About SWLI
Private Excellence.
Public Brilliance.
Leadership from the Inside Out.
Our Mission
At The Shifting Waters Leadership Institute (SWLI), we are dedicated to bridging generational gaps by transforming foundational beliefs and behaviors into leadership strengths. We focus on shaping individuals committed to daily transformation into the Imago Dei (image bearers of God). By recognizing the diverse wisdom across generations, we create spaces where emerging and seasoned leaders collaborate, share insights, and grow together.
We encourage leaders to challenge the status quo, adopt new perspectives, and embark on a continuous journey of growth that transcends individual limitations and societal barriers.
Inspired by the transformative power of renewal, SWLI equips leaders with the tools and knowledge to thrive in their private lives, knowing that such growth naturally overflows into their public endeavors.
Grounded in principles of personal restoration, collective accountability, and authentic engagement, our comprehensive offerings—holistic training programs, expert advising, speaking, teaching, facilitating, and personalized coaching—nurture the mind, heart, body, and soul. In our supportive community, leaders undergo continuous development, building emotional intelligence and cultivating compassionate leadership. This empowers them to inspire meaningful, lasting change.
The foundation for sustained transformation
At the heart of this curriculum is the belief that human beings are inherently imperfect—shaped by both what is within us (what is inherent) and the external influences of our environment, experiences, and upbringing (what is lived). These forces shape how we think, live, make decisions, and relate to others—gradually forming and influencing the mind, soul, body, and spirit.
Yet, we are not meant to remain in a disordered state. Through grace, mercy, and intentional renewal, sustained transformation is possible.
This journey is not about surface-level change—it is about becoming whole. It calls us to unlearn false narratives, embrace deeper truths, and cultivate integrity from the inside out.
We invite leaders to enter this process fully—examining the root of their beliefs, restoring their inner lives, and stepping into a life marked by purpose, healing, and redemptive impact.
Our Commitments
At Shifting Waters Leadership Institute, we cultivate leaders grounded in integrity, formed from the inside out. These are not just values we believe in—they are principles we live by. We commit to:
Personal and Social Flourishing
We create space for holistic growth—mind, soul, body, and spirit—while empowering you to contribute to the flourishing of others. True leadership begins with self but moves toward community. It shifts from “I” to “we.”
Grace, Mercy, and Truth
We lead with compassion and conviction—offering grace that meets people where they are, mercy that restores, and truth that liberates.
Personal and Collective Accountability
We hold ourselves and each other responsible for growth, integrity, and the impact we have on the communities we serve.
Civic Engagement with Courage and Care
We foster informed, respectful dialogue—encouraging bold yet humble leadership that advances restorative justice, equity, and healing.
Restoration and Renewal
We believe healing is possible—within individuals, systems, and society—and commit to cultivating redemptive spaces that restore what’s been lost.
Acknowledging Bias and Presuppositions
We name and examine the beliefs we carry—recognizing that awareness is the first step toward transformation.
Knowledge that Leads to Wisdom
We value learning that goes beyond information—pursuing knowledge that transforms hearts and guides just, wise action.
Ongoing Transformation and Sanctification
We embrace the lifelong process of becoming—formed by grace, refined through experience, and led by purpose.
Authentic Honesty+Integrity
We speak the truth in love, create space for vulnerability, and foster environments where people can be fully seen and fully known. Integrity begins now–it begins with you saying yes to show up and do the heart and hard work.
Honoring the Human Experience
We affirm the sacredness of our shared humanity—making room for struggle, beauty, complexity, and redemption in every story.
Humility
Humility reminds us of our humanity and our fallen nature. It keeps us grounded while looking upward. We commit to leading with self-awareness, curiosity, and openness to correction. Humility invites us to examine ourselves honestly—through a clear mirror—not to shame, but to grow.
Our Global Vision
Our vision is to disrupt the status quo by cultivating leaders globally whose private integrity fuels their public brilliance — where excellence begins within and overflows outward.
Why SWLI?
At SWLI, we believe leadership is not just about skills, but about whole-person transformation. What sets us apart is how we integrate mind, body, soul, and spirit into every journey, bridging science, faith, and lived experience. We walk with leaders across generations and sectors, building communities that flourish together.
Want to know what makes us different and who we serve?
Meet our Team
At SWLI, leadership begins within and flows outward transforming lives, communities, and institutions.
GRACE ADOFOLI
Founder & CEO
An award-winning global speaker, advisor, coach, and consultant. With over a decade of experience across 30+ countries in Africa, the Americas, and Asia, she bridges strategy and soul to guide leaders and organizations in creating sustainable, people-centered impact.
Funmi Adebayo
Director of Wellness and Advisor
A counselor at heart from a very young age, always driven by a deep desire to help others. She began her journey in early childhood education but soon realized her passion lay in addressing deeper emotional and spiritual needs.
Kaity Berg
Advisor for External partnerships, Strategy and Engagement
Passionate about creating authentic spaces where creativity, meaning, and depth meet. With a foundation in strategic transformation and business process optimization, I bring experience in guiding organizations and individuals beyond perceived limitations.
Mariah Stearman
Interior Architectural Designer and Branding Advisor
A creative strategist who blends storytelling, experiential design and nature inspired concepts. As both an interior architectural designer and branding advisor, she helps shape spaces and identities that are intentional, timeless, and deeply connected to people and place.
The Shifting Waters Leadership Institute develops leaders who lead with wholeness, integrity, accountability, and purpose. Rooted in the belief that every person is made in the image of God—the Imago Dei—SWLI cultivates communities where leaders grow together and inspire lasting change.
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Get In Touch
1108 E Main St
#2436 Ste 90,
Richmond, Virgina
United States – 23219
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