the SPARKED HUMAN EDGE™
Emotional Intelligence. Healthy Conflict. Change Agility. Purpose-Driven Leadership.
The essential skills that give leaders and teams the edge in today’s human-centered workplace.
Effective leadership is no longer measured by knowledge, expertise, or technical mastery alone. Impactful leaders lean into the human side of work. We call this The SPARKED Human Edge™ — a framework built around Emotional Intelligence, Healthy Conflict, Change Management, and Purpose-Driven Leadership. These are core competencies that help individuals thrive and teams excel. If you’re looking to equip your organization with self-aware, resilient leaders and high-performing teams that communicate clearly, adapt well, and stay committed even during the most intense situations, then give them the edge they need!
when you’re looking for
the LEADERSHIP EDGE in a HUMAN-CENTERED WORLD
Emotions, disagreements, and change are part of the human experience, including work. But inside organizations — with cross-functional teams, generational differences, competing priorities, hybrid workplace environments, and high-pressure situations — these dynamics often become the very things that stall performance, erode trust, and send talent out the door.
That’s where The SPARKED Human Edge™ comes in.
It’s not just another list of leadership competencies. It’s a progressive, integrated framework for developing the skills that matter most: Emotional Intelligence, Healthy Conflict, Change Management, and Purpose-Driven Leadership. Together, these human skills form the foundation of resilient cultures and thriving teams. They help leaders show up with awareness and clarity, teams collaborate instead of silo, and organizations adapt with purpose rather than resist in fear.
Each competency stands on its own — but they also reinforce one another. Emotional awareness fuels trust. Healthy conflict drives better decisions. Purpose gives change meaning. And when woven together, they give your people the edge to succeed in today’s human-centered workplace.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ)
What it is:
Emotional Intelligence (EQ or EI) is the ability to sense, understand, regulate, and harness emotions in yourself and others. This is especially important (and yet lacking) in the workplace. It helps leaders positively respond, show empathy, manage stress, and build trust with peers, managers, and teams.
Why it matters:
EQ isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a core driver of success. Leaders with strong EQ strengthen culture, build trust, and inspire performance. Teams with high EQ collaborate more effectively, resolve conflict faster, and navigate ambiguity with resilience.
How I help:
Assessments: EQ-i 2.0, EQ 360 — pinpoint strengths and gaps
Workshop: interactive modules on self-perception, self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, stress tolerance and decision making
1:1 Coaching: real-world support in applying EQ to your life and leadership
HEALTHY CONFLICT
What it is:
Healthy conflict means surfacing differences respectfully, engaging disagreement as data, and navigating tension toward constructive decisions — instead of avoidance or escalation.
Why it matters:
Conflict is inevitable. In fact, it’s the basis for ALL of life (think protons, electrons, and neutrons at the atomic level). When handled poorly, conflict damages trust, slows progress, and drives turnover. But when handled well, conflict sparks innovation, strengthens relationships, and creates better solutions.
How I help:
Assessment: TKI (Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode) to reveal your default style
Workshops: healthy conflict engagement strategies, role plays, team protocols
Coaching: support in navigating real, sticky conflicts in your teams
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
What it is:
Change Management is the capacity to guide individuals and groups through transition in a positive way that excites and engages. It moves people from understanding and acceptance to adoption and adaptation.
Why it matters:
Change is constant. Leaders who lack the skills to navigate it lose trust and momentum. Leaders who embrace and lead change with clarity help their teams adapt, stay engaged, and see possibility instead of threat..
How I help:
Assessment: Change Style Indicator (CSI) to uncover how people respond to change
Workshop: change leadership training — diagnosing resistance, planning engagement, building resilience for the future
Strategic Facilitation: guiding your team or organization through transitions
PURPOSE-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP
What it is:
Leading with purpose means connecting vision, values, and everyday action. It’s not just about what you do — but why and how you lead others to co-create meaningful work.
Key concepts:
Personal philosophy: leaders grounded in their mission and values are more authentic
Vision-setting: crafting a clear, compelling picture of what’s next that motivates and inspires
Psychological safety: building an environment where people feel safe to speak, risk, and learn
Levels of listening: listening to emotions and meaning (beyond surface words)
Coaching mindset: asking questions rather than telling — unlocking insight, ownership, growth
Why it matters:
Purpose fuels engagement and retention. Trust undergirds collaboration. And leaders who connect the dots between vision and action inspire loyalty, creativity, and long-term results.
How I help:
Assessment: VIA Character Strengths
Coaching: refining personal leadership philosophy, deepening listening skills, aligning vision and action with organizational strategy
Workshops / team retreats: creating shared purpose, clarifying values, building trust rituals
Some of my happy clients
Katie is an amazing presenter, facilitator and relationship-builder! After a brief meeting with our CEO and HR Director, she delivered a customized 3-session series to our leadership team. Katie is acutely aware of the needs of an organization because she asks great questions, listens, and is committed to her clients. This series was one of the most effective on-site training programs EEC has offered to employees. Everyone on the leadership team valued the information and the time commitment. We will definitely engage with Katie for future training.
Kristy Connell | Human Resources DIRECTOR | electron energy corporation
ABOUT Dr. Katie Sandoe, THE SPARKOLOGIST
about DR. KATIE, the SPARKOLOGIST
Dr. Katie is the creator of The SPARKED Human Edge™. She’s a keynote speaker, facilitator, and mindset/high-performance expert with more than 25 years of leadership experience across nonprofit, corporate, government, and small business sectors. She holds a Doctorate in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning from Penn State University and served as a Professor at Penn State Harrisburg for over seven years, teaching in both undergraduate and graduate departments.
Katie is also highly credentialed with certifications in multiple research-backed assessments, including:
EQ-i 2.0 & EQ360 (Emotional Intelligence)
TKI Conflict Mode (Conflict Style)
Change Style Indicator (Change Preference)
Sparketype® (Work Preferences)
Ikigai-9 (Wellbeing & Purpose)
Positive Intelligence (PQ) Saboteurs
This combination of rigorous academic expertise, decades of real-world leadership, and deep certification in proven tools makes Katie uniquely qualified to help leaders grow.
But qualifications are only half the story. Katie brings fun, energy, and spark to every learning experience. Her style is interactive and engaging, blending research and practice with humor, real-world application, and a dash of “Doctor + Dork” that makes even the hardest topics approachable. She’s also deeply empathetic and compassionate, curating experiences where participants feel safe to stretch, explore, and transform. The result is leadership development that is not only practical and effective — but also deeply meaningful.
