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We built BREAKTHRU to change how leadership works.

BREAKTHRU began with a lived truth: the leadership space wasn’t built for everyone.

Our founders saw firsthand how talent was overlooked, voice was filtered, and authenticity was too often left at the door. So they created something new: a bold, identity-first approach to leadership that honors who people are—not just what they do.

We built BREAKTHRU to change how leadership works.

BREAKTHRU began with a lived truth: the leadership space wasn’t built for everyone.

Our founders saw firsthand how talent was overlooked, voice was filtered, and authenticity was too often left at the door. So they created something new: a bold, identity-first approach to leadership that honors who people are—not just what they do.

Founded to build a more inclusive, identity-powered leadership culture.

After decades in executive leadership, Laura Barnard and Lindsay Gaskins encountered the barriers many face but few talk about—leadership stereotypes, bias, and a lack of belonging.

Determined to shift the system, they created BREAKTHRU: a leadership company built on equity, not hierarchy. Today, their work empowers cohorts, teams, and communities to lead from identity—with confidence, clarity, and connection.

Lindsay Gaskins

3x CEO, Innovation Leader, Executive Advisor

Lindsay Gaskins facilitates with the rare ability to challenge and uplift at the same time. Lindsay brings decades of lived experience in the C-suite—and translates it into practical, inclusive leadership development for the room in front of her.

As a facilitator, Lindsay creates a space that encourages risk-taking, real talk, and bold ideas. Her style is fast-paced, human-centered, and deeply committed to shifting systems of power toward equity and possibility.

Whether she’s guiding startup founders, senior executives, or program cohorts, Lindsay leads with a mix of humor, honesty, and sharp strategic insight. She’s not here to inspire for inspiration’s sake—she’s here to move people and systems forward.

connect with lindsay

Laura Barnard

Former Global Executive, MBA, Team Culture Strategist & Coach

Laura Barnard facilitates with deep presence and powerful intention. A global executive-turned-author and leadership strategist, Laura brings an intuitive and structured approach that helps people reconnect with who they are—and lead from that place.

Her facilitation is marked by psychological safety, strategic clarity, and a profound respect for the complexity people carry into the room. She weaves research-backed insight with storytelling, and challenges individuals and groups to move beyond performative leadership into real transformation.

Laura doesn’t just run sessions—she holds space for brave questions, identity-rooted growth, and breakthrough moments.

connect with laura

We’re closing the gap between potential and leadership.

Despite their talent, most people don’t see themselves as leaders—and many don’t feel connected to the teams and missions they serve.
BREAKTHRU is here to change that, one insight, cohort, and team at a time.
OUR MISSION

We believe everyone has the capacity to lead.

—and that leadership should reflect the full range of human identity.

Our programs help people uncover their strengths, connect to shared purpose, and lead from a place of authenticity and belonging.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

With a track record of empowering thousands,

our Spectrum of Leadership Empowerment™  brings diverse leadership styles to life. It equips individuals with the clarity and confidence to lead from identity—strengthening group dynamics, fostering belonging, and building the psychological safety every team needs to thrive.

OUR APPROACH

Our Approach: Identity-first. Human-centered. Scaled for impact.

BREAKTHRU isn’t about labeling people—we’re about activating them.

Our Spectrum of Leadership Empowerment™ brings structure to what makes each person powerful as a leader. It creates shared language, insight, and trust across teams, cohorts, and communities.

Whether you’re an HR leader, program director, or team lead, we help you build confident, collaborative, purpose-aligned leadership at every level.

On a mission to transform leadership.

Explore the essential framework behind BREAKTHRU’s work – used by participants to activate their leadership long after the program ends.

LEADERSHIP TYPES, written by BREAKTHRU founder Laura Barnard, introduces a powerful framework to elevate authentic leadership and drive meaningful change – across teams, organizations, and communities.

At its core is the idea of a Leadership Type: a unique blend of motivations, strengths, and communication styles that shape how each individual leads at their best. This book helps you identify your own type, build deeper connections, and lead with clarity and purpose.

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