the United States.   Since being named President in January 2026, Sean has led the firm in setting strategic direction, inspiring a high-performance culture, and ensuring operational excellence and financial success. He played a key role in modernizing MDA’s CEO and Board Services and Succession solutions portfolio, including the development of MDA’s proprietary Dynamic Succession Framework℠ and Succession Maturity Audit℠, breakthrough tools designed to elevate succession strategy and leadership continuity.   A trusted advisor to senior executives, CEOs and Boards, Sean brings a sharp strategic mind, strong business acumen, and a deep commitment to helping leaders and organizations reach their full potential. He is known for helping clients address complex business and talent challenges through practical, research-informed solutions that strengthen executive leadership, improve succession readiness, and position organizations for long-term growth.  Outside of work, Sean is an avid golfer who enjoys tournament play. He is also an animal lover and has volunteered his time to support exotic animals, including lions and tigers. Over the years, he has also enjoyed competing with his family dogs in conformation shows and working rings.   Complex, global, and large-scale consulting engagements with cross-functional project teams. Advisory and consulting experience with Fortune 500 companies, growth-oriented organizations, Boards, CEOs, C-suite executives, senior leaders, and high-potential talent. Global consulting experience across Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the United States. Industry experience spanning manufacturing, private equity, construction, financial services, retail, banking, insurance, real estate, utilities, technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and nonprofit organizations. Led global consulting initiatives delivering double-digit revenue growth for Fortune 500 clients.  Designed and implemented executive assessment programs reducing turnover by up to 40%.  Advanced and modernized MDA's CEO & Board Services and Succession solutions portfolio to address the evolving needs of executives, Boards, and leadership teams.   Developed MDA's proprietary Dynamic Succession Framework℠ and Succession Maturity Audit℠, breakthrough tools designed to elevate succession strategy, leadership continuity, and organizational readiness.   Championed innovation in leadership consulting, launching new methodologies adopted across industries.   Served as trusted advisor to Boards and CEOs on governance and succession planning.  Led MDA's strategic planning efforts and helped position the firm for its next era of growth, innovation, and market impact.   Authored MDA's CEO & Board [...]