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BREAKTHRU was born out of a shared experience.

Married partners Lindsay Gaskins and Laura Barnard spent decades leading across corporate, nonprofit, and academic cultures, navigating the unspoken barriers that so many face: stereotypes, bias, and a pervasive sense of not belonging.
Instead of accepting the status quo, they decided to break it. Together, they built BREAKTHRU, a leadership company rooted in equity, not patriarchy.

Lindsay Gaskins

3x CEO & Founder | Board Member |Trailblazer

A pioneering executive, serial entrepreneur, and outspoken advocate for a new era of leadership. She believes leadership was never meant to belong to a few. And those long excluded from power are the change makers we most need to redefine it.

A fearless builder and systems-level thinker, Lindsay has spent over 20 years launching and scaling companies at the intersection of innovation and equity. From founding consumer ventures to driving growth across retail and tech, she brings a rare blend of startup audacity and executive clarity. 

Lindsay believes the future of leadership is already here. It has simply been unseen, unsupported, and mislabeled. She is committed to helping those that have been left out of traditional leadership narratives recognize their power, activate it unapologetically, and lead boldly. 

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Laura Barnard

Founder | Coach | Author | Speaker | Connector

Laura Barnard is on a mission to transform the landscape of leadership. 

With an extensive background in motivational psychology and experience leading global brands, Barnard brings both business acumen and a transformative lens to leadership development. Her approach blends strategic insight, deep listening, and a commitment to action, helping individuals and teams navigate pivotal moments, break through internal and external barriers, and lead in ways that multiply impact.

Barnard is an award-winning author, sought-after keynote speaker, and an energizing workshop facilitator. She has spoken at major industry conferences and has led transformative sessions for Fortune 500 companies, global nonprofits, and top-tier universities.

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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 participant, one cohort, and organization 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 person 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  executive coach, HR leader, program director, or team lead, we help you build confident, collaborative, purpose-aligned leadership at every level.

On a mission to transform the leadership landscape.

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

LEADERSHIP TYPES, by BREAKTHRU founder Laura Barnard introduces a radical, research-driven framework designed to challenge traditional leadership models and champion authenticity.

At its heart is the Spectrum of Leadership Empowerment® (SLE) – a groundbreaking model that decodes the unique motivations, communication styles, and natural strengths that shape how you lead at your best.

This book doesn’t just categorize; it catalyzes. You’ll discover your own SLE Leadership Type, learn how to deepen your impact, and unlock new ways to connect and drive meaningful change – across your team, your organization, and your world.

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