Great Leader in the Spotlight: Tiffany Slowinski

??Tiffany Slowinski?? is an exceptional leader you need to know. She is the Founder and CEO of Team Spark Advisors and Executive Advisor at Culture Index . Tiffany specializes in leveraging data and analytics to assist businesses in optimizing their top-line revenue through strategic hiring, retention, and empowerment of high-performing individuals. In essence, she solves?people problems. I took the Culture Index myself and everything Tiffany told me about my results were spot on.?She shared these tremendous insights and her amazing leadership philosophy during our last meeting: ?

1. Why do you love what you do?

“Looking back at my career, it’s been more of a winding road than a clear path. I started out studying journalism, believing I would spend my days in broadcast journalism. But one seemingly small decision—taking an intro to psychology course—changed everything. I fell in love with understanding how people think and feel, so I pursued a master’s degree in counseling. What I didn’t realize at the time was how these two fields would intersect. Journalism sharpened my ability to ask tough, probing questions, and that skill became invaluable in my 13-year career as a high school guidance counselor. I loved helping students navigate their challenges, but I craved something more. The rigid structure of working within a union wasn’t for me.

One day, a Facebook ad popped up—a local company was looking for a well-connected mom who had kids under 12 and strong writing skills. At the time, I was president of my Mom’s Club, actively involved in my kids' school PTO, and still holding onto my journalism degree, even though it had been gathering dust. It felt like a nudge from the universe, and I jumped at the opportunity. I started building a business in social media, selling advertising to local businesses through my blog and newsletters. What began as a side hustle quickly became a full-time career, and soon after, my husband discovered a magazine franchise, City Lifestyle. It was the perfect segue into what I was already doing, but on a bigger scale.

Then came the Culture Index. I was a client first, but from the moment I was introduced to it, I realized how transformative it could be for businesses, helping them truly understand their people. It tied together my love of psychology, my passion for people, and my knack for asking tough questions. Today, I get to work with companies, helping them align their teams to achieve success. I’m constantly told how passionate I am about my work—and it’s true. I love it because it’s a culmination of everything I’ve learned and experienced, and I get to see the real impact it has on people’s lives.”?

2. What makes your mission unique?

“My mission is deeply personal. It’s about helping people live their best lives, not just professionally but personally, too. I’ve always believed that no one wants to fail at work. Yet, so many people are stuck in roles that don’t suit them, or worse, roles that force them to be someone they’re not. My job is to help companies see the full potential in their people, to align them with roles where they can truly thrive, not just survive. It’s about creating environments where individuals can excel because they’re in the right seat on the bus.

When I work with a company, I don’t just offer a solution and walk away. I walk alongside them, helping them through the process. I’ve seen the magic that happens when people are matched with roles that fit who they truly are. They become more engaged, more motivated, and ultimately more successful. That’s what makes my mission so unique—it’s about making work a place where people want to be, every single day.”

3. Who is the leader who has inspired you the most and why?

“I’m fortunate enough to work with some extremely visionary leaders. These are people who truly value their teams and are willing to invest in their development. But what sets the most inspiring leaders apart is their ability to make the tough calls. Leadership is not always glamorous; sometimes, it’s about doing the hard things that no one else wants to do. These leaders don’t shy away from uncomfortable decisions. They understand that the short-term pain of pulling the bandaid off will lead to long-term success.

One thing I’ve noticed is that the best leaders are not only decisive but deeply empathetic. They care about their people, and that’s why they’re willing to make difficult decisions. They know that true leadership isn’t just about maintaining the status quo—it’s about pushing the envelope, even when it’s hard. I’m constantly inspired by their resilience, vision, and willingness to do what’s necessary for the greater good.”

4. What else would you like people to know about your vision and mission?

“The most important thing to know is that I’m not done yet! I may be the first Culture Index Executive Advisor in New Jersey, but I see that as just the beginning. I work with companies across the country, and even internationally, but I have big plans for scaling this work. My long-term goal is to bring in more advisors and expand our reach. The truth is, the need for what we do is universal. Every business, no matter its size or industry, can benefit from aligning their teams in the right way.”

Tiffany believes there are no wrong people, only the right people in the right seats. That’s why she is so passionate about growing this mission with urgency and resolve to help as many businesses—and by extension, as many employees—as possible. The exemplary outcomes ??Tiffany Slowinski?? achieves don’t just improve the bottom line; they improve lives. And that’s what keeps her going every day.?