Stacey Gibson’s journey into the world of business began long before she realized it. Initially working in the field of education, she reshaped curricula and school processes to be more accurate, streamlined, and equitable, gaining nationwide recognition as a presenter and lecturer. She was asked to speak at numerous conferences like the National Conference for Teachers of English and the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Women’s Unconference, and her TED talk was released in July 2024. By 2008, Stacey was already a sought-after speaker and consultant, working with educators, board members, and various organizations to bring about meaningful organizational change. Stacey thus formalized her business Transform the Collective in June 2024. She believes the antidote to workplace burnout is disrupting organizational dysfunction by cultivating professional wellness and psychological safety for teams. With two decades of teaching experience and leadership coaching in schools, she firmly believes in (re)humanizing schools and workspaces in the age of AI. As a result, Stacey provides customized coaching using facilitation techniques and accessible language to help teams navigate challenges with clear and common language, understanding, and action.
Stacey has been working with the IL SBDC at the WBDC since 2014, and recently attended Maura Mitchell’s Solopreneurs series. She felt that Maura’s workshops provided her with a framework to navigate the uncertainties of business ownership. She found that the workshop on negotiation most helpful, and overall, the workshops offered specific processes for clear client engagement. Stacey used WBDC processes to help procure contracts with The US Department of Education, Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Newberry Library, and dozens of public and private schools and universities. “The IL SBDC at WBDC helps me see how I can keep my business adapting and thriving,” Stacey began. “These workshops steadied the normal undulation that happens as a business owner.” She also worked with Yesenia Valencia, learning how to register her business as an LLC. Through the assistance of the IL SBDC at the WBDC, Stacey’s business, Transform the Collective, has flourished. The WBDC’s integrity and long-term commitment inspired Stacey to mirror these values in her own business. She has also been able to support other women and invest in herself. Today, she continues to disrupt dysfunction in teams, using clear language to address unspoken dynamics, and remains a beacon of support for women in her network.
