Partner, Leaders By Design
Molly is Partner of Leaders By Design, an Executive Advisory and Coaching firm focused on supporting Senior Executives in advancing their personal and professional goals.
She was Founder and CEO of The Leader’s Edge, a company dedicated to the advancement of executive and high-potential leaders, which she sold in 2023. With a career spanning more than 30 years, her areas of expertise include career counseling, leadership development, executive coaching, and executive search. Through her leadership as Chairman, President and Co-founder of Manchester Inc., one of the world’s largest career development consulting firms, she helped thousands of people a year transition and reach their potential as leaders under her guidance.
Molly is Chairman Emeritus of the Women’s Initiative for the United Way of Southeastern PA, where she founded Women United; Chairman Emeritus of WHYY Inc; Chairman Emeritus of The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey; President Emeritus of the Pennsylvania Women’s Forum and is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Molly has served as co-chair for Women Against MS for the past five years and was a member of the Board of Directors for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Greater Delaware Chapter. Molly has previously served as a member of the Boards of Directors for: Keystone Financial Inc., Keystone Bank, Rosemont College, Liberty Savings Bank, the Kimmel Center, where she now sits on the President’s Leadership Council, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education Board of Overseers, and the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
Molly is frequently recognized for her outstanding commitment to the community. Her numerous accolades include: the 2024 Advocate Award presented by The Power of Professional Woman, the 2024 Take the Lead Award presented by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, the Woman One Award (Institute for Women’s Health & Leadership at Drexel); Woman of Spirit Award (Multiple Sclerosis Society); Alice Paul Equality Award (for visionary leaders who are dedicated to breaking barriers); Brava! Achievement Award (Smart CEO Magazine); Women Caring About What Matters Award (United Way); and The Paradigm Award awarded to the outstanding woman business leader of the year (GPCC).
Molly is also an author of four books including The Bully-Proof Workplace, written in partnership with Peter Dean (2017). Her other works include Breaking Into The Boys’ Club (3rd Edition in 2022) focused on the roadblocks that keep women from reaching the top of the corporate ladder; Preparing For Your Prime Time (2012), a guide for women boomers to help them prepare for a fulfilling retirement; and Stop Whining and Start Winning (2005). In addition, she was contributing author to The Coachable Leader: What Future Executives Need to Know Today (2012).
Molly is often tapped as a keynote speaker and moderator, given her expertise and reputation as a thought leader in the field of leadership development, and has spoken on the topics of strategic networking, executive impact and presence and workplace bullying. Molly holds a B.A. from Wheaton College, an MS in Psychological Services and Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania, an MSM in Leadership from The American College, and in May 2006 received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from West Chester University. She is certified as an Internationally Certified Career Management Fellow (CMF) with ICC International.
Molly and her husband, Peter J. Dean, are partners in business. They are parents of four children and seven grandchildren.
If you would like to know more about our coaching services, please email me at mshepard@Leaders-by-design.com.