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Shifting Waters Leadership Institute

Leadership rooted in formation, meaning, and purpose.

We develop leaders who lead from the inside out grounded in the Formidable 8, serving three distinct populations across the globe.

Find your path
Our Story

#PrivateExcellencePublicBrilliance

30+

Countries where our founder has led program implementations and collaborations

50+

Years of combined team experience

5+

Sectors served

3

Formation models

2026

40 Under 40 honoree
Who we serve

Three populations. One mission.

Model 1 · Gen Z Leaders

Life is Leading with Meaning

Formation-centered development for emerging leaders seeking depth, not just skill.

2-week intensive
Customizable
Explore Path
Model 2 · Institutional Leaders

Life is Vocation

Integrating personal formation with professional leadership and organizational culture.

Customizable engagement
Explore Path
Model 3 · Entrepreneurs

Life is Everyday Leadership

Building your business with integrity, wholeness, and refusal to compromise your values.

9-week program
Explore Path
About SWLI

We develop leaders who lead with wholeness.

At the Shifting Waters Leadership Institute, transformation begins on the inside. Rooted in the Imago Dei, the belief that every person reflects the image of God, we develop leaders who lead from wholeness so that they, and every person they touch, may flourish.

Founded by Grace Adofoli, a leader whose work has touched 30+ countries, SWLI was created with one vision: to develop wholistic leaders across the globe.

Meet the Team
The shared foundation

The Formidable 8©

Eight stages of transformation: Discovery, Breaking the Cycle, Identifying the Players, Release, Accountability, Expanding Horizons, Living in Gratitude, and Choosing Again. This is the framework behind every SWLI program.

“You are not starting over. You are starting deeper.”

Explore the methodology
01
Discovery
02
Breaking the Cycle
03
Identifying the Players
04
Release
05
Accountability
06
Expanding Horizons
07
Living in Gratitude
08
Choosing Again
From the blog

Ideas that move leaders forward.

Growth, Leadership Development, Mentorship

What a summer as Chief of Staff Intern taught me about work and about myself

Makayla Reed
Read more
|
September 10, 2026
Time, Workshop

Ticks of Time: What a Workshop Taught Me About the Life I Was Missing

Saldon Tenzin
Read more
|
June 7, 2026
Identity, Leadership Development

Managing Your Expectations Is Not Wisdom. Sometimes It Is Fear.

Grace Adofoli
Read more
|
May 9, 2026
See all posts & news
Voices from our community

What leaders say about working with SWLI.

“Grace led a powerful, deeply human session for our founder cohort on the emotional realities of building a company. She has an exceptional ability to read the room, name what’s in the air, and gently invite people into real conversation. Our Fellows left feeling understood, less isolated, and better equipped with practical tools to care for their well-being as they build. I would enthusiastically recommend her to any founder or innovation community looking to bring more honesty and humanity into the room.”

Princeton University, Office of Innovation

“We found the presentation that you gave to the FPHLP cohort to be engaging, participative, and one that enabled them to question their own ways of thinking. The students believed that the session had given them new insights into what leadership might look like and how they could maintain it. From the point of view of a member of staff, it also showed me different ways to expand the scope of my own leadership. We really thank you for taking the time and effort to help develop the next generation of public health leaders, and we greatly appreciate it.”

University of Michigan School of Public Health, Future Leaders (FPHLP) Team

“Grace’s commitment towards excellence, heart, passion — this is all her! I have been amazed how you poured your energy into what matters, and kept showing up with purpose and compassion, helping others to believe in themselves and bringing out the best in them! Here is for many more years of powerful and impactful coaching to come!”

KO

Kanjei Omorova
ICF Mentor Coach and Leader

“She brought a holistic perspective to my journey, helping me explore options that truly aligned with my strengths and values. Grace was incredibly encouraging, empathetic, and positive — every conversation left me feeling more confident and motivated. I feel so lucky to have had her support and guidance.”

NM
Natalie Meniktas
Monday.com

“Facing a major life transition after many years can feel overwhelming. Grace was a bright light — she inherently understood my fears and emotions and validated them. She encouraged, educated, and helped me rediscover my worth. My soul is at peace.”

PA
Peggy Alexander
Administrative Leader

“Grace served as an indispensable sounding board. During moments of frustration, uncertainty, and even discouragement, she listened, offered feedback, and helped me reframe challenges into opportunities for growth.”

MB
Mitchell Brown
Salesforce

“She brought not only expertise and structure to the process but also kindness, encouragement, and a truly thoughtful approach. Grace was a steady, supportive presence — an excellent listener and sounding board.”

GR
Gabby Rose
Salesforce

“She is a game-changer. She helped me explore new paths and became a true partner in my growth and success.”

BK
Binu Kuruvilla
3Cloud

“Grace has become a social change agent on a global level. Her ability to analyze situations and strategically plan for change is phenomenal. She had a heart for service even in college and was an exemplary leader in Student Support Services, mentoring many students. Grace Adofoli is someone I consider righteous and of noble character. If you have the privilege of knowing her, you know you have an invaluable friend, colleague, and sister from another mother in your life. I personally hope my daughters grow up to be like her.”

RR
Rose Rude
University of Wisconsin–River Falls, Education Leader

“Grace is a life-changer — wise, empowering, inspirational, honest, and a true leader. She is thoughtful yet blunt, motivational, brave, warm-hearted, funny, strong, and a big dreamer. As a mentor, she’s kind, honest, and empowering. Grace doesn’t just guide students; she inspires them to see beyond their limits and pursue their potential with courage.”

Collective Voice of TRIO Students, University of Wisconsin–River Falls

“Thank you for being such an excellent mentor. Your guidance, both on a personal level and as a team leader, has been truly amazing. You’ve had a great impact on my growth, and I truly appreciate your support and continued mentorship.”

KL
Kelvin Lartey

“Thank you so much for sharing this, Grace! It’s been an incredible journey working alongside you and the rest of our cohort. As a Braven fellow, I’ve witnessed firsthand how transformative this experience has been not just for me, but for all of us. Your unwavering support and belief in us has made all the difference.”

KR
Keyla Rodriguez
Braven Fellow

“It was an amazing experience and the knowledge and guidance I gained will echo throughout the rest of my career. Thank you so much, Grace, for being such an amazing leader and coach.”

MM
Mark Masenda

“Thank you so much for your support and leadership throughout the Braven program. You have been an incredible leadership coach, and your guidance has made a significant impact on me. I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned as I move forward.”

MR
Mike Rodriguez
Braven Program

“Grace is a passionate, motivated, and committed professional. She brings infectious energy, boundless enthusiasm, and admirable ‘can do’ attitude. She approaches issues with honed analytical skills, balanced with creative problem-solving.”

LR
Lori de Ravello
CDC Uganda

“You are the best teacher, mentor, guide.”

PK
Prabha Krishnan
CDC India

“Thank you for the tremendous support you have provided to Team Salone. We truly will miss your patience, knowledge, and leadership.”

CE

Chinyere Ekechi
CDC Sierra Leone

“You deserve the name ‘Grace’ because you offer gentleness, respect for each individual, care for both the professional and the human side of each person, capacity to make everyone enthusiastic and involved, and emotional intelligence to learn from others. Your soul is amazing; you shine in our lives.”

WC

William Carranza
CDC Guatemala

“We are sincerely touched that you are leaving but heartily thankful for your support in the digital transformation of the CDC Zimbabwe M&O hub. You have a rare gift of organizational digital leadership.”

NM
Noah Mandoza
CDC Zimbabwe

“Your passion, energy, and diligence are admirable. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, support, and leadership to the OBMS project, which has grown tremendously from your efforts.”

TM
Trish Machiva
CDC Zimbabwe

“I would like to thank you for all the support and goodwill you have shown to your team and the country offices over the past years. We are really going to miss you because of the void your absence leaves. You’ve been dependable, supportive, encouraging, honest, and funny. You have been an asset to all of us.”

EO
Evans Otieno
CDC Kenya
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Formidable 8© and “Private Excellence. Public Brilliance.”™ are the intellectual property of Shifting Waters Leadership Institute.

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