Meet Dolores Tersigni | CEO & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dolores Tersigni and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dolores, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit—it runs in my family. Growing up, my dad had his own business, so I always had a sense that one day I’d follow a similar path. It was never a question of if but when—I just needed to find the right niche at the right time.

By 2018, after nearly two decades in the corporate world, I recognized a real gap in the market that aligned with my expertise. At the time, I was the Chief People Officer at Headspace, the meditation app, and I kept getting calls from executive recruiters about similar roles at other companies. As I read through the job descriptions, they all pointed to the same fundamental challenges I had been solving at Headspace. Instead of taking another corporate role to tackle the same issues in a different environment, I saw an opportunity to do something bigger—to take my knowledge and build a consulting practice that could help multiple companies set themselves up for long-term success.

So, I took a leap of faith and bet on myself. That decision not only allowed me to shape my own career but also to make a meaningful impact across a broader range of organizations.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I’m most proud of at my firm is the incredible women I’ve had the privilege to work with—women who are the best at what they do. When I founded Ellavate, I wanted the name to symbolize female empowerment, representing the idea that, as women, we should all be lifting each other up. Initially, I thought this business would be a solo venture, but I quickly realized that surrounding myself with others who have complementary skill sets not only enhances the way we serve clients but also keeps my own expertise sharp. More than that, it has allowed me to mentor and support the women I work with, helping them tap into their own entrepreneurial spirit. That has been one of the most rewarding aspects of building Ellavate.

Our client base spans a broad range of industries, from tech and entertainment to media, nonprofits, and even politics. While being industry-agnostic comes with challenges—learning new terminology, adapting to different organizational cultures, and navigating unfamiliar talent dynamics—it also keeps us agile and sharp. As changemakers, we embrace this challenge because it forces us to approach every interaction with fresh eyes and a keen attention to detail. There are moments when not being deeply entrenched in an industry can make us feel like outsiders, but ultimately, the work we do is universal.

At the end of the day, regardless of industry, people are people. Every organization needs a strong foundation in its organizational design, the right incentive structures to motivate its people, and leaders who are in touch with their own values. That’s where we come in. Our core values set us apart and define who we are as professionals:
1. We are problem solvers – We dig in until we get to the root cause.
2. We are decisive – Even in the face of ambiguity, we take action.
3. We are approachable – We create clear, understandable, and practical solutions.
4. We maintain perspective – Balancing our clients’ needs with strategic insight.
5. We are flexible and adaptable– Navigating ever-changing circumstances with agility.

While many organizations still prioritize traditionally masculine traits that emphasize individual achievement, we take pride in also embracing traditionally feminine qualities that focus on collaboration and community. I firmly believe that true innovation and creativity can only happen when you examine problems—and solutions—from all angles. That holistic approach is what makes Ellavate stand out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived in and around Los Angeles for 25 years, and I genuinely love this city—its energy, diversity, and everything it has to offer. But as I write this, it’s a difficult time for Angelenos. The recent devastating fires have left an indelible mark, and I don’t think we can yet fully comprehend the magnitude of what has happened.

Some of my favorite hiking spots, like Los Liones and parts of Topanga State Park, have been forever changed. It’s heartbreaking to see landscapes you love transformed so drastically. Yet, in the midst of the loss, the most hopeful part of this experience has been watching people come together. The outpouring of support—from volunteers to donations to organizations stepping in to help the affected communities in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena—has been a testament to the spirit of the people who call Los Angeles home.

So, if I were hosting a friend for a week-long trip, I could take them to all the incredible restaurants, cafes, bars, hikes, beach walks, museums, and historic landmarks that make LA special. But more than anything, I’d want them to experience the people—the exceptional friends and neighbors who define this city. Because beyond the palm trees and sunsets, the heart of LA isn’t just in its sights—it’s in our incredible community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No success story is ever a solo effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have supported me along the way. One person who had a profound impact on my journey is Andrew Herreria. Early in my HR career, he took a chance on me, hiring me even when I didn’t quite have the on-paper experience required for the role. I often credit him for seeing something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself, and to this day, he remains a trusted friend and mentor.

Beyond that, I’m grateful for the incredible mentors and colleagues I’ve worked with over the years. Their guidance—whether through formal mentorship or pivotal conversations—has played a huge role in shaping my perspective and approach. And, of course, the founders and teams I work with now—helping them scale and succeed is what fuels me. Seeing their passion and resilience reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.

There are many books that have influenced me along the way, but one that stands out is “The Executive’s Compass” by James O’Toole—it provided a framework on leadership that continues to be a reference point for me.

At the end of the day, no one succeeds in a vacuum, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people and experiences that have helped shape my path.

Website: https://www.dolorestersigni.com

Instagram: @notdeloris, @ellavate_inc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dolorestersigni/

Other: https://www.ellavateinc.com

Image Credits
Kim Utley