Dr. Sharon Flinder’s career began with a deep curiosity about human behavior. Initially planning to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology, she realized she was equally drawn to the world of business and leadership. Industrial-Organizational Psychology offered the best of both worlds—the science of psychology applied directly to how organizations function and how leaders perform.
Her path to Transformation Systems Inc. (TSi) is rooted in long-standing relationships and shared purpose. Sharon met TSi’s founder, Dr. Marta Wilson, in graduate school. When Sharon completed her PhD, she began working alongside her—supporting organizations through applied psychology and leadership development. She continued that work as TSi evolved, and remained a steady presence when Shawn James acquired the company, helping carry forward its mission and impact.
For Sharon, TSi has always been more than a workplace—it’s been a natural extension of her values and professional calling.
As Chief Talent Officer and Executive Director of Applied Psychology, Sharon serves as a bridge between science and performance.
Internally, she acts as a chief talent strategist—shaping how TSi attracts, develops, and retains exceptional people. She uses applied psychology to inform talent practices, strengthen leadership pipelines, and cultivate a coaching-centered culture.
Externally, she leads large-scale organizational development efforts, oversees advanced LEAP programs, and provides executive coaching across government and industry. Her work spans 360-degree feedback processes, leadership advising, culture alignment, and facilitation of complex transformation initiatives.
In Sharon’s words, applied psychology in mission-driven organizations means this:
“Using science and real data about how people think, feel, and behave to help the mission actually get done.”
Rather than theory for theory’s sake, her work translates research on motivation, decision-making, and group dynamics into practical systems that help leaders and teams perform under pressure.
As a Board-Certified Coach, Sharon has supported leaders across high-stakes federal environments. The most effective leaders she works with share a common trait: they are committed to learning about themselves.
They listen.
They release control.
They invite others to contribute.
At the heart of their effectiveness is vulnerability—the willingness to examine their own patterns and make adjustments.
One misconception Sharon often encounters is that coaching is therapy. It isn’t. Coaching is a structured, forward-focused process that creates insights, actions, and commitments. It also provides something increasingly rare at senior levels: a confidential sounding board.
“As people go higher in organizations, the safe places to talk grow fewer. Having a coach can be priceless.”
When leaders begin to see themselves clearly, powerful shifts occur. They stop resisting data and feedback. They recognize how their own behaviors may be contributing to the problems they’re trying to solve. They become less defensive and more curious. And as clarity increases, relationships strengthen—and results follow.
Sharon has led teams through large-scale LEAP transformation initiatives and describes the impact as “real magic.”
That magic happens in layers:
She credits leaders like Susan Vafa, TSi’s VP of Training and Facilitation, for ensuring each experience feels less like a training event and more like shared growth.
Often, the most meaningful impact surfaces months later. Sharon recalls a participant who thanked her in the hallway long after a program ended. The workshops had increased her confidence. She was speaking up more, contributing more, and had decided to postpone her retirement because she realized she still had value to offer.
Moments like that reinforce what Sharon sees repeatedly: when people feel seen, supported, and capable, organizations retain talent and expand impact.
What Sharon finds most rewarding is alignment.
She sees her role as being good to customers and teammates—supporting their development, promoting peace of mind, and helping them bring out their best.
Outside of work, Sharon recharges through art. She happily calls herself “a very average artist”—and doesn’t mind at all. The act of creating, without pressure for perfection, brings playfulness and perspective. Time with friends and family, doing ordinary things, keeps life grounded and full.
As leadership demands evolve, Sharon believes the fundamentals remain clear:
Do good work.
Have good relationships.
Be someone people want to work with.
She describes organizations as villages. When individuals contribute meaningfully to the village and stay connected to others, the village responds in kind during difficult seasons.
Looking to the next decade, Sharon sees Industrial-Organizational Psychology becoming central—not optional—in transformation work. As AI reshapes routine tasks, human capabilities like judgment, creativity, resilience, and relationship-building will define success.
Designing roles differently.
Rethinking motivation systems.
Building competency models focused on learning agility and interpersonal effectiveness.
This is precisely where applied psychology thrives.
What excites her most about TSi’s future is the alignment between firm growth and personal mission: helping leaders feel calmer, clearer, and more confident in their people.
Sharon offers simple but powerful guidance:
“Don’t white-knuckle it alone.”
Uncertainty is when leaders most need their village. Transparency, early help-seeking, and shared sense-making strengthen both clarity and cohesion.
She also leaves organizations with this reminder:
Everything flows from the top.
Performance, talent, and culture are downstream of leaders’ mindset and behavior. If you want a healthier, higher-performing organization, begin with your own clarity, integrity, and willingness to model the standards you expect from others.
"At Transformation Systems Inc., Sharon Flinder’s influence shows up not only in the leaders she coaches, but in the culture she helps cultivate—one grounded in growth, psychological safety, and the belief that people, when supported well, rise to meet the mission."
Shawn James, CEO
Connect with Sharon Flinder, PhD, BCC on LinkedIn to follow her insights on leadership and applied psychology → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-flinder/
Learn more about Transformation Systems Inc. (TSi) and how we support mission-driven leaders → https://transformationsystems.com/solutions/
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