Corliss Sutton: “I Wasn’t Made to Fit the Mold”

How I Redefined Leadership on My Own Terms

With over two decades of global leadership experience, Corliss Sutton, BA, MBA, CIM, has never been one to wait for permission to lead. As an award-winning executive, culture strategist, and the powerhouse behind Lead AnyWay Global, she’s built a career on turning complex people challenges into practical, high-impact solutions. Now serving as Senior Vice President at a global financial institution, Corliss leads transformative talent and culture initiatives that have redefined engagement, inclusion, and performance at scale. But her journey hasn’t always followed a straight path—and that’s precisely what fuels her mission: to empower others, especially those overlooked or underestimated, to lead anyway. In this candid feature, Corliss shares how she’s challenging leadership norms, reshaping corporate culture, and creating space for voices that refuse to conform.

You’ve worked across different countries and cultures—how has that shaped how you lead today?

Working across different countries and cultures has gifted me the ability to be receptive to and appreciate a myriad of perspectives on any given situation.   The diverse experience has strengthened my knowledge to address complex issues, understand concerns and work with different people to bring about the desired results.

In your current role, what’s been the biggest lesson from leading culture and talent transformation?

The biggest lesson for me is realizing that people are at the heart of what we do.  We must treat others with dignity and respect to take them along the journey

You’re known for turning people’s challenges into real results—what’s your approach when things get tough?

When things get tough, I stay grounded and focused on two guiding principles:  Clarity and compassion.  People’s challenges are rarely just about performance.  They are about perception, power and sometimes pain.  So I don’t rush to fix symptoms.  I take the time to understand what is underneath the resistance, disengagement or tension.

What does leading with authenticity and emotional intelligence in everyday work life mean?

It means being clear and honest about what you know, what you don’t and where you are learning.

Reading the room and not just the spreadsheet is important.  Understanding how people feel, not just what they do.

When emotions run high, learning how to respond and not react 

It means admitting mistakes and asking for feedback, and holding space for tough conversations without being defensive.  Being deliberate to choose connection over control and curiosity over certainty. 

The more emotionally intelligent and authentic we are, the more we build trust and trust is what drives performance.

Through Lead AnyWay Global, you support leaders through change. What’s one shift you believe every leader should make right now?

The leaders who thrive today are the ones who know how to build trust, adapt quickly and lead with empathy and not ego.

Asking better questions and not having all the answers

Leading  with presence, not just performance metrics

. Creating psychological safety not just accountability.  So the shift is simple. Start leading people into possibility.

Your book Lead Anyway speaks to being overlooked or underestimated. What inspired you to write it?

I have over two decades of leadership experience and have been there and witnessed it first-hand..  In addition, I have coached ambitious people with potential who feel judged, sidelined and frustrated.. People who are different, judged unfairly and have just given up.  People who have not been able to maximize their full potential and be the best version of themselves.. 
The inspiration for my book is to showcase to the introverted leaders, women of diverse backgrounds, that you must not give up.  You can be confident, and you can rise and have a place at the table.

What would you say to someone who feels like they don’t fit the mold but still wants to lead?

Not fitting the mold does not mean you are unqualified.  It often means you’re ahead of your time.  It means you carry something bold, something needed, something unique that the system hasn’t caught up to yet.  So, don’t wait to be chosen.  Don’t shrink yourself to fit,  Lead ANYWAY.  Lead with what you have, lead where you are and lead how you were born to, not how they expect you to, because your power isn’t in being like them, and you should not apologize for that. I would encourage that person to get a coach and LEAD ANYWAY.  

You’re a strong advocate for women in leadership—what’s one thing companies can do better to support that?

Companies should encourage diversity and inclusion as a top priority.  Arrange workshops and courses to nurture their top talent of women with potential.

Looking back at your journey, what are you most proud of—and what do you hope people remember you for?

I love this question as it always brings a smile to my face.  I was extremely proud to be the recipient of the Global RBCLeo Award.  I was among the top 10% of talent within the organization who were recognized for demonstrating outstanding performance and dedication to the company’s values.  It was the highest accolade that you can receive for the company.