Wende Amerie serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Corporate Edge, Inc., a leadership advisory firm providing guidance to prominent organizations. Amerie holds an MBA from Golden Gate University and a bachelor’s degree in business. Before joining Corporate Edge, she accumulated decades of experience in corporate America, working with companies like Lee Hecht Harrison, Key3Media, Fish and Richardson, and Informatica.
In her role at Corporate Edge, Wende has been the face of the firm for nearly two decades, leading a team of executive leadership consultants, acquiring new clients, and shaping the future strategy of the brand. She takes pride in establishing enduring, trusted relationships with high-profile clients. Wende expresses the happiest part of her daily routine as being able to learn and help leaders. As President and COO of Corporate Edge, she finds that there is never a dull day and takes pleasure in witnessing the positive impact that the firm’s coaches make on clients’ lives, which has been a driving force for her continued dedication to the organization.
Selectivity in Engagement
Corporate Edge is a distinguished leadership advisory firm that specializes in collaborating with C-level executives and their leadership teams. Founded by Michael Takagawa, its CEO, in 1998, well ahead of the widespread emergence of the executive coaching industry, Corporate Edge has been a trusted partner to key leaders across various industries. These sectors include technology, financial services, healthcare, biotech, retail, and media. The company boasts an extensive client base that spans from growth-stage startup ventures to established Fortune 100 companies.
Differentiating itself by engaging with only a select group of clients at any given time, Corporate Edge provides personalized and focused support throughout their engagement. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of advisory services tailored to help organizations of all sizes overcome business challenges, adapt to new market trends, and achieve sustained growth. The talented team of consultants at Corporate Edge works closely with senior leaders to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive progress and transformation. Whether through C-Suite advisory, executive coaching, or team coaching, the firm delivers customized solutions that address the unique needs of its clients.
Mentoring Commitment
Wende underscores her commitment to continuous growth and development as a female leader through several key practices. She surrounds herself with successful and positive women, stays current with literature on leadership through books and articles, and actively participates in workshops and conferences related to the industry. Additionally, Wende is dedicated to mentoring other women through her involvement with WOMEN Unlimited, Inc., a non-profit organization that empowers women to amplify their impact and reach their highest potential.
Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by emerging women leaders, Wende acknowledges the wealth of talent, skills, and perspectives they bring to the table. She highlights the importance of developing certain qualities, such as self-promotion and advocacy, to help these leaders fully realize their potential. As a mother of a teenager, Wende strives to instill these essential principles in her daughter, fostering a belief that nothing can hold her back from achieving her dreams. This commitment to personal and collective growth reflects Wende’s dedication to empowering women in leadership roles.
Prioritizing Well-being
Wende expresses her aspirations to contribute to the improvement of three crucial aspects in society, professional services, or people’s lives. She emphasizes the need to strive for a more inclusive and equitable world. This involves working towards ensuring that everyone has access to essential resources, opportunities, education, and the necessary support to thrive in their lives.
Wende underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health and overall well-being. Recognizing the significance of emotional, psychological, and social well-being for individuals and communities, she advocates for fostering a culture of support and understanding. Particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, she highlights the need to regularly check-in with colleagues, friends, and family.
Wende advocates for urgent action to address the climate crisis and protect the environment. Recognizing the responsibility towards future generations, she emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and environmental protection to ensure a better world for children and generations to come.
Key Hiring Criteria
Wende highlights the key traits considered crucial when hiring new team members at Corporate Edge. These traits include:
- Alignment with Corporate Edge’s Culture and Values: The importance of candidates aligning with the company’s culture and values is emphasized, recognizing the significance of shared principles in fostering a cohesive and collaborative work environment.
- Strong Skills and Experience: Candidates with strong skills and relevant experience are sought, indicating the importance of expertise in contributing to the success of Corporate Edge and its clients.
- Willingness to Learn and Grow: A fundamental trait is the willingness to learn and grow, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry and the company’s commitment to continuous improvement.
- Positive Attitude and Team Spirit: A positive attitude and a team-oriented spirit are deemed essential, underscoring the significance of collaboration and a constructive workplace atmosphere.
- Enjoyment of Fun: Lastly, the value of people who enjoy having fun is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of a positive and enjoyable work culture at Corporate Edge.
Adapting to Change
Wende recognizes the substantial changes in the professional services industry, primarily influenced by new technology. Notable transformations include the surge of remote work, the growing significance of data and analytics, and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In Wende’s perspective, while many industries have faced challenges from being replaced by technological advancements, executive coaching remains an area where AI cannot replicate the high-touch, high-level services provided by Corporate Edge to its clients. She underscores the unique and personalized nature of executive coaching that goes beyond the capabilities of AI, emphasizing the continued relevance and irreplaceability of such human-centric services in the professional landscape.
Career Turning Point
Wende reflects on the greatest risk she took 18 years ago when she accepted the position with Corporate Edge. As someone who values stability, making the move from Corporate America to a high-end boutique consulting company was a significant risk. However, she notes that it turned out to be one of the best decisions in her career.
Looking ahead, Wende outlines the plan for the next five years, aiming to expand Corporate Edge’s leadership offerings and programs. The goal is to broaden the impact of their services, reaching a wider range of clients. This strategic vision reflects the commitment to growth and extending the positive influence of Corporate Edge in the realm of leadership advisory.
Future Vision
Wende envisions the future of Corporate Edge by focusing on the development of new and innovative coaching programs, always striving to stay ahead of coaching trends. Key to this vision is the ongoing enhancement of the client experience, leveraging new technologies such as AI, and reinforcing the firm’s reputation as thought leaders in the industry. Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous improvement is emphasized, recognizing that there will always be room for growth and evolution.
Corporate Edge is committed to making its coaching services accessible to clients worldwide. This commitment extends to ensuring that coaching methodologies and approaches are tailored to the cultural nuances of each region, respecting the customs and values of diverse communities. This holistic approach underscores Wende’s commitment to not only adapt to industry changes but also to lead and set new standards in the field of leadership advisory and coaching.
