About Us
What Makes Us Savvy
Strengths Savvy is a Charlotte-based business founded by Leanne Burnett and Valerie Menzel, both Gallup-Certified Strengths Coaches, who have coached hundreds of people, using the CliftonStrengths assessment tool. Strengths Savvy can work with your team to help each individual to recognize and utilize their own Strengths and leverage the Strengths of their colleagues.
Leanne’s Strengths
Maximizer, Strategic,
Positivity, Ideation and
WOO (Winning Others Over)
LEANNE BURNETT is a Principal and co-founder of Strengths Savvy, where she helps leaders and teams build confidence, navigate change, and bring their natural talents to life. A Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach with additional training from the Coaches Training Institute, her upbeat, insight-packed approach helps people zero in on what they do best—and inspires them to do more of it! With a background leading HR in fast-paced industries like biotech and financial services, Leanne brings sharp strategy, infectious optimism, and a results-focused mindset to every coaching engagement and workshop, and nudges those she works with toward greater impact.
Creative, connection-driven, and endlessly curious, Leanne is energized by helping strengthen cultures, drive engagement, and turn potential into performance. Whether she’s coaching an executive through a pivotal decision or guiding a team through challenging dynamics, she combines warmth, humor, candor, and a clear sense of purpose. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame where she studied both Accounting and Philosophy, Leanne is also a sought-after speaker who knows how to spark a room and leave people feeling motivated, equipped, and more confident in their own magic.
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Contact Leanne lburnett@strengthssavvy.com
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VALERIE MENZEL is a Principal of Strengths Savvy and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach who specializes in inspiring people to achieve success by maximizing their personal and professional development. Driven to help individuals and teams thrive, Valerie brings over two decades of experience in dynamic leadership, strategic coaching, and impactful team building. Known for her warm, thoughtful, and encouraging nature, Valerie has a gift for uplifting people, sparking confidence, and fostering growth in those she works with. By providing clarity, motivation, practical tactics, and valuable insights, she helps people strive to unlock their greatest potential and feel empowered.
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Valerie’s professional background spans a diverse array of roles, including hosting and producing television shows, performing voiceover work, and public speaking. In addition, she has managed outreach for one of the nation’s most respected nonprofits and spent 15 years producing photo shoots and managing the Creative Services department at a $10 billion Fortune 500 global cosmetics company. Valerie is also an active volunteer and leads various church programs for women. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of James Madison University, she holds degrees in Communications and Theatre.
Contact Valerie vmenzel@strengthssavvy.com
