What I Do
The
Architect of Possibilities
Introduction
I help senior leaders turn social and environmental pressure into stronger commercial performance.
I work with CEOs, Chairs, boards and founders in sectors where infrastructure, regulation and public trust matter, including energy, utilities, infrastructure and impact-driven businesses.
I am the Architect of Possibilities.
For 25 years, I have helped organisations across six continents achieve results they didn't think were possible, across energy, infrastructure, government, investment and fast-growing start-ups. My success comes from bringing together financial, social and environmental thinking so that decisions work in the real world, not just on paper.
UCL Graduation, keynote
How I Work
Whatever I'm asked to do, my work focuses on three things.
Clarity on what's really at stake
Unpicking the mix of commercial pressure, social impact, regulation and reputation so leaders can see the real problem they're trying to solve.
Stronger decisions and strategy
Designing and testing choices on investment, growth, net zero, equality or market change so they stand up to challenge from regulators, investors, staff and communities.
Better performance and outcomes
Shaping strategy, governance and leadership practice so that "doing the right thing" also supports growth, resilience and long-term value.
Sometimes this is advisory work through VZIR, the company I founded. Sometimes it's as a member of a board or committee. At other times, it's a keynote that shifts how leaders think about their next decision.
Keynote Speaking
Speaking for boards & leadership audiences
I am a keynote speaker for CEOs, boards and leadership teams on how to lead and make decisions when the stakes are high.
Typical themes
- — Big decisions under public and regulatory scrutiny
- — Running infrastructure and services people can trust
- — Turning climate, equality and community promises into performance
- — Better utilising the intelligence already in your organisation
Recent engagements include Net Zero Week in Parliament, St John's College Cambridge, St John's Innovation Centre / Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Bartlett School at UCL.
"Leanne is a truly inspirational speaker who connects major issues in cities and the built environment with accessible stories and life journeys. Our students leave feeling personally motivated."
If you're organising a conference, CEO forum, or executive retreat and need a keynote speaker on net zero, sustainability, leadership or governance, I'd be happy to discuss your event.
Board & Advisory
Boards & Committees
I serve as a non-executive director, committee chair and independent board adviser for high-stakes organisations.
Particularly useful to boards in
- — Regulated or asset-heavy sectors (energy, utilities, infrastructure)
- — Organisations under strong public, political or stakeholder scrutiny
- — Impact-driven businesses that need robust governance as they grow
"She combines bold thinking with the rigour needed to operate in complex, regulated systems."
Typical roles include NED positions, sustainability and ESG committee chair roles, and risk and strategy advisory roles at board level.
Examples of my board-related work include chairing the Sustainability Challenge Group for the UK's largest gas distribution network, advising the Chair of an international oil company on governance and ESG, advising a FTSE 100 board on international expansion, and supporting a family-owned business through market expansion and digital transformation.
As a board member and adviser, I bring independent judgement, a strong focus on risk, strategy and stakeholders, and experience across government, industry and investment. My approach is calm, clear and practical: I ask direct questions, help boards see their real options, and support decisions that will still look sound in ten years' time.
"Leanne is a great asset in Board and Committee settings. She creates space for honest, sometimes difficult conversations and is constructive in her counsel, always focused on solving real business problems."
Is This For You?
My work is for you if…
- You are a CEO, Chair, NED, founder or senior leader facing decisions where commercial, social and political stakes are all high.
- You want to turn social and environmental challenges into better performance, not just better messaging.
- You value straight talking, evidence-based insight, and a long-term view.
"Leanne is a thoughtful, conscientious leader who combines real commercial insight with a deep commitment to inclusion."
If that sounds like you, I'd be happy to talk about non-executive director roles, committee chair positions or independent board advisory work, as well as keynote speaking for your leadership events.
Hear From Others
In their words.
Sir John Jenkins
Former senior British diplomat
Daragh Donohoe
Co‑founder and CEO, SPRYT
See what CEOs, chairs, founders and academic leaders say about working with me.
What People Say →