Mesale Solomon-Mendes
Mesale Solomon-Mendes is the CEO of Proverbs Leadership Institute (PLI), a leadership development firm dedicated to transforming organizations by developing leaders who are deeply rooted in purpose and centered in their authentic selves. With more than 25 years of global HR and executive leadership experience, Mesale brings a unique blend of strategic insight, operational rigor, and human-centered coaching to every engagement. Through executive coaching, team coaching, consulting, keynote speaking, and board advisory work, she helps leaders and organizations navigate complexity, accelerate transformation, and build cultures where people and performance thrive. Her belief is simple but powerful: when leaders are aligned internally, they lead with greater clarity, impact, and resilience—and that alignment can make or break an organization. Mesale’s work spans private equity-backed companies, public corporations, and mission-driven organizations across multiple industries. At the heart of her approach is a commitment to authentic leadership, organizational alignment, and sustainable success.
• ICF Certified Executive Coach
• Certified Change Management Coach
• Six Sigma Certified
• Western Michigan University
• Clark Atlanta University
• SHRM
• ICF
What do you attribute your success to?
I owe my success to the values my parents instilled in me - hard work, humility, integrity, and service. As immigrants, they showed me what resilience and purpose look like, and that foundation has shaped who I am as a leader. I’ve also been fortunate to gain broad experience and learn from mentors and colleagues who’ve challenged and supported me. But at the core, it’s that early grounding in values and belief in myself that continues to guide my path.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was: "Don’t chase titles - choose alignment." It reminded me to choose roles and opportunities that align with my values and strengths, not just my resumé. That shift helped me find more purpose and impact in my work, and it’s something I now share with every leader I coach. When you’re aligned, you lead with clarity and confidence.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to trust their voice, stay curious, and lead with both confidence and humility. Don’t wait to be “ready” before you step up - growth comes from doing, not just preparing. Surround yourself with people who challenge you and believe in you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or mentorship. This industry - and leadership in general - needs more women who lead from their values, set healthy boundaries, and show that strength and empathy can coexist. Own your space, and know that your perspective is not only valid - it’s necessary.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges right now is leadership burnout and the growing disconnect between traditional leadership models and what today’s workforce needs. Many high-potential leaders are opting out of leadership roles altogether, while organizations are grappling with rapid change, AI integration, and the need for more purpose-driven, emotionally intelligent leadership. At the same time, there’s a huge opportunity to invest in leaders who are aligned, adaptable, and human-centered. That’s where my firm, Proverbs Leadership Institute, comes in. We support organizations through executive and team coaching, leadership development, and culture transformation, helping leaders stay grounded in their purpose, navigate change with clarity, and lead in ways that create lasting impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most deeply, both in my work and personal life, are integrity, curiosity, humility, and authenticity. I believe showing up honestly and openly is the foundation for trust and meaningful connection. Curiosity keeps me learning and growing, which is essential in leadership and transformation. Humility reminds me that growth is ongoing and that every person I work with has something valuable to teach me. Above all, authenticity is about being true to myself and encouraging others to do the same, because real impact happens when leaders lead from their whole, genuine selves.