Who is Leigh Mitchell (she/her)?
Marketing Your Leader DNA with Inside Out Branding & Social Media • ChangeMaker Leader Membership & Podcast Host •
• Digital Marketing & Business Instructor at York University • University of Guelph Humber Media Studies Professor
Fun stuff:
I am also a mom of two, lifelong learner, wife of 25 years, yoga & meditation addict, nature nerd and friend to many.
Book a Call with Leigh Mitchell
Social Media
- Social Media – Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Pinterest
- Watch (YouTube) or Listen to the ChangeMaker Leader Podcast
- Subscribe to my SubStack Channel
- Subscribe to my Medium Channel
- Subscribe to the ChangeMaker Collective Newsletter (Linkedin)
- Subscribe to our SubStack Newsletter
- Carmela the Beagle on Instagram (my son Ronan manages this account)
Formal Biography
Leigh Mitchell | Leader Brand Strategist & ChangeMaker Architect
Leigh Mitchell helps high-impact leaders ensure their personal brand reflects the true depth of their impact.
For leaders in Human Resources (EDI), Mental Health, Education, Sport, Recreation, and Tourism, the work is deeply human. Yet, many of these ChangeMakers find themselves hidden behind corporate titles or institutional roles. Leigh helps them step out from behind the organization and build a Personal Brand rooted in their “Leader DNA.”
The Experience Behind the Strategy
Leigh brings 15+ years of experience supporting everyone from grassroots innovators to Fortune 500 giants like Microsoft, TELUS, and TD. Her signature approach—Inside-Out Branding—was born from a career spent at the intersection of marketing, leadership development, change management, and EDI. She specializes in helping leaders find the clarity and confidence they need to attract the right connections and build a lasting legacy under their own name recognition.
The “Inside-Out” Ecosystem Through changemakerleader.com, Leigh and her team provide the essential infrastructure for leadership growth:
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Strategic Branding, Social & Websites:
Creating a “digital home” that fosters deep relationships between leaders and their ideal connections. -
Outdoor Leadership Retreats:
Providing space for leaders to step away from the screen, reset, and find clarity in nature. -
The ChangeMaker Leader Podcast & Membership:
Join a Community of ChangeMaker Leaders. We brand and market your
leader DNA from the inside out.Our Clients are ChangeMaker Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals in Transition.
Accolades & Community:
A Forbes Impact Top 10 recipient and a Women on Microsoft award winner, Leigh is also recognized as an EDI subject matter expert by Statistics Canada. When she isn’t coaching leaders, she teaches Business and Digital Marketing at York University and the University of Guelph-Humber, or mentors the next generation of innovators at B-Local Ontario, Rise, YSpace and The Prosperity Project.
Leigh believes that if a leader’s work is about impact, their brand should be, too.
For more, connect at leigh@leighmitchell.ca or across social channels #ChangeMakerLeader.
Book a Call With Leigh Mitchell
Press Recognition

- 9 organizations worldwide helping women (Wiki Video)
- Flexible work — for everyone — is key to keeping women in the workforce, experts say
- She Means Business CBC Series (CBC TV News, Website, Metro Morning)
- B.C. Olympic snowboarder opens up about life with rheumatoid arthritis (Women in Biz Network RA Matter Events )
- Vancouver CTV News: RA Matters Event discussion with Spencer O’Brien
- Fix it females – Renovate Homes and Attitudes – Toronto Star
- 15 Successful Women Bloggers – SocialPilot
- How to Build Your Professional Network Leigh Mitchell – Canadian Living
- Business Podcast – Biz Chixs
- The Perils and Pluses of Working in A Family Business – Globe and Mail
- Women of Microsoft – Award Winner – Press Release from Microsoft
- Dell Canada – Voltro Story – Leigh Mitchell – Dell Canada
- Six Ways to Make Customers Love You – Leigh Mitchell Main Street Digital (from Microsoft Canada Blog)
- Thought Leadership PodCast – SageCity
- Why Women can Have it All … With a little Help from Online – Metro News – October 15, 2013
- Georgia Straight online (Vancouver): Women in Biz Conference comes to Vancouver – October 3, 2013
- Globe & Mail: Digital Network Caters to the needs of Women – Globe & Mail – June 27, 2013
- Coffee Dates Networking Gold or Time Thief? – Globe & Mail – May 17, 2013
- Women in Biz Network Conference – Yummy Mummy Club – August 2011
- Mompreneurs Offer Something to Sing About – Toronto Sun- July 28, 2011
- Mompreneurs Mean Business – Toronto Sun – July 13, 2011
- Women in Biz Network Conference – Snap Downtown Toronto – May 30, 2011
- Women in Biz Network Conference – Yummy Mummy Club
- Women in Biz Network Conference – Where Parents Talk
- 10 Cost Effective Ways to Market Your Business – Globe & Mail – May 23, 2011
- 10 PR Tips for Small Business – Globe & Mail – May 16, 2011
- Create Work Life Balance with Self Employment – Toronto Sun – November 2, 2010
- Quoted on Motherhood & Entrepreneurship- Toronto Star – September 2, 2010
Clients /Testimonials
Trusted and Skilled Trainer
Leigh Mitchell, CEO of the ChangeMaker Leader, has been an invaluable partner in delivering meaningful content at Retail Council of Canada events in 2023 and 2024. Her expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with her ability to customize content to align with the unique needs of our organization, made her sessions both impactful and highly relevant.
Her collaborative approach and exceptional customer service made the entire process seamless, from planning to execution. We recommend her as a trusted and skilled trainer for organizations seeking to embed inclusivity into their culture and customer experiences.
– Stephanie S. Lear, CMP, Manager of Events, Retail Council of Canada
Thoughtful and Driven Entrepreneur and Educator
Leigh is a thoughtful and driven entrepreneur and educator. She’s a connector focused on community and genuine relationships, and makes an impact in the lives of her students and community members. We connected many years ago both in past ventures, and reconnected to collaborate again. She offers a unique perspective and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable in sharing her story to help others. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with Leigh on events, workshops and content.
–Daniel Francavilla, Brand & Content Strategist
Marketing Mentor to Many
Overall, the time spent under Leigh’s mentorship has been invaluable. Her work through ChangeMaker Leader is a testament to her dedication to empowering others.
Building Meaningful Relationships
Leigh’s emotional intelligence is truly her superpower. She has an incredible ability to understand and connect with others, making her a force for good in everything she touches.
As a marketer and consultant, Leigh consistently demonstrates her expertise in creating impactful strategies that drive results. She brings a unique combination of creativity and data-driven decision-making to every project, ensuring her clients achieve their goals while building meaningful relationships. Whether it’s lending a hand or sharing her wealth of knowledge, Leigh is always ready to support those around her. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to work with someone who not only delivers results but does so with empathy and dedication.
Nicole Hrinco, President Elect, American Marketing Association, Toronto Chapter
Marketing
Leigh is an amazing individual and a force. She is highly creative, intelligent and efficient. I have been amazed by the depth and breadth of how she approaches marketing. I have learned so much by working with her….and I know its just the tip of the iceberg.
Natalie Haynes, Registered Psychotherapist, Emotional, Mental Wellness and DEIB Training, OAMHP (Cert), President of the Board of the Gestalt
ChangeMaker Leader Podcast
Thank you for the invitation to the conversation between you and Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty. It was one of the best entrepreneurial interviews (with some sensational wisdom) I have experienced in years. I am a big fan of you, your work at ChangeMaker Leader Podcast, Jenn, her products, and her commitment to the environment and the First Nations communities. Knowing that great women of principle like you and Jenn lead the way for many others gives me great optimism for the future.
Natalie Currie. Leadership and Team Development Program Designer, Facilitator and Professional Coach
Commitment
Your commitment to lifting women up shines through in everything you do — from how well you organize events, to how you use your own life & work story to inspire so many. Working with ChangeMaker Leader is always a pleasure.
-Danielle LaPorte, Author & Oprah 100 Influencer
Leigh’s expertise in SEO, business analytics, user generation, amplification, and email marketing not only made complex concepts easy
I am thrilled to share my appreciation for Leigh Mitchell, who has been an incredible professor and mentor during my time in the Digital and Content Marketing program. Having had the privilege of learning from leigh in two courses, I can confidently say her guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career.
Leigh’s expertise in SEO, business analytics, user generation, amplification, and email marketing not only made complex concepts easy to understand but also showed me how to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios. Her engaging teaching style, hands-on projects, and practical insights inspired me to think strategically and creatively about digital marketing.
Thanks to her mentorship and the skills I developed under her guidance, I am proud to share that I’ve stepped into the role of Marketing Director at Net Impact, York University, where I continue to apply what I’ve learned to drive impact and create meaningful connections.
Thank you, Leigh, for your unwavering support, wealth of knowledge, and for igniting a passion for marketing that will continue to guide me throughout my career. I’m forever grateful for your contributions to my growth.
-Vedanshi Joshi, Event Assistant, York University
Joining ChangeMaker Leader has proven invaluable for my business
Joining ChangeMaker Leader has proven invaluable for my business! Not only do I have abundant opportunities to gain visibility in front of my ideal clients, but I’ve received numerous referrals. When it comes to making lasting connections, Leigh Mitchell has that “magic touch”. I recommend becoming a ChangeMaker Leader member to anyone who is looking to boost their business.
Kamara Toffolo, LinkedIn Global Voice & Resume Writer
Solve any Challenge you are Facing – Personally or Professionally
Leigh has a wonderful energy about her and in every interaction, you can see her focus and dedication to creating the best member experience. If you are a woman in biz, I recommend checking out WIBN and attending a Thrive Mentor Mastermind Meeting to experience this first hand.
Tracey Bisset, CFA
As her student, I knew I would gain valuable knowledge, but what I didn’t expect was to find a mentor. She took the time to mentor me and offer advice.
Her empathy is evident, and you can see how much she cares about her students. She works tirelessly to put her students on the path to success, and I am deeply thankful for that.
I can’t believe how lucky I was to be her student. I can confidently say that her future students are in for an incredible experience.
She offers everything – knowledge, confidence, and mentorship. As a professor, she covers all aspects of teaching, and I have rarely experienced that before.
I recommend Leigh’s services to anyone looking to enhance their personal brand and boost their business
Leigh’s session at Cester Business College in Toronto on December 13, 2024, was an absolute game-changer. Participants from Hanson College, Lambton College, professors, program managers, and industry professionals all found her insights incredibly valuable for their career advancement. Her deep expertise in interview skills, profile optimization, and job search strategies offered actionable guidance that resonated with everyone. The session catered to the diverse needs of each participant, leaving them motivated and with a clear, actionable path forward. I highly recommend Leigh’s services to anyone looking to enhance their personal brand, boost their business, or take their career to the next level.
-Dheerendra Negi, Lean Six Sigma Trainer
Joining ChangeMaker Leader was One of the Best Decisions I Ever Made
My ChangeMaker Leader Membership has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. After consulting with Leigh Mitchell, my brand connects more effectively with my target market. I can confidently say that Leigh offers unique and valuable events and marketing support. I have gained so much from being a part of this great network.
-Doris Chung, President, Liquid Ink
I’ve also personally benefited from Leigh’s vast network of employer connections.
A big shoutout to Leigh for the work she has done building the Women in Biz Network and for the value she delivers in terms of monthly events and the expert professional mentoring network. I have turned to a couple of the mentors for advice as a new side-hustler. This helped me think bigger picture about some digital marketing I was investing in and saved me time and money. On the job connection front, I’ve also personally benefited from Leigh’s vast network of employer connections. In fact, my current consulting contract is a direct result of Leigh’s employer connections and her recommendation to go after this role. Thank you Leigh for your expertise, your connections and all the value you’ve built in terms of the Woman in Biz Network.
-Verity Dimmock, Vice President, Business Development and Workforce Consulting, OTEC
Leigh is whip-smart – she is like a firecracker in most ways (energetic and illuminating)
I love working with Leigh Mitchell, Leigh is whip-smart – she is like a firecracker in most ways (energetic and illuminating). I respect and admire her very much.
-Randy Chan, Director of Strategic and Consumer Marketing, Penguin Random House Canada
Partnerships
Building great partnerships works when you are able to partner with smart, creative and motivated people who will see the concept through.
-Suzanne Vukosavljevic, Director of Public Relations, Young Drivers of Canada
Social Media Management
I highly recommend Leigh Mitchell, a strategic thinker and small business strategist with exceptional social media marketing skills. Leigh is collaborative and works exceptionally well as part of a team always suggesting ways to make our event better. She marketed the event on Twitter and we had more than 500,000 people view our tweets.
She is also an expert at using social media to build your business. Leigh has supported my larger business events many times, and her service resulted in wider social media coverage, including more than 1 million views on Instagram. I highly recommend Leigh Mitchell to support you on your online marketing programs.
-Jennifer Beale, Publicist, Unleash PR
Social Media Training
Leigh was able, in a relatively short time, to bring our entire team up to speed on many aspects of social media. Using SM as a marketing tool, helping us chose apps and tools that would accelerate our next stage of growth, and all the while answering any and all questions with patience.
-Linda Cunningham, CEO, Green Apple Kids/Windermere Kids
LinkedIn Training
I joined Leigh’s “Mastering LinkedIn” course through WNORTH, right before a conference. The timing was great, as it enabled me sharpen my profile and learn some useful tools prior to networking with more than a hundred professionals.
The QR code scan was the most helpful, as my company does not do business cards. Not only was it easier for me to add new contacts, it was also a great conversation piece, and by the end of the week I noticed many other people using it to connect!
Thanks Leigh! I joined Leigh’s “Mastering LinkedIn” course through WNORTH, right before a conference. The timing was great, as it enabled me sharpen my profile and learn some useful tools prior to networking with more than a hundred professionals. The QR code scan was the most helpful, as my company does not do business cards. Not only was it easier for me to add new contacts, it was also a great conversation piece, and by the end of the week I noticed many other people using it to connect!
-Ariel White, WNorth
Networking Training
Our “Her Own Boss” participants had a great time during Leigh Mitchell’s presentation. She conveyed her wealth of knowledge engagingly and clearly, in a way that spoke to all different types of businesswomen in our group, no matter their age or background. Leigh shared some great lessons and best practices for anyone looking for a business mentor or to expand their network. Some of her shared strategies include: telling your story, being in places where you can meet new people, making it easy for others to reach out and connect. The presentation was an overwhelming success! Leigh had an answer for every tough question, and she was so engaging throughout that not one participant later said they got distracted or lost interest! We received positive feedback from all our participants, and Leigh got rave reviews.
-Serah Gazali, Director of Program and Impact at Women’s Economic Council
Solving Problems
Leigh makes good things happen. Through her own expertise and by tapping in to her broad network she is able to assemble the plan and resources needed to help people accomplish their goals – from solving business HR and communications challenges, to supporting individual career growth. Leigh’s relentless dedication to supporting and enabling women in business is inspiring. She is constantly learning, building and sharing with her community – one look at her Women In Biz and ChangeMaker Leader web content illustrates her team’s progressive ideas, practices and services designed to help move everyone forward.
-Alison Minato, Small Business Enterprise Centre Manager
Personal Brand & LinkedIn Training
Leigh delivered a powerful, information-packed LinkedIn session for us at Company of Women. She took the time to find out what everyone wanted to learn and then was able to weave that information info her presentation. The women appreciated her generosity in sharing what she knew and helping them get better acquainted with the platform. I would highly recommend Leigh.
Personal Branding & Job Search Training
Thank you so much for speaking to our TGIW-LHH job search & networking group. Your insights into the interviewing process and what your clients are looking for are very appreciated. Your energetic presentation was very memorable. Thank you again for speaking to TGIW.
-Dana Michael, US Job Search Consulting Group
Personal Brand Coaching
Leigh is an innovative, creative Marketing Executive CEO who accomplishes business development activities by researching and developing marketing opportunities and plans; implementing sales plans; managing clients in a timely manner. Leigh assisted me in numerous ways. She helped me to think through my career plans by assisting me in brand development, positioning, competitive analysis and creative services. In addition, she is a warm, caring person who is always available to help give perspective to tough questions!
-Silvia de le Fe Gonzalez
Mentorship
Leigh is a wonderful mentor, colleague, and friend. Her expert advice and support in marketing, business development and community management were indispensable to getting Shecosystem off the ground. She leads with heart and authenticity. Leigh is the reason that thousands of women nationwide trust Women in Biz Network to connect them with the people, support, and resources that help them thrive
-Emily Antflick, Founder, SheCoSystem
Marketing Activations
“I had the good fortune of meeting and working with Leigh through a client activation for the 2013 Women in Biz Conference. From our first interaction, she displayed the utmost professionalism and made the process of organizing the project an absolute pleasure. Leigh is personable, hard-working, and incredibly creative. I sincerely hope I have the chance to work with her again in the future.”
-Alicia Olive, Account Executive at Weber Shandwick
Building Community
“When Leigh invited me to join her on the Women in Biz Network Team, I was intrigued – and incredibly excited. Leigh’s unwavering dedication to her growing network of business professionals has inspired me since I first met her. While she’s smart and packs more than her fair share of business acumen, she’s also incredibly cognizant that business is always personal. Working with Leigh has reinforced my initial opinions of her and I would highly recommend her to anyone or any company that wants to tap into the power of community – both online and off.”
-Julia Rosien, Vice President Brand & Digital Marketing, Restonic
Partnerships & Professionalism
“Leigh welcomed me into her network to conduct a Twitter training and assisted with the promotion of the event. Leigh truly understands business and has amazing follow-through skills. She is a brilliant networker and works hard to bring other brilliant women the tools they require to make their business’ success.”
-Sherri Rossi, CHRP, Human Resources Consultant
OUR EVENT TESTIMONIALS
WomenInBiz are creating an incredible network of support in moving social savvy, go getting entrepreneurs moving forward. Thanks for a truly rocking event!
– Jennifer Powell
Leigh, I am so completely impressed with this day. You are powerful women and I am happy to be a part of your network. Congrats!
-Sherri Rossi (Findability Solutions)
Fabulous workshop – covered topics that are helpful for people starting a business as well as people who have been established in their businesses for a long time. Looking forward to next year!
-Sharon Summers (TrenDSpa)
I am a work alone mom in an industry that can feel lonely at times. Thanks to the WIBN, I now have an amazing network of inspirational women to lean on. Thank you for filling a very big void in my business life.
–Lindsay Peddle (Buy, Borrow & Style Interiors)
Thank you so much! Truly fantastic day! Awesome energy, fun, educational tips, and so much more. Thrilled to take part and interact with all these amazing business women! –
-Jen Brouer, Jennifer Brouer Design
I’ve met so many inspiring women and heard so many great women speak today. AS a mom working on launching her own business, on her own, in a silo, this event makes me believe I can do this!
– Anjum Choudry Nayyar (masaamammas.com)
Such a great day! I feel so inspired!
– Karen Hewko (Hamilton Baby Expo & Toddler Expo)
I feel honoured to be in a room full of “celebrities” I met through Twitter – so much power and support from all these amazing women. I am truly inspired as I prepare to launch my business.
– Michele Stalker
A fantastic event that delivered much more than it promised. Fantastic. Wouldn’t have missed it!
– Jacki Yovanoff
I am so thrilled to be a part of the first annual Women IN Biz Conference! I knew it would be good, but I had no idea what I was becoming a part of until I got here and started listening to the guest speakers. Awesome! Powerful! Supportive! Unstoppable Women!
– Melissa Cowan (MelOnMarketing)
Women In Biz Conference allowed me to take a step back and go back to my business, apply what I learn, to continue to grow {sic}. The networking and fun from the conference was also a great break and much needed!
–Kim Edmiston
I absolutely love the speakers at the Women In Biz events because their experiences are relatable &info directly applicable to my business.
– Alexandria Durrell
For a first conference, Women In Biz Network Conference was great! Well organized, informative and comfortable!
– Maja Zelenovic (Real Estate- Sutton Quantum)
This was a great event. Just being in a room full of women entrepreneurs is inspiring on its own – let alone hearing from the various experts – it has been amazing.
– Marina Zelenovic (Zen Beginnings)
100% positive conference content, speakers, location, network.
– Terri Bannan
Learned, laughed and got loot – Thanks!
– Stephanie Campbell (Campbell Communications)
Really well organized, stayed on time, followed the format, learned lots.
– Janet Auty Carlisle (Living La Vida Fearless Coaching Services)
I have been sold on Twitter today – learned a lot about it and see the benefit. I will keep you posted! –
-Daniela Hofmann (Freedom Medi-Spa)
Every speaker filled the room with great passion and tips for helping small business grow. Great, well planned event. Will be back next year!
– Shaindy Alexander (RINGLEY Natural Teething Toy)
My first Women In Biz Conference and found the energy and entrepreneurship fantastic all day long. The speakers were first rate and exceptional. I would highly recommend any woman entrepreneur to consider the Women In Biz Conference. It was well worth it!
– Laura Warburton (Artist)
Great day for beginning businesses!
– Carly Foster (Sweet World Media)
Great to be surrounded by other moms who are in business. The speakers understand what we are going through as mompreneurs and are speaking from the same experiences we are going through! I’ve been to many conferences, and I feel like I fit in here. Fantastic topics, great energy, amazing conference!
– Monica LaVella (Hamilton Baby & Toddler Expo)
Excellent conference, excellent execution, excellent price point!
–Elvira Hopper
Great venue, fantastic food, engaging speakers… wonderful conference.
– Kimberly McCarthy Kearney (Elements of Style)
Wow! Talk about overdelivering. Every element was top notch! Congratulations on a fantastic first conference!
– Nikki Glahn
Fabulous job ladies! I am so glad to have attended.
– Tamara Champion (bynature.ca)
Wonderful event! Looking forward to next year’s conference!
–Renee Walker (Mothers on Fire)
Book Time With Me:

