Barbara Burgess, Partner

Barbara Burgess brings over 30 years of hands-on leadership experience that goes far beyond traditional consulting credentials. As a former COO who operated at the C-suite level while simultaneously developing leaders across industries, Barbara offers clients proven methodology backed by real operational experience.

As COO of a leadership development organization for 22 years, Barbara simultaneously ran operations, finances, HR, marketing, and sales while co-leading consulting engagements. This dual perspective gives her unmatched credibility when working with executives facing real-world challenges.

Real Impact, Real Results.

Barbara has delivered transformational results for individuals and teams at established financial institutions, consumer goods companies, credit unions, technology firms, and more. Her methodology cuts through theory to address core issues—getting executives unstuck, creating sustainable performance frameworks, and building leadership capacity that delivers measurable business outcomes.

Barbara's process is built on deep inquiry and exploration that uncovers each leader's unique gifts and blind spots. Her clients don't just solve immediate challenges—they develop the strategic thinking and emotional intelligence to navigate future complexities with confidence.

Industry-Tested Expertise.

From selling candy bars for Nestle Foods to launching one of the first successful B2B commerce websites at Grainger Industrial Supplies to while supporting women executives, leaders, and ERGs across multiple organizations, Barbara has consistently delivered innovation and results in a variety of environments.

Beyond Consulting.

Barbara is adjunct faculty at UWM School of Continuing Education, author of “Enough: Finding Peace in a World of Distractions, Hustle, and Expectations,” and a sought-after keynote speaker. She founded Corluma, her Chicago-based practice, to help executives and organizations achieve better outcomes with less stress and more satisfaction.