Illumined leadership solutions

Founded in 2015 by Dr. Margaret A. Brunson, Illumined Leadership Solutions lights the path for changemakers by creating a solid foundation to transform & excel. We employ a holistic approach to embolden leaders, organizations, and businesses to transition into their true purpose and move forward with intention, substance, and radical authenticity.

The unique focus on authentic, holistic, and transformative leadership, grounded in the core values of purpose and courage, is designed to guide leaders to clarity of purpose as they navigate and manage organizations.

“We were not meant to do everything alone or take sole ownership for our wellbeing. We were made for connection and community and while there are solo practices that we must engage, we benefit greatly from communal practices.”

Dr. Margaret A. Brunson

Meet Dr. margaret A. brunson

A leader, luminary, and thought partner, Dr. Margaret considers brunch a verb, well-being a priority, dance floors sacred, and music and passport stamps two of life’s greatest treasures.

After a career in the public and private healthcare sector, she transitioned into entrepreneurship. As an insightful leadership practitioner with twenty years of experience, Margaret enjoys working with individuals and organizations to clarify purpose and help them develop authentic and holistic leadership paradigms that support transformation.

Dr. Margaret is a product of the village, a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, published author, writer, and motivational speaker. In 2016, she was named one of the North Carolina Central University 40 Under 40 outstanding alumni.

Margaret earned a BA in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University, and a Ph.D. in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University.

Dr. Margaret serves as the principal consultant and thought partner. However, she regularly collaborates and contracts with strategic consultants and subject matter experts for various projects.

Brianna Dean

As a young professional and budding entrepreneur, Brianna is always seeking out new experiences and embraces the journey that life is. Surrounded by the bold voices of strong black women during her upbringing, Brianna intentionally seeks to reside within equitable spaces. She treats cooking as therapy and fresh air as an opportunity to reset.

With intensive experiences in government and politics, workforce development, and reentry, Brianna is equipped with the skills necessary for effective leadership.

Brianna serves as an Executive Assistant to Dr. Margaret and an Associate Consultant on various projects at Illumined Leadership Solutions. Brianna earned a BA in political science from SUNY University at Albany and Master of Public Administration from Savannah State University.

Our Promise To You

Centered

Illumined Leadership prepares leaders to live and lead authentically and lean into their leadership identity to illuminate the potential in others.

Holistic

The work is grounded by Dr. Margaret's transformative leadership framework whereby leaders must Define, Identify, and Implement vision, values, and practices for transformative impact.

Grounded

The Illumined Leadership methodology is focused on guiding leaders to clarity of purpose as they manage and navigate transitions and change.

Who we've worked with

Words from Our Clients

Margaret is a true joy to work with! She has a calm and open presence that allows for real conversation. With Margaret's guidance and support I am clear on my leadership identity and how I can continue to express it in my career and in life.

Kyle van ZeeChief of Staff, Brooks Bell

Working with Margaret was one of the best decisions I've made for my career. I was leery of getting a coach at first because I tend to be the A-type self reliant leader able to get a lot done on my own, but Margaret has a unique gift of maximizing the strengths you already possess. She offers the right amount of encouragement and guidance self starting leaders like myself need to move from dreaming to actualization.

AW ShieldsFounder, Root Cause Collective

Words can not fully describe the gift that Dr. Margaret Brunson has been to me and my business. Within our very first coaching session, Margaret was able to shine a bright light on my gifts of vision and recognizing unlikely connection points to create a solid and replicable framework for building my organization. Illumined Leadership Solutions has given me new vision for the future and reminded me that understanding my purpose can get me there.

Quay WestonFounder, Enoch Coalition, LLC