Our Founder
Christy Uffelman BCC, MHCS
Christy personally finds website bios to be rather dull. So instead of the usual list of awards and accomplishments here are some “non-Google-able” insights instead!
Christy launched her first company, Red Zebra Consulting, a coaching and consulting firm, when she was 27 years old. In 2013, she simultaneously launched EDGE Leadership while opening the East Coast office of Align Leadership, was promoted to President in 2018, and became CEO of EDGE Leadership Solutions in 2020.
Christy spent seven years working in the construction industry – as the first female manager and first female member of the executive staff for a regional General Contractor. It was during this time that she became very focused on women’s leadership and passionate in creating vehicles where women can empower one another and share best practices.
Christy was the first woman instructor – and only non-technical trainer in the world – to ever facilitate a leadership development session 800 feet underground in a coal mine.
One of Christy’s favorite initiatives is EDGE’s work with all-male cohorts – creating the space for men to share best practices and grow both personally and professionally to become more inclusive leaders – both at work AND at home.
Christy has been to Disney World 27 times and tries to live the famous quote of Walt Disney most earnestly: that, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
My Heart
“In 30 years, I’ve never been in a “training session” focusing on both personal and professional development in this way. We’ve created connection between different divisions, departments even between the field and office. Genuine relationships are building as we learn and grow together. I am really thrilled about helping my company recruit the next cohort behind us because I know the value they will see from this experience."
Gayle,
Senior Manager
“Our customized cohort experience was guided by a masterful coach whose authenticity, candor, and savvy created a space for a unique peer to peer network to develop. The experience taught me to identify, own, and fill the gaps I create when I get busy trying to make a living instead of making a life… plus a group of mentors, coaches, and friends so I’d never had to fill those gaps alone”
Julius,
Eat’n’Park Hospitality Group
“Our customized cohort experience was guided by a masterful coach whose authenticity, candor, and savvy created a space for a unique peer to peer network to develop. The experience taught me to identify, own, and fill the gaps I create when I get busy trying to make a living instead of making a life… plus a group of mentors, coaches, and friends so I’d never had to fill those gaps alone”
Julius,
Eat’n’Park Hospitality Group
“As a result of working with EDGE’s PEER Technology® model, our group was able to spend one day building the trust and camaraderie that other groups work for months to build. This experience included intensive, meaningful and specific exercises that our group needed in order to start to meet our goals. Christy’s clarity and vision clearly showed as she allowed our members to grow and develop (when and as they needed) throughout the program."
Courtney,
ATHENA Circle of Trust (ACT)
“I never knew there were so many other people inside my own company who experienced the same things as me. What I thought was individual to me is really a part of a collective experience my peers are having across the country. PEER Technology® gave us the vehicle to share our stories, our successes and our best practices so that we now don’t feel so alone AND can be a part of helping others to succeed."
Rondell,
DPR Construction
“My EDGE coach helps me see possibilities where I couldn’t see them before. Her support, energy, enthusiasm, and incredibly kind and generous spirit have made such an impact in my life. Our conversations always bolster my soul and nurture my motivation. I am so thankful to my organization for investing in my development as a whole person – and not just as a leader."
Aisha,
PNC Bank
“The most important and valuable part of the cohort experience is the relationships we built with our peers to build trust together. Without setting the precedent that within the cohort you can be frank about challenges as well as successes, personal or professional, the cohort model would be just like any other team-building experience, and it is decidedly not. EDGE Leadership creates an environment where people not only feel comfortable being candid, but completely honest with each other. They truly create the space where we grow as whole people – not just as professionals."
Molly,
Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield
“I am grateful my organization thought I could benefit from this cohort experience, because it gave me the opportunity to cross paths with all these other talented men across the country and discover ways to better each other as we do."
Eric,
Senior Manager
“It took 15 years to get here, but I am here. Never in my life have I had this many women that I feel comfortable with as I do within this cohort. I’ve always been surrounded by men at work, so knowing there now I have a woman to pick up the phone and call is huge. I’ve been so conditioned over the years to be tough and strong at work, and I don’t have to feel that way here. Being vulnerable together make me feel stronger."
Shaunte,
Senior Manager
“Five stars. The cohort model has afforded me the opportunity to be part of a group of individuals who know me on an intimate level: who I am professionally and personally, where I stand in my career and life, and where I want to go. I now have 24 other women looking out for me and making things happen around me – introducing me to people at community events, providing suggestions for development, and opening doors I couldn’t open on my own. This connection with my professional peers is invaluable to me."
Carsen Nesbitt Ruperto,
Pittsburgh Technology Council
EDGE turned my views inside out. I can honestly say that have never been challenged to reflect so deeply on where I am and, just as importantly, where I want to be both professionally AND personally.
I am a better man because of my EDGE experience.
Jeff,
Senior Manager